hot drink,” I tell her then, looking back to my sister, I say, “Me and the girls are going shopping today.”
Storm frowns. “Since when do you go shopping? Especially with the girls—and on your own, no less.”
“I won’t be on my own.” I smirk. “Emory is coming with us.”
“Oh,” she says, interest lighting her eyes. “Do tell.”
I shrug. “I figure the least I should do is buy her a dress for the wedding. She is doing me a solid, after all.”
“I see,” Storm murmurs.
“You see what?”
“You hate shopping, and you’re a tightass, yet you’re willing to not only brave a big, bad department store for her, you’re also going to part with your precious money,” she says. And when I nod, she continues, “You really like her.”
“I told you I do,” I say. “You didn’t believe me?”
She shakes her head. “It’s not that I didn’t believe you. I just…” She sighs. “I don’t know. I guess I’ve only seen you with Jayla for the last seven years.”
All I can do is nod.
“It will be weird to see you with someone else. I think I had it in the back of my head that you two would get back together,” she says.
“That’s never going to happen, Storm,” I tell her. Maybe now is the time to tell her the real reason we broke up, but before I can open my mouth, Everly comes running into the kitchen, fully dressed, little boots and all.
“I’m weddy,” she exclaims.
I chuckle. “For what?”
She rolls her eyes at me, the little diva. “For shopping!”
Storm throws her head back, laughing. “That’s my girl,” she says, dropping a kiss to her daughter’s forehead. “Did you hear Mommy and Bash talking?”
Ever nods vigorously. “Yep. And I dot dwessed all by myself.”
“I see,” Storm says. “Do you have your purse?”
“Yep. But I need some moneys.”
Jake walks into the kitchen, swooping Ever up in his arms from behind. “I got you, baby girl,” he says to her then drops a kiss on her cheek.
She giggles and squeals when he tickles her ribs. “Dop it, Daddy!”
For all intents and purposes, Jacob is her father. He’s not her biological dad, but Ever doesn’t know that. Jake has been in her life since she was a baby, and he loves her with the same fierceness that he loves my sister and his bio daughter, Hazel.
He places Ever back on her feet then pulls his wallet from his pocket and gives her a twenty. “Spend it wisely, princess.”
Her eyes widen, and she nods up at him. “I will, Daddy,” she says in such a grave tone that I can’t help but chuckle. This girl takes her shopping very seriously.
“Okay, I’ve gotta run,” Storm says, squatting down in front of Ever. “Be good for Bash today, and no playing hide-and-seek in the store, okay?”
Ever heaves a dramatic sigh. “Otay.”
“Love you, baby,” Storm says and presses a kiss to Ever’s temple, then she stands and does the same to Hazel in my arms. My twin’s eyes meet mine, and she smiles then messes up my hair.
I swat her away, and she laughs. “Have fun shopping,” she calls on her way out with Jake hot on her heels.
My phone chimes with a new text, and I can’t help my smile when I see it’s another message from Emory.
EMORY: You’re just going to leave me hanging after you bait me with shopping? Not cool, dude. Not. Cool.
Grinning, I shoot off a quick reply.
SEBASTIAN: Sorry, got distracted with my sister. I’ll pick you up at 10?
Ten gives me enough time to get the girls properly organized—and myself. It is a mission and a half leaving the house with two little people in tow.
EMORY: Okay, I can do 10. I’ll meet you in the lobby.
She sends another text with her building details, then I slide my cell into my pocket and take Hazel to her room to get her ready. Ever trails behind, singing softly to herself.
An hour later, we’re finally ready to leave the house. I glance down at Ever. “You got your purse?”
“Yep.” She nods, holding up the little pink bag that’s strapped across her body. “Dot my moneys, too.”
“Thatta girl.” I wink then pick up the fully loaded diaper bag and lead the way to the garage. Jake and Storm insisted on buying me a car since I ferry the girls around so often, and it’s really the only time I need a vehicle. If I were on my own, I’d happily use public transport.
After strapping the girls