AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Willow looked at Trina and asked, “Mommy?”
“Yeah, I think it’s okay.” Trina nodded. Then she looked at Paige, “There’s so much going on, I think she’ll pass out regardless of a little sugar.”
“It’s fine.” Paige waved off her concern with a smile.
“Luc, want to hold him? C’mon! Here.” Sam placed Hank into his arms. “Relax a little, dude. He’s not going to break.”
Luc wasn’t used to babies. He was rarely around kids besides teammates’ families, and most of the time he skipped out on family time. He was young and unattached, and he’d never really fit in with the family functions. This warm little bundle in his arms didn’t feel comfortable, sort of like how he felt playing baseball—a bat wasn’t a hockey stick. It just didn’t fit.
“Oh my god,” Kassie cooed, watching him hold little Hank. She fussed with the blanket, moving it away from the baby’s face, and caressed his chubby little cheeks. “Oh, look at those little lips. I could just eat him up! What a sweetie!”
The baby was everyone’s focus, but Luc was more fascinated with the way Kassie looked at him holding the baby. It was as if the people she was so concerned with impressing didn’t exist. The way she doted over the new baby, and how her eyes sparkled when she looked at Luc holding Hank, was an honest expression full of love. And it was all for him.
“Hey, sweets, I think you should take him. If that’s okay, Trina?” Luc suggested.
“Sure. Kassie, I think you should hold him. Rock-Star looks a little out of his element,” Trina said with a stifled laugh.
“Don’t worry, Uncle Luc will get used to him. Just give me time,” Luc said.
Willow was now sitting with Tyler, playing with her new unicorn and her baby doll, while Paige was cooing over Kassie holding baby Hank. “Kassie, you look so comfortable with him.”
Trina agreed. “Kassie, you really do. And you know you’re welcome at our house any time. I’m sure I can use all the help I can get with the little guy. And looks like he likes you. Plus, if you bring Rock-Star along, he can play dolls with Willow.”
Kassie snickered at Trina’s words.
“What are you laughing about?” Luc pushed out his lip in a faux man pout. “Guys can play dolls, too. Especially if it’s with a kiddo as awesome as Willow.”
“Aw, you’re absolutely right,” Kassie sweetly apologized.
The door opened, and Kaden and Ali walked in. “Congratulations Sam and Trina.” Kaden’s voice dropped off as his eyes landed on Kassie holding the baby.
Kaden wasn’t glaring, but it was more like the look of realization that she was all grown up.
She was so good with Hank, the way she cuddled him and cooed ever so softly at him. Kassie must have a knack with babies, because she looked so natural and relaxed holding him. Luc couldn’t help but smile as she caressed the little guy’s cheeks.
“Hang on, I have to take a picture of this.” Luc couldn’t not take a picture of her. She was adorable.
“Oh, come on, more pictures? Don’t you have enough?” Kassie blushed.
“No. This one’s just for me.” This wasn’t for the internet. He just wanted to remember that sweet look on Kassie’s face forever. After snapping the photo, he couldn’t help but notice the look on Kaden’s face. He was watching them interact with the new baby. Luc had a rock in his gut and wasn’t sure if this was going to blow up in their faces or not.
“Trina, he’s just perfect!” Ali dropped down next to Kassie on the padded bench. She looked over Kassie’s shoulder at the baby, cooing and doting. “He’s so precious! Oh my gosh, Kassie, you look so natural holding him. Look at him staring at you. I think he likes you.”
“Oh, please.” Kassie waved her off, then she looked up at Luc and their eyes met.
Kassie really was beautiful, and she was all his. She smiled a bashful smile as she cuddled the newborn. Once she looked away, he snapped one more photo, not being able to help himself.
“Luc, enough,” she whined.
He knew Kaden was here, and he knew they were being watched, but it didn’t stop him from sliding in next to Kassie and the baby. Luc wrapped his arm around her and moved the baby’s blanket so he could see little Hank’s sweet face. A weird feeling filled his chest. This situation, him, her, and a baby, just felt right. It must’ve showed on his face, because he could feel Kaden’s stare on them.
***
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Kassie
Kassie didn’t like the way her brother was staring at them. She could see him out of the corner of her eye as she held little Hank. But it wasn’t the painful, stomach churning tension that recently filled the air between them. This was less anxious.
