“Shouldwetellthekids we’re engaged? It’s been a week.”
Jasper hums, rubbing a hand up my back. “I think so.”
We’ve been cuddling in bed since we woke up. Before long, the kids will be awake, and they’ll want breakfast and to start the day. For now, I can spend some time cuddling with my fiancé.
It’s not a bad way to spend my time as a newly engaged man.
“Do you think we should get rings?” I ask, my heart fluttering at the thought. “Is that weird? I really want a ring.” I sit up,startling Jasper if his wide eyes are anything to go by. “I want you to wear a ring. I want them to match.”
A slow smile spreads across his face. “Okay, baby boy. We’ll get rings.”
I drop back against his chest, running my fingers over his collarbone. “That was easy.”
Jasper huffs out a laugh. “Yeah, I mean, for better or worse, you own me. I’ll do anything you want.”
“Do you still want to adopt the kids?” I whisper.
“Of course. I want the three of you to be mine in every conceivable way.” I nod, relieved, even though I’m not sure why. “I think we should wait until after we’re married. It’ll be easier, I think. For us to adopt them as husbands. I don’t really know how it works, though, so maybe not.”
I think that probably would make things easier. Then we’ll all be a family. Both in heart and legally. Well, I mean, obviously Salem, Nora, and I are already family, but our unit will be complete.
“Okay. Should we talk to them about that too?” I ask, propping myself up so I can look at Jasper.
He smiles at me, his blue eyes twinkling. “We probably should, but I don’t think they’ll be against it. Especially not Nora. Salem might be a tougher nut to crack.”
I’m not so sure about that. I’ve already noticed a difference in his behavior and how he interacts with us and with Nora. Being able to purge his feelings seems to have done a lot for him.
It makes sense. All anyone really wants is just to feel safe and to be reassured that they are.
A noise sounds from the kitchen—like a pot banging off something else—and I pull myself from Jasper’s arms.
“We better go see what they’re doing.”
Jasper hooks his arm around me and drags me down to him. “You can kiss me first.”
I can definitely do that.
After a few quick—or not so quick, as it turns out—kisses, we get dressed and head into the kitchen.
I’m nearly struck dumb by the sight. Salem is standing at the stove, his back to us, humming under his breath as he cooks, and Nora is sitting at the island, drumming her fingers on the counter to the beat of Salem’s humming.
Seeing Salem in the kitchen cooking brings me so much happiness. He’s avoided taking up space, but more than that, he’s been avoiding the kitchen. Seeing him in here, taking it upon himself to make breakfast? Fuck, my heart can hardly take it.
“Good morning,” I say, and they both startle, turning quickly to look at me.
Nora grins. “Morning.”
“What are you making?” Jasper asks, and Salem flushes. “It smells delicious.”
“Just pancakes and bacon. Nora was hungry, and I didn’t want her to wake you guys up.”
I frown at that. I was made to be a parent before my time, and while I don’t regret that, I also don’t want that for Salem. “You know you don’t have to, right? The two of you are my responsibility.”
Salem nods. “I know. Just wanted to. I was hungry too.”
Turning around, he goes back to cooking.
“Okay, well, are you gonna make some for me too?” I ask.
