Page 118 of Eleven of a Kind

“Bro, we can’t let him stay with her,” Grayson whispered in my ear.

“What was that, Grayson?” Aunt Barb said.

“Uh, nothing. I was just saying I would invite him to stay with me, but it might be too much with Ava and the others since he just met us. You know Ophelia.” He smiled. “Always wants to make an impression.”

“I appreciate you asking him to stay with you, Aunt Barb, but we’re his brothers, and he’ll stay here with us in the guestroom.”

“Are you sure? I don’t mind.”

“I’m positive.”

Carter walked back into the living room.

“You’re going to stay with me,” I said to him.

“I appreciate all of you, but I can’t do—”

“You can and you will. You’re family. Besides, if something should happen while you're here, we have a beach full of doctors.”

“I really appreciate that, Gabriel, but—”

“Just stop, bro.” I smiled. “We aren’t going to let our brother, who happens to be ill, stay alone in a hotel. Besides, we have a lot of getting to know each other, and you need to meet the rest of your family. We’re all here on the beach.”

“Yeah. Don’t argue with us.” Grayson patted his back.

“Are your bags in the car?” I asked.

“Yeah.”

“I’ll go grab them,” Grayson said.

When Gabriel came back inside with Carter’s bags, Piper and Riley followed.

“Hi, babe. Hi, sweetheart. Come here.” I hooked my arms around them. “Carter, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Piper, and my daughter, Riley. This is my and Grayson’s brother, Carter Kind.”

“Oh my gosh, it’s so nice to meet you.” Piper smiled as she hugged him.

“Uncle Carter.” Riley nodded. “I like it.” She smiled as she hugged him. “Welcome to this crazy but cool family.”

“Thanks, Riley. It’s nice to meet both of you.” He chuckled.

“Carter is going to be staying with us for a while,” I said.

“Sounds good to me.” Piper grinned.

“Cool,” Riley said. “Come with me, and I’ll show you my pottery studio.” She grabbed his hand.

“I take it your talk went well?” Piper smiled as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

“Yeah. It went well.” I kissed her lips.

“I have to get home and tell Ava what’s going on. I’ll talk to you later,” Grayson said. “Bye, Aunt Barb.”

“Bye, darling.” She smiled. “I better get home to Curtis. I still can’t believe this.”

“Either can I, Aunt Barb.”

After she and Grayson left, I held Piper in my arms.