Page 112 of Let's Be Forever

Anna laughs while standing next to me just as Maya, Clementine, and Jenny enter the kitchen. It’s packed, but no one seems to mind. Everyone is catching up, my teammates kids are running around, and I’ve never felt happier.

It’s been almost three weeks since I last spoke to my parents and made a statement online. When they first found out what I did, they were furious and demanded that I take it down. But after threatening, then pleading, they tried to sue me for defamation.

I was prepared, and they failed miserably. They haven’t spoken to me or Thea since she stood by my side and publicly shared her support toward me.

It’s been a weird few weeks. There’s more media on me and the team than there ever has been, but everyone has been supportive.

“So where is she?” Marc asks, scanning the kitchen floor.

“She’s taking a nap,” I supply. “Did you and Thea plan your costumes?” He’s dressed as Nightwing and she as Starfire.

“No.” He turns to look at her. She’s talking to Anna, her friends, and my sister. His gaze roams over her. It’s slow and he’s one hundred percent checking her out. “But she looks really goo?—”

“Fuck no.” I groan, pinning him with a look. “Don’t do that, I’m standing right here.”

“You really want to talk?” Matias lifts a brow.

“That’s different. It’s my birthday. And we weren’t going to do anything.”

Callan scoffs a laugh. I’m not sure where he came from, but he and Joey are standing next to us. “Is that why you have that dishtowel over your lap?”

“Before you all carry on, who’s the redhead with Anna?” Berlin interrupts, eyes lasered on Clementine.

“Everything Everything’s co-owner. Her name is Clementine, and don’t fuck with her. They work together.” I don’t know if Clementine does relationships or is in one, but Berlin doesn’t, and he lives in another state.

A sly smile rises on his face. “I just want to talk…” he says as he’s sauntering over to them.

“And the other two girls?” Joey asks, gaze hopping between Jenny and Maya.

“Jesus Christ, no, leave them alone.” I move to block them from view. “The one with curly hair is Anna’s sister, Maya, and the other is her best friend, Jenny. If you fuck with them, I’ll fuck you up. Don’t even think about it.”

Joey raises his hands in surrender. “I was just wondering. Can I not?”

“No,” I reply flatly.

I don’t know if either girl is interested in dating, especially since Maya just ended her engagement. Jenny, from what I remember, is busy and not overly interested in being in a relationship. This could have changed, but I know what these guys are like, especially Joey and Callan. There is never a time they’re not with some girl.

“You’re being really selfish.” Callan frowns.

Frost laughs, draping an arm over my shoulder. “You’re lucky he’s changed. He used to be worse back then.”

“Hi,querida, você dormiu bem?” I pick up Rosie from the crib and drop down on the recliner. “That means ‘did you sleep well?’” I translate for her, then add in Spanish, “¿Dormiste bien?”

She rubs her eyes, curling in my arms. She nuzzles her head against my chest, yawning. “I want to sleep.”

“I know, but we need to go out there. I want you to meet my sister. Your aunt Thea. She’s so excited to see you, and so are my friends. I’ve known them since I was a kid,” I explain to her. I know she’s not paying attention to me because she’s half dozing off.

“Thea?” she mumbles.

“Yeah, remember? You’ve seen her on my phone.” I smile, brushing the curls away from her forehead. “Your aunt. She’s a little grumpy sometimes, but she smiles so big for you and your mommy.”

Her lips rise in a droopy smile, and her eyes flutter closed.

I let her be for a moment. I was supposed to grab her and bring her to the living room, but I wanted to be a little selfish. Any chance I get to be with her, I’m going to take advantage and bask in the extra time.

I kiss the top of her head and take her in. Everyone says she looks like me, and they’re not wrong, but she also looks like Anna. They’re both beautiful, and I’m so lucky to have them in my life.

“Hey.” Anna opens the door, peeking in, and when her gaze lands on mine, she slips inside, closing the door behind her. “What are you guys doing?” The prettiest smile touches her lips.