Page 199 of Contentious

“Hadley,” Griffin said, “this is your great-grandpa Spence, your uncle Carson and his friends Cresley and Ty. Can you say hello?” Griffin raised her little arm in a wave that seemed to bring him great delight. “And this is McKenna.”

“Nice to meet you,” McKenna said. “I’m trying to remember everyone’s name, but I make no promises, except for you, of course, Cresley.”

Carson shook her hand. “No worries. The Remingtons are a gaggle. It’s great to finally meet you and Hadley. She’s adorable, guys. Well done. And I hope you’re feeling better.”

“Much better, thank you.”

Seeing his brother holding a baby was truly surreal, but Carson had to admit he’d never seen Griff look happier.

“Isn’t she something?” Corbin asked when he joined them.

“She sure is, Gramps.”

Corbin winced. “That’ll take some getting used to.”

“It’s the best title you’ll ever have, so don’t be weird about it,” Spencer said.

“Leave it to my dad to cut to the chase,” Corbin said.

“That’s what I’m here for.” Spence took a seat next to Griffin. “Now, let me hold that baby while McKenna tells me everything about herself.”

“Wait a second,” Griff said as he transferred the baby to Spencer’s waiting arms. “She doesn’t have to tell you everything.”

“Of course she does.”

McKenna laughed at their banter. “Move, Griffin. I want to sit next to your grandfather and spill the tea.”

“Oh, I like this young lady. I like her very much.”

“How’d I lose control of this situation?” Griffin asked Carson, who laughed.

“None of us stand a chance against Gramps and his charm.”

“Cresley, come join us and help me get to know McKenna.”

She smiled at Carson. “I’d love to, Spencer.”

“Damn, he’s smooth,” Carson said.

“Buzz off, boys. The ladies and I have tea to spill.”

“Let’s get a drink, fellas,” Corbin said, leading them to a bar set up on the covered patio. After he’d gotten Griffin a beer and Carson a seltzer with lemon, he said, “Thanks a lot for coming today. Means the world to us.”

“Glad to be here,” Griffin said. “Thanks for having us.”

“Dad, could I have a word?” Carson asked.

“Sure, let’s go inside.”

“Griff, will you watch Ty in the pool?”

“Yep, I got him.”

“Thanks.”

“Look at you doing the dad thing,” Corbin said as they stepped into the house.

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”