Page 42 of Sobek’s Joy

Jack grinned, his relief palpable. “Does that mean we’re a real family now?”

Rudy’s eyes stung. “We’ve always been a real family. But yeah. Now it’s official.”

Rose flung herself at Rudy, nearly knocking him flat. Jack scrambled over to wrap his arms around Sobek’s waist, squeezing tight. And Timothy didn’t let go, clinging to Sobek like he was the only solid thing in the world.

Sobek looked a bit overwhelmed, his dark eyes suspiciously bright. Rudy reached out, threading his fingers through Sobek’s, and squeezed.

“Group hug,” Rudy declared.

Rose cheered, Jack wiggled closer, and somehow, despite the tangle of limbs and the fact that Sobek was still only half-covered by the blanket, they all managed to pile into one giant cuddle.

Rudy laughed, his heart so full it felt like it might burst. Timothy’s head was tucked under Sobek’s chin. Rose was sprawled across Rudy’s lap, her curls tickling his nose. Jack had wedged himself between them, one hand clutching Rudy’s shoulder and the other gripping Sobek’s arm.

“This is nice,” Jack said, his voice muffled.

“It’s the best,” Rose corrected.

Timothy nodded against Sobek’s chest, his breathing finally evening out.

Sobek’s thumb rubbed small circles on the back of Rudy’s hand. Through the bond, Rudy could feel what Sobek was feeling - wonder, gratitude, and a fierce protectiveness so strong it nearly stole his breath.

“Thank you,” Sobek said quietly, his gaze locked on Rudy.

Rudy shook his head. “For what?”

“For trusting me. For letting me be part of this.”

Rudy’s throat tightened. “You’re not part of this. You’re the foundation. You’re what’s been missing. We were clearly just waiting for you.”

Sobek’s jaw tightened, his eyes shining. He didn’t say anything, but he didn’t need to. Rudy could feel everything he couldn’t put into words, and it was…absolutely incredible.

Rose squirmed, breaking the moment. “Can we have pancakes?”

Rudy groaned. “Of course you want pancakes.”

“With chocolate chips,” Jack added hopefully.

Timothy lifted his head, his eyes wide. “And syrup?”

Sobek chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. “I think we can manage that.”

Rudy grinned. “You’re cooking.”

Sobek raised an eyebrow. “I am?”

“Yep. You’re part of the family now. That means you’re on breakfast duty.”

Rose clapped her hands. “Yay. Sobek’s making pancakes.”

Jack cheered, and Timothy smiled, small and shy, but he was clearly happy.

Sobek looked at Rudy, his expression caught between exasperation and fondness. “You’re going to be trouble, aren’t you?”

Rudy winked. “You have no idea.”

Sobek leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to Rudy’s mouth before standing and scooping Rose up in one arm. “All right. Pancakes it is. But someone needs to set the table.”

“I’ll do it.” Jack scrambled off the bed, racing for the door.