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Nix races from the room and Rebel grins at me, holding out his arms for me once more. I collapse into them with a laugh.
“That was...surprisingly easy.”
“I told you, they take their cues from us. She’ll be fine because we’re fine.”
“I still don’t want her at the funeral.”
“Of course. Well it sounds like they’re going to be distracted for a while. Want to watch a film?”
“Actually that sounds perfect.”
But of course, with Rebel’s heat and cuddles, I soon fall asleep and miss most of the film.
By the time I wake it’s dusky outside, which sends me into a total panic. Phoenix is going to be late for her party! I need to pack her bag, wrap the present...I lurch to my feet, noticing Rebel has gone but has taken the time to cover me with a blanket. Sweet.
“Whoa, where’s the fire?” Thorn asks when I crash into him in the hallway.
“Where’s Nix? I’m late getting her to the childminder’s house for a party and a sleepover.”
“Like we’d forget.” Thorn grins at me. It’s been a while since we had a child free night and I get the feeling they plan to make the most of it. “Baxter has driven her over.”
“But I didn’t pack her bag yet!”
“Rebel did it.”
“The present’s not wrapped.”
“I took care of it, and Jax helped Nix write the card, and Ace packaged up the cookies and sent those too. Everything is taken care of, princess. Don’t sweat it.”
“I didn’t get to say goodbye.”
“You can always call her later. But she’s fine. She knows you love her and will be there to pick her up in the morning.”
I sag in relief. Even after all these months of having the guys around, I’m not used to relying on other people. It’s amazing how they all rallied to help Nix, just so that I could have a nap. I definitely need to thank them.
“Why don’t you go and have a nice bath. Ace is cooking something special for tea and he keeps shouting whenever anyone goes in the kitchen.” I raise a brow in disbelief. “Okay, he shouted when I went into the kitchen and tried to steal a cookie, but still, I wouldn’t go in there if I were you.”
“Okay.” I laugh. “I’ll go for a bath. Do I have to get dressed for dinner?”
“I don’t give a damn what you wear. It’ll only end up on the floor later anyway,” Thorn says with a wink. “Go relax, I’ll even brave the kitchen monster to get you a drink. I’ll bring it up.”
“Thanks.” I kiss his cheek and decide that I will make an effort for dinner. It’s not often Nix is gone for the night now between Cordelia being out of the picture and me not needing to work late at the bar and ask Lacey to have Nix overnight, and it’ll be nice to dress up even if it’s only to stay home. If the guys are going to all this effort to make it a special evening for us, I should too.
***
“Well that was lovely,” I tell Ace when the table’s cleared. We’ve had a gorgeous light meal rather than a blow out three course affair, and I thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful, even if I do feel a little overdressed in my blue velvet wrap dress. All the guys are in jeans and T-shirts. Well, except Baxter of course, who’s in his usual semi-formal get up. They all look mouth-wateringly sexy though.
It’s hard to believe they’re mine.
“Are you ready for your surprise?” Rebel asks with a sly grin.
“Please tell me it’s a dip in the hot tub and an early night,” I tease.
“Close. But no,” Thorn says with a laugh.
“Fine.” I pretend to sigh but my eyes are twinkling with excitement I’m sure.
“Let’s go then,” Thorn says excitedly.
