Page 35 of Forever Only Once

Chapter 8

Cross

“I didn’t thinkI would need help getting ready for tonight,” I said as I opened the door to my entire family.

Macon, Prior, Nate, Arden, and even Liam walked through, their hands thankfully empty, though all looked at me.

“Seriously, what are you doing here?”

“You’re going on a date,” Arden said, going up on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek. I reached around and gave her a hug, nodding at the guys.

“I know I’m going on a date. I still don’t know why you think I need your help, though. I’ve been dating for quite a while.”

“Actually, it’s been a while from what I hear,” Liam said, running his tongue over his teeth.

I flipped off my brother-in-law. Liam just winked, a grin on his face.

“Be nice. That is the future father of my children right there,” Arden said.

My eyes widened. I hadn’t heard my sister talk about children in a while. It was kind of nice.

“Really? That’s what you’re going with?” I said, keeping my voice light. I knew Arden wasn’t going to be able to carry a child, something she had mentioned a few times since she had been diagnosed. It wasn’t just the lupus that had led to that conclusion, but a few other things, as well. We had all been very careful not to bother her with any questions about that, at least until she was ready.

“That was my awkward way of saying that Liam and I are going to try adopting,” she said, clapping her hands in front of herself. She blushed, her eyes filling with tears as she leaned into her husband. I looked at my brothers, and then all of us grinned widely, opening our arms. A huge Brady brother and sister and Liam group hug commenced.

“Really? You know I think that is fucking amazing news,” I said.

“Seriously? I can’t wait to be an uncle,” Prior said, rubbing his hands together. “I mean, think about all the shit I could teach that kid.”

“You are not letting my child become a troublemaker,” Arden said, and Liam just raised a brow.

“Between my family and yours, I’m pretty sure the wide array of uncles and aunts involved is going to let that kid get away with anything they want. At least until they reach an age where they can’t get away with anything,” Liam said honestly, and I laughed.

“That sounds about right. We’ll spoil your kid no matter what, but when they become a teenager, we will make sure they don’t get into trouble. I mean, that is the uncle and aunt way,” I said.

“Anything you need from us, we’re here,” Macon said, and we all nodded solemnly.

“My twin is having a baby. This is going to be so exciting.” Nate folded his arms over his chest and grinned.

Arden rolled her eyes. “We literally just decided, and I was going to wait to tell you. It kind of just slipped out.”

“You know we’re going to have to tell my family. Because if my sister hears that your brothers heard before her, she’s going to launch a reign of terror.”

I leaned forward. “She’s married now. She’s calmer.”

We all paused and then broke out into laughter.

“So she might not be calm. But seriously, I love your sister, and she’s going to be a fantastic aunt. Just know that it’s going to take a while for everything to happen. I mean, it could be years. Are you trying for a baby? Or any age in particular?” I asked.

“Any age,” Arden said, squeezing her husband’s hand tightly. “We just want a child who needs a home and us. We know it’s not going to be easy, but seriously, we all know that living and raising children isn’t easy no matter what.”

“Well,” I said, letting out a breath.

“You’re right about that, but hell, I’m so excited for you,” I said, smiling.

“I’m excited for us, too.” She shook her head and then bounced on her feet. “However, this was totally not supposed to be about us.”

“You’re always welcome to have it be about you, babe,” Liam said, kissing the top of her head.