Kaden went running toward his uncle to be picked up.
Her heart slammed in her chest multiple times, almost making her want to grab it to keep it from falling out of her chest.
The smirk Janet was sending her said it’d been noticed.
“He’ll be a great dad someday,” Janet whispered to her.
Something else she didn’t know how to respond to.
“Don’t let him boss you around,” Egan said. “Or not outside of work. Screw that, not even at work. Blake, what would you say if I told you to get me a drink?”
“Slip your Birks on and get it yourself, but I don’t work for you and their dynamic is different, so put a lid on it, Egan.”
She really liked Blake for that comment, and the warm smile with which it was said.
Ethan had told her Egan was the joker of the family so she wouldn’t take that to heart. Their dynamic was different from everyone else’s.
“Ethan rarely tells me to get him food. I ask or I can tell when he needs something and offer. He’s actually a very easygoing boss.”
“I’ll second that,” Mitchell said. “As I’m the one who sees it. And, Kaden, how come I don’t get a hug?”
Kaden slipped out of Ethan’s arms and went to Mitchell. The intimidating billionaire was no more in this setting.
Nor was Eli when he came in moments later with his family, carrying their son, Ollie, who was awake and kicking his legsin his father’s arms while Adrienne ran to Janet first in a floral dress and white sandals.
Bella was nothing like Blake, but closer in personality to Nora.
A quiet confidence, but vocal when needed to be.
She’d bet there wasn’t a day in Bella’s life she felt she didn’t fit in, but then told herself that she shouldn’t judge that. She didn’t know.
“Uncle Ethan,” Adrienne said. “Now me.”
Ethan laughed and picked his niece up. “Yes, ma’am. Your father is going to have his hands full in about fifteen years.”
“I’ve got them full now,” Eli said. “This one is more like my wife.”
“I think it’s only fair that at least one kid takes after me in personality since they both look like you.”
“That’s right,” Blake said. “Though it’s hard to tell with Khloe.”
“Who are you kidding?” Egan said. “When she doesn’t want to be touched or wants to do her own thing, she puts your stubbornness to shame.”
Blake sighed. “Sad but true. Our little girl is going to be more difficult for sure. Or more moody.”
“Now that everyone is here,” Ethan said. “How about we get the talks done, then we can relax?”
Kaden and Adrienne were put down. “Why don’t you two go get some toys,” Janet said. “You know where it all is.”
The kids took off for a room to the side of the family room. Nora heard some noise and figured they had their own playroom and were going to town.
Khloe was set down still sleeping in her seat. Probably best not to wake her, and Janet took Ollie while the men went off to have their chat, leaving her with the women.
“How is Ethan adjusting?” Bella asked. “I used to work for Eli before we were married. I still do now. Not sure if he told you that.”
“No,” she said, putting her hands on her hips and scrunching up her nose. “No one said that.”
Janet laughed while she bounced her grandson in her arms. “Bella was here temporarily while there was something going on back in Monte Carlo where she’d lived before. She was helping Eli out, not actually working for him.”
