wanted what they had even more.
"Jack," Aiden said. It brought him out of his trance.
"Huh? Did I miss something?" He looked between his brother and Quinn.
Aiden shook his head. "What's going on in that head of yours? You just seemed a million miles away."
Jack nodded. "I’m good. Just thinking about how to get me one of those." He nodded towards Quinn and Lila. They both laughed, as he’d intended, but he meant every word.
"Can we talk for a second," Aiden asked.
He nodded. "Of course."
"In the hallway." He motioned in the direction of the door. "I need to discuss something with you."
Jack nodded again and left the room. From where he stood in the hall, he heard Aiden say, "I’ll be back in a minute my love," then watched as his brother lowered his head and kissed Quinn on the lips and Lila gently on top of her head before stepping out of the room.
"Come on, let’s go for a little walk," Aiden said, moving them away from Quinn’s room.
"What’s going on?" Jack looked back toward Quinn’s room. "Everything okay?"
"Of course," Aiden replied. "Why’d you ask?"
"Looks like you have something to tell me that you don’t want to share around Quinn?"
Aiden nodded and grinned. "It’s a surprise for him. He’s going to need all the help he can get while we’re acclimating to a newborn. It’s not going to be easy with four kids now, and I know that he won’t complain, but he’s going to need support."
"Of course, and I’ll be there to give support whenever either of you needs me to. Babysitter? I’m your man. Chauffeur, count me in."
Aiden laughed. "Be careful, or we might just take you up on that. Triplets on a sleepover at Uncle Jack’s."
Jack knew Aiden was teasing, but he wouldn’t honestly mind. He may not have spent a lot of time around them, but he liked kids. "Absolutely. I might not have a ton of experience, but I’m a fast learner." He smiled. "I mean it, too."
Aiden nodded his head. "Don’t worry. If we send them over, we’ll make sure you have reinforcement. But actually, what I was thinking was I would like to throw Quinn a surprise party. Sort of congratulations on the new arrival, and next month is his birthday, too. I just want to celebrate him, you know?"
"Of course," Jack replied. He should have teased his brother for the lovesick look on his face, but all it did was make him envious.
"It’d be great if I could get you, Colt, and Braeden involved to help. That way, Quinn won’t get suspicious."
"Anything to help, and I’m sure Colt and Bray will say the same thing. We’ll make it happen. You can count on us."
"Perfect!" Aiden pulled him in for a hug, then leaned back. "Have I said how good it is to have you here and how happy I am it’s going to be permanent."
Jack grinned. "Me, too, brother. Me, too."
He really liked this whole having a brother thing.
He cleared his throat to try and get rid of the sudden tightness. "I have some running around to do. Will you tell Quinn I said goodbye?"
"I will. I’ll talk to you soon," Aiden said. "We hope to get home sometime this afternoon or tomorrow morning."
Jack smiled. "Keep me informed." He waved and hurried off. And for the first time, he thanked his alpha father for being a cheat because his brothers had given him something of a new beginning to look forward to. Without them, he would be all alone in the world.
4
Eli
Eli yawned as he entered the kitchen. Damon was seated at the table coloring while his mom looked over him. Eli smiled. It was a sweet sight, and one he loved coming home to it. He loved his job, he really did. Being the owner at Sweets and Such was a dream come true, but he hated the days when he had to be away from his son for so long.
Mom looked up and smiled. "We were in the zone," she said. "Didn’t even hear you come into the kitchen." She laughed and got up from where she was seated. "Daddy’s home."
Damon looked up. His eyes got big and round. "Daddy!" he called out and ran to Eli, throwing himself into his arms. Eli held him, kissing his face and basking in the sound of his son’s laughter.
"Hey, little buddy. Did you have fun with grandma today?"
"Yes! Look!" He wiggled to be put down and grabbed Eli’s hand, pulling him over