Ashby wiped his eyes and Sebastian ran a hand along the smooth wood of one of the cribs, blinking back tears.
“This is your home too. I hope this means that you will be spending more time in the diner so I can play with those babies.”Ma grinned and Sebastian and Ashby went to her. She wrapped an arm around each of them and pulled them in for a hug.
“For nap time we’ve tied the baby monitors into the sound system. Anything louder than a whimper and it will mute the music and you will be able to hear them,” David explained, then blushed when Rebecca kissed him on the cheek.
“Come on everyone, let’s grab something to eat,” Connor said. Everyone laughed and headed out of the new room.
“You and your family are amazing,” Madison said, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“They’re your family too. But why do you say that?”
“You go out of your way to make this feel like a home. That means a lot.”
“Blame Rebecca.” He grinned and she rubbed noses with him.
“I don’t want to be pregnant anymore!” Rebecca yelled.
“Oh honey, your baby will come when he is ready,” Doc explained, rubbing her back.
“Are you sure he’s not all curled up comfy for the winter?” Rebecca asked.
Connor watched his brother-in-law fight to keep a straight face.
“I’m sure. That poor little guy is out of room.”
“I don’t think I can do this six more times,” Rebecca complained.
“Well, you have at least six more to get through.” Aleks smiled down at his mate. She scowled up at him.
“No way. This one is it.” She shook her head, sending her dark curls flying.
“No form of birth control works. Trust me, I know.” Ma laughed.
Rebecca just smiled. “I know one surefire way not to get pregnant.” She picked up a French fry and dipped it in her ketchup.
Connor could see Aleks’s brows snap together. He could tell his older brother was mentally going through all known forms of birth control. Connor couldn’t help grinning. He knew what she meant.
Suddenly Aleks’s mouth dropped. “You don’t mean that, do you, Becca?” he asked, sounding worried.
“Little Aloisius is okay with being an only child.” She rubbed her belly.
Connor couldn’t help it. He burst out laughing at his brother’s face. Liam looked over and winked at Connor. They had been teaming up to torture Aleks for years.
Connor was about to chime in when his cell phone started to vibrate. He froze. He stood quickly and headed to Baby Central, using his fob to get in. He waited until the door shut behind him before he answered his phone.
“Hello.”
“We’re heading to the town square now.”
“I’ll let them know.”
“Thanks, and I’m sorry again,” Baron said.
“Not your fault. See you in a bit.” Connor closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
When he walked out the diner was quiet and all eyes were on him. He met Gabriel’s haunted eyes and nodded. He watched as Gabriel leaned in, and so quietly he couldn’t hear what was being said, began speaking to his mate.
Connor watched the joy drain out of Ashby’s face. The small man stood suddenly, clutching Arthur.
