Beautiful Broken Promises(71)

“What the hell happened?” Jace asked.

“Dude,” I heard Lane growl as he elbowed Jace.

“Sorry, little ears,” Jace responded softly.

That caught Jaxon and Em’s attention, and they both looked down at the two kids standing next to us.

“Oh my God!” Emerson cried. “You two are the most adorable little things I have ever seen!”

“Wow, she’s like your clone, man,” Jaxon added.

“You know, you guys are all pretty overwhelming,” Lane said to the crowd around us. He reached down and easily scooped up both Braden and Kate in a protective gesture. They held onto his shoulders to balance themselves. It was quick, but Braden looked down at me with an arresting smile. Lane had just made him feel special in front of everyone. I rubbed his back, excited for him.

“I’m sorry,” Emerson cooed up at them.

“No, no. I don’t like that tone, beautiful,” Jaxon said to Em. “I just got you over your last bout of baby-fever.”

“So, watching Quinn and Cole’s baby actually worked?” Jace laughed.

“That baby doesn’t sleep. She’s one years old, shouldn’t she be sleeping by now?” Emerson grumbled.

“Some babies are just like that. Braden’s almost five and he still gets up in the middle of the night. At least now I can tell him to go back to sleep,” I interjected.

Jaxon smiled wide at me. “I like you already.”

“Umm... thanks,” I responded.

“Jaxon’s been trying to talk Em out of having a kid since before they were engaged,” Lane informed me.

“Not completely. Just not for at least five years… or something.” Jaxon scooped Em back up into his arms and kissed her quickly. They were really adorable together.

“You could always watch Jocelyn,” Audrey added.

“No thanks,” Jaxon quickly replied, setting Em back down.

“Got something against my daughter? Your niece, by the way?” Jace questioned his brother.

Em laughed and said, “No, she’s just too good of a baby. Audrey told us she’s already started sleeping through the night. He only lets me watch the more… challenging ones.”

“You caught that, huh?” Jaxon asked coyly.

“You’re not that sneaky, babe,” she laughed.

This group was a lot of fun. I didn’t know them at all, but the dynamic between them was awesome. They teased each other playfully, but anyone would be able to tell that they truly cared for one another. I couldn’t help but smile just standing around them.

“It’s good to see everyone. Now, you’ve all met so we’re gonna head back to my place,” Lane announced to the crowd.

“Wait!” We all turned as a pretty little brunette raced across the street, and following behind her was yet another handsome man. Cole and Quinn, I was assuming. Hopefully, this was the end of the welcome wagon. I was surprised I even remembered everyone’s names from the late-night talks with Lane back in New York. “Are they here? Is she blonde? Did I win the bet?”

“Oh God, the bet…” I heard Em whisper to Audrey. They both looked at me and when I caught them, they quickly averted their gazes.

“What’s going on?” Lane asked.

Quinn ran up to us and scanned the crowd of faces before her eyes finally landed on mine. She visibly deflated, then realized her actions before quickly smiling up at me. “Oh, you’re not blonde, but dang… you are gorgeous!”

“Why would I be blonde?” I asked.

“What bet?” Lane questioned.

“We were just being silly,” Audrey offered. Lane looked over at her and she shrank back into Jace.

“Welcome back, man,” Cole said and held out his hand for Lane. Lane set the kids down, Cole pulled him into a man hug, and they patted each other’s backs. Lane quickly moved back to my side, before claiming both Braden and Kate’s hands.

I continued to look at Quinn, wondering if she would reply to my question. She finally answered slowly, “We just… thought you’d be… blonde. It was dumb.” She waved her hand, attempting to dismiss the entire thing.

“Shut it, Quinn,” Em mumbled, but not quiet enough.

“Mommy, what is blonde?” Kate asked.

“Your hair is blonde, sweetie,” I replied.

I glanced up at Lane and saw him glaring at Audrey. “Do you have a thing for blondes?” I asked. His eyes moved to each of our audience members. “You know I’m a brunette, right?” I smiled.