Baby For Daddy’s Best Friend by Stevens Callie

Author:Stevens, Callie [Stevens, Callie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-01-04T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Ash

My boys all sit around my office in various states of relaxation. Some days are just that way. We all play hooky and hide in my office, shooting the shit and cracking jokes. We’ll turn on our “out of office” reply and kick back. Watch a movie, play video games, talk about things that are weighing on our minds.

I love working with my kids.

Today’s subject: women. More specifically, dates for Clay’s wedding.

“Well, I’m bringing Piper,” Jarred says, laid back on the couch, tossing a stress ball overhead and catching it.

The next time he lobs the ball in the air, Oliver snatches it and walks away with a snicker. “Piper’s invited, dumbass.”

Jarred sits up and huffs with annoyance. “You think I can pay attention to my daughter and a date at a wedding? Dream on.”

I redirect the conversation to my youngest son. He’s knocking back an energy drink and scrolling through Instagram. “Keif? Who are you bringing?”

“June, of course.”

“Of course,” Jarred and Oliver mimic.

Keifer’s eyes finally snap up from the phone. “What?”

“Don’t you think you’re getting a little old to be dragging around your kindergarten best friend to events?” Jarred says, crossing his arms.

“Do you have a problem with June?” Keifer asks in annoyance.

“Of course I don’t have a problem with her,” Jarred replies.

I sigh. “Guys…” They’re hard on each other, but it’s out of love and familiarity.

Jarred goes on, “I’m just saying that she can’t be your date forever, that’s all. It’s like taking your sister if you had one.”

Keifer returns to scrolling on his phone, slumping down in his chair. “I’ll have more fun with June,” he grumbles.

“Okay, Keifer’s bringing June!” I announce, effectively ending the discussion. “Oliver?”

Oliver’s been picking through a bowl of mixed nuts on the coffee table, taking all the cashews. He turns and flashes me a smug smile. “Flying solo, daddio.”

“I could have told you that,” Jarred says under his breath. Ever the instigator.

“Do you want to fight, bro?” Oliver asks playfully.

Jarred sighs and puts his hands over his eyes. Something’s weighing on him, but if he’s not talking about it, I’m not going to pry. I know the heaviness that comes with being a dad. Always worrying.

“Besides, weddings are supposed to be a good place for singles, right?”

“You don’t mean to tell me you think you can pick up a girl at Clay’s wedding,” Keifer dryly says.

Oliver purses his lips and glares. “You don’t have to be rude about it. Besides, what about Clay’s daughter?”

My insides twist together and I let out an uneasy laugh. “What about her?”

“She single? Maybe you could…” Oliver gestures between him and his brothers. “Make something happen?”

I have to put a lid on the boiling possessiveness inside me. I don’t deserve to feel that way. Rye isn’t mine. Not now. Not ever. But a part of her has been mine. Our intimate moments together have connected me to her in a way that I could never have expected.

Oliver has a point. She’s certainly much more age appropriate for one of the boys.

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