Kian (Undercover Billionaire, #1)(77)

“They are probably jealous their oldest brother is celebrating his one-year wedding anniversary with such a beautiful and sweet bride,” Joseph said with a chuckle.

“Yeah, I somehow doubt that,” Lucian said.

Lucian and his wife were thrilled that both their daughter and their eldest son had found spouses who not only made them shine, but who Lucian could truly say were their perfect matches. But he still had three sons who had darkness in their lives. If only they’d open their hearts, they’d find joy unlike anything they could ever imagine.

Owen was his most relaxed son, always ready to laugh with you or lend a hand. He would make a fine husband if he’d just settle down. Chasing fires was honorable and all, but it didn’t keep you warm at night. That thought had Lucian smiling. It might keep him mighty hot if he was in a burning building. Lucian wasn’t as worried about him as he was about Declan, though.

There was something his youngest son wasn’t talking to them about. He wasn’t sure what it was, but Declan had secrets he didn’t share with anyone. He wore his emotions close to the chest, and he never made a mistake and exposed them.

Sure, his son was a fine man—all of his children were—but Declan had secrets, and he needed a strong woman who could help carry whatever burdens he felt he needed to carry alone.

Now, Arden, on the other hand, was primed and ready for love. That boy had been a miracle worker at the high school where he taught. He’d changed many lives of his students, and Lucian couldn’t be prouder of the profession he’d chosen. He might not have his name shining in lights, but he was making more of a difference than most people in his position would choose to make. He was creating leaders and saving those the rest of the world had given up on.

“I think Arden is ready,” Lucian said aloud, and Joseph and Sherman turned to gaze at the man in question. Just then he looked up, and his eyes narrowed in suspicion as he caught all eyes on him. Then he shifted uncomfortably and looked away.

“Oh yes, I think he’s certainly ready,” Joseph agreed.

Before they could speak further, a commotion broke out. The three men turned and found Lily dancing on her father’s shoes as he slowly moved across the floor. Roxie was slowly approaching them, her cheeks glowing, her rounded stomach just beginning to show in her fourth month of pregnancy. She was already Lily’s mother now, and soon she’d add one more child to their family.

Lucian couldn’t be happier with his growing family. His daughter had given him a beautiful baby boy who’d just turned a year old a month earlier, and Lily was a fresh breath of air Lucian couldn’t get enough of. He had to push back his sorrow at missing her first few years of life. That was a hard lesson he’d certainly learned from. Hopefully his kids had paid attention and were a lot more careful after that.

In about five months, he’d have another grandchild. He didn’t want to be greedy, but he’d be satisfied if he had about twenty of the babies running around his place in five years on Christmas morning. Maybe he’d keep that thought to himself—at least for now.

Turning in the opposite direction from the dance floor, Lucian spotted where the noise was coming from. One of Arden’s students was in a fistfight. Arden moved quickly, breaking the two boys up, Owen and Declan right behind him.

“Wonder what that’s all about?” Sherman said.

“Arden will get it worked out,” Lucian said, not at all worried.

Kian watched as his brothers marched the kids from the room, but he knew the situation was secure, so he went back to dancing with his bride and daughter, looking happier than he’d ever looked.

“Yes, today is a day of celebration,” Joseph said with a beaming smile.

The three men quickly grew quiet as their wives approached, but not before Joseph winked. They’d never grow bored of helping to find happiness for those they loved. It was selfless, after all, Lucian thought before he wrapped his arm around his wife and led her to the dance floor. He’d also never get tired of holding his own perfect bride, who was just as beautiful today as she’d been the moment he’d met her.