“Always,” I reply, my voice trembling.
He comes over and greets me with a kiss to my cheek before whispering, “I’m so fucking proud of you.”
He places the stuffed flamingo next to Avery’s gift bag and then moves to hug Noah and Caleb.
“Congratulations,” he says, his eyes moving to Avery who is still staring adoringly at Rosie.
She looks up and catches him staring, her cheeks heating.
“Beautiful,” he says, but I’m not sure who he’s talking about, Avery or Rosie.
Avery blushes and clears her throat. “Do you want to hold her?” she asks.
Mason looks between the three of us and Caleb gives him a reassuring nod before he steps towards Avery.
She shakes her head. “Wash your hands first.”
He pauses, his lips parting on a response but it never comes. He just turns towards the sink and does as he’s told.
“Wow, so he does listen,” Avery says under her breath.
“Yes, I do Siren.”
She rolls her eyes with a soft shake of her head.
“Your uncle will learn, little treasure, don’t you worry.”
Mason stands up straighter at that. “Fuck, I’m an uncle,” he says with pride.
“Language,” we all chastise quickly followed by laughter.
His face turns serious. “Sh-ugar, my bad.”
I wave it off. “You’re good, but we might all need to work on that.”
Avery pushes to her feet as Mason approaches, and she gently lays Rosie in his arms.
“That’s it, support her head,” she says but doesn’t move away.
He stares down at her, his lips curving into a soft smile. “Do they know?” he asks, looking back at me. “Her name?”
I nod. “They do.”
Avery looks to me and then back to Mason.
“It’s Rose, Rosie,” he tells her. “After Noah’s mum, her middle name is Margaret after Maggie.”
Her eyes sparkle as she looks down at Rosie.
“The most precious name.” She strokes her finger over her hair. “It’s lovely,” she says, looking back to me.
I don’t know how long we all just stay staring at Rosie. It’s only when she begins to fuss, I realise it’s probably time for a feed.
“We’ll leave you to it,” Avery says. “Lily and the guys can’t wait to meet her.”
I nod. Lily texted me and said they’ll come by tomorrow on their way back from their weekend getaway.
“Before you go,” I say, looking at Caleb and Noah. “There’s something we wanted to ask you.”
