Page 97 of Knot Convenient

“So?” Noah shrugged. “You know me now. I’m a teacher. I’m all for education.”

“Also, while day care may be amazing for socialization, don’t forget there are several grandmothers that are chomping at the bit to spend time with Milo. They would more than happily come around and look after him for a few hours while you studied,” Emmett pointed out.

“You have a village. Use it.” Marshall’s words were firm.

“I…I’ll look into it tomorrow,” I said, smiling into my glass of wine.

“Good, you’re a person, not just a mom. This'll be good for you.” Marshall nodded, and like that, the matter was decided. It was wild how flexible they could be about the logistics. And it occurred to me that it felt so strange because I’d never been around anyone like that.

“Thank you.”

“It’s what family does.” Tobias reached across the table, taking my hand to squeeze it. “And we like being there for you.”

All I could do was grin. I’d heard so many silly things online and on social media about how confusing women were, how it was impossible to tell what we found attractive, or that it had to be muscles and bank accounts or nothing.

Yes, not having to worry about how to pay the bills was nice. But the most attractive thing about the guys was how they listened, how they did what they said they'd do, including taking responsibility, helping out, and being genuinely kind without that being the only motive.

With my mates, it wasn’t too much to ask to just think of me in their decisions for the future.

Hot as hell.

“Oh, and before I forget,” Marshall said, setting his glass down, “I found a good place for some nesting supplies if you want to check it out. I know you’re sorely lacking.”

I started to choke up, my eyes getting all misty.

Marshall’s eyes went wide, and he leaned forward, clearly nervous. “Shit. Did I⁠—”

“You’re fine. You’re incredible. That was so sweet of you. Yes, I’d love to check it out.”

He relaxed, and the others chuckled as another bottle was ordered. I professed that this had to be the last. I hadn’t had much to drink in a long while and was a total lightweight.

No one pushed it, Marshall asking for sparkling water now, and it was another bit of proof that these men were the best.

“We’ve got some time off coming up too. I was thinking maybe we should finally take the plunge and finish decorating the house?” Noah asked.

“Decorating?” I asked, confused. The house was pretty immaculate in my opinion.

Noah nodded. “We wanted to add a bit of color to the place, but we were waiting. Now seems like as good a time as any. We also need to paint your rooms—they can’t stay beige forever.”

“My rooms are lovely!”

Emmett cocked a brow, smirking. “Yes, but we know you well enough, Summer, to know that you would never ask for anything more. So we’re going to paint your rooms whether you like it or not. You just have to decide what color it’s going to be.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “And if I say beige?”

“Then we’ll repaint the whole thing beige!” Laughter erupted through the group, and then Emmett clutched his hands together. “Please don’t say beige. Please.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re inordinately stubborn?”

“Many times, and the same thing can be said about you,” he teased.

I bit back a smile. If I were brutally honest with myself, I really did like the idea of painting the rooms but despised the notion that I’d be putting out the alphas in any way, shape, or form. Although…

“What about…” I smiled, looking around the table. “…green. Like the gardens?”

I was met with huge smiles, and Emmett sagged with relief. “Done.”

Chapter 42