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“You know I’ve been involved with the Howling Hope foundation for years now,” Cade says, and Iris nods, not happy at all. She taps her left boot against the floor, the clicking sound making me cringe. “Maia’s mum was the founder of it, and Maia and I have run into each other a few times over the years at events and even in the offices.”
“I see.” Iris purses her lips, crossing her arms in front of her chest. It’s very obvious that she does not see.
“Let’s chat outside so that we’re not being rude to your brothers,” Cade says, narrowing his eyes at his mate. He gives my men a nod and pats my shoulder as he passes. “We’ll catch up soon, Maia, but it’s very nice to see you again.”
I smile as he and Iris head out towards the garden, but I’m not too sure what’s going on with them.
“Iris is in trouble,” Ben says, elongating the syllables with a smirk on his face. He rolls Phoebe’s ball, and she scampers after it as Alex shuts the door.
Aaron—or Brad—kicks Ben as they sit down behind him on the sofa. “Don’t be a dick to your sister.”
“Don’t swear in front of my child,” Alex replies, and the man laughs.
I look between the two triplets, unable to spot anything different between them except their clothing. “Sorry, I’m going to be rude, but there’s going to be a lot of identical people here soon, and I have no idea which of you is which.”
“Sorry, love,” the one standing says with a laugh. “I’m Brad, and that’s Aaron over there. It’s very nice to meet you.”
I smile. Red shirt is Brad, and the one in the full tracksuit is Aaron.
“They’re not used to having to introduce themselves,” Ben says, smirking at me. “You’ve just humbled their egos, darling.”
“Can’t deny it,” Brad says with a laugh.
“How do you know Cade?” Topher asks, raising an eyebrow at me. There’s genuine curiosity pulsating in my chest and a little bit of annoyance.
I’m still not the best at figuring out his feelings, but I don’t think that he’s mad at me here. I think those feelings are directed at Iris.
“We ran into each other a few times, like he said,” I say with a shrug, smiling at him.
Ben laughs. “And here we thought you’d prefer the professional football players.” He looks up at Aaron and smirks. “Seems you’re not the shit, yet again.”
“Language,” Alex says, glaring at Ben.
“Don’t worry, our nephews will be here in a few, and they’ll love us,” Brad says, waggling his brows at Ben. “Why would they care about you, when I get them?—”
Phoebe howls loudly, and both men jump, their eyes raking around the room to find her. I dart up from the sofa to see her scratching at the floor. I don’t understand why.
“Her ball is stuck,” Alex says softly. He bends down to grab it for her, and I nod slowly.
My heart is pounding, but she seems happy enough as she gets her ball back. She chases after it, her little tail wagging. I slowly sit back down, hoping my body will calm.
“I didn’t realise she was here,” Aaron mutters, shaking his head. “She’s fucking tiny.”
“Language,” Topher says, this time.
I laugh. “Give over, you swear plenty.”
He smirks at me, genuine amusement pouring from him. It lightens my anxiety, having him feel so good. “I’m her dad. I’m allowed to swear. Her uncles are meant to be the good ones.”
Ben rolls his eyes. “And what am I?”
“A dickhead,” Brad, Aaron, and Topher say at once.
I reach down and pat Ben’s head. “I think you’re lovely.”
“Oh, Maia,” Brad groans, his green eyes lit up in amusement. His face is clean-shaven, but he’s got dimples when he grins. “I thought we could be friends.”
“Her first red flag was liking Cade,” Aaron stage-whispers before laughing once more. It’s eerie that his laugh sends me back to the past, to when Cade would laugh like that.
