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I took a deep breath, sitting up and righting myself. It was no use; I probably looked freshly orgasmed no matter what I did. I was still reeling in a good way after what Emmett had done to me, so trying to pull myself together to talk seriously was rather bizarre.

“Milo is my son, but his biological mother was my best friend, Jilly. It’s…it’s a long story.” Emmett raised his brows, waiting for me to continue. “We both had no family when we met each other at college. Hers had disowned her for getting pregnant, and I’m not close to mine. We met in an econ class and just… clicked. When she gave birth to Milo, I was right there, holding her hand.”

Tears gathered in the corners of my eyes at the memory I’d kept buried for so long, and Emmett reached out, taking my hand.

“Milo was only a few weeks old when Jilly needed to go to a doctor's appointment because the birth wasn’t exactly straightforward. I was more than happy to look after Milo while she went. I was at her apartment, and when she didn’t come home on time, I started to panic. I waited and waited—for so long—until the police knocked on the door…to inform me there had been a crash involving a drunk driver…”

A ragged sob left my chest, and Emmett pulled me into a hug, gripping me tightly. “Oh, Summer…”

“She was just gone! In a blink. Just like that, my best friend was gone, and I was left holding her baby. The sperm donor who was supposed to be Milo’s father through all this wanted nothing to do with him, and I had promised Jilly many times that I would take care of Milo if anything happened to her. Of course, I thought it never would, but…”

“But it did.”

Nodding, I wiped under my eyes, casting a quick glance at the door to Milo’s room. “So I adopted Milo. He’s my son, in every way that counts.”

“Of course he is.” Emmett’s sincerity made me pause as I stared at him in the semi dark, tears streaking down my face. “Summer, did you really think we would look at Milo any differently because of his past?”

I sniffed, shrugging. “A lot of packs would have been grumpy about it. I never lied, though. I told you Milo is my son, and that is true. I adopted him legally⁠—”

“He is your son. There’s no question about that,” Emmett said, kissing the top of my head. “I’m sad you didn’t feel comfortable telling us from the start, but I understand. I can’t imagine how hard all that was. But now you both have us, have me.”

“You’re not mad?” I asked, wiping away my tears with the back of my hand.

Emmett cupped my face, forcing me to look at him. “Summer, Milo is your son. Sure, you didn’t get him in the most common way, but anyone who has watched you with that baby for ten minutes knows that you are his entire world, and he’s yours.”

I bobbed my head, agreeing. I loved Milo with every corner of my heart. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”

“There’s nothing to apologize about. We’re mates, and I support you no matter what.”

“Thank you. Seriously.” I smiled as I looked up at Emmett. “So, long story, yes, but that’s why…It’s been just me and Milo, and I already told you how hard that made dating or being with anyone.”

Smiling, Emmett nodded, pulling me closer. “So, as far as experience goes… what have you done?”

My face must have turned bright red, going by the heat in my cheeks. “I made out in the back seat of a car with a football player my senior year, but that’s all I did. I’ve never been particularly fond of putting myself out there.”

“A football player, you say?” he asked, cocking a brow as he teased.

“It was a momentary lapse of judgment!” I laughed, batting weakly at his shoulder, rolling my eyes.

“Well, good. Although, the thought of forcing a jersey onto some of the guys is tempting.”

We both laughed, and the moment slowed down, melting into this closeness, this intimacy, that had nothing to do with sex. I had to admit I really liked it.

“Would you mind if I told the others?” Emmett asked. “They’ll be okay with it, I know they will, but it might be a good thing to know that you’re not exactly…experienced.” His ears turned pink at his words. “That way, they don’t rush things or say something they’ll regret.”

“Please do. I would appreciate it. I think I might die from embarrassment if I have to have this conversation three more times.” I laughed.

“No worries, Summer. I got you.”

Chapter 25

Noah

Pulling out my phone, I took a quick moment between classes to message the group.

Emmett

Hey, pack meeting tonight while Summer is playing poker?