: Part 5 – Chapter 24

The four of us leave the kids with their fathers as we sit around for a drink.

Astrid and Levi are still absent, so it’s just Elsa, Kim, Silver, and me.

Aiden has both Landon and Brandon on his lap. Eli refuses to join since he’s a ‘big boy’.

Cecily holds on to her father as if her life depends on it. Little Ava keeps playing with Cole’s tie and giggling whenever he tickles her.

Remi is casually draped over Ronan’s shoulder. I swear, those two have the most chill father-son relationship ever. It’s like they’re friends, which isn’t so hard to believe considering that Ronan is forever young. It doesn’t matter how old he gets, he’s still the life of every gathering, and right now, he’s plotting a game to keep the children busy. There’s a reason why Ronan is every child’s favourite uncle.

Our Remi is so cool about it, too. I thought he would be jealous that other kids would be taking up his father’s time, but he said, “No, Mummy. That means Daddy is da best.”

It’s like he’s his wingman.

My heart always flutters when I see them together. My two men. Who knew there would be a day when I would be a wife and a mother, and not only that, but also have the best family out there.

I have a husband who wakes me up on a daily basis with his head buried between my legs to ‘relax me’ and a son who’s learning from his father to bring me breakfast in bed.

For someone who hardly had a family, having Ronan and Remi feels like an eternal dream.

One I don’t ever want to wake up from.

“Stop it.” Silver’s voice brings me to the present.

She’s elbowing Kim, who keeps laughing under her breath while Silver is blushing.

“What’s going on?” Elsa asks.

“Nothing.” Kim hides her laughter again.

“She was teasing me.” Silver narrows her eyes on her childhood friend.

“I was only telling the truth about how Cole sat you on his lap earlier.”

“Yeah, right. As if Xan doesn’t do the same.” Silver nudges her playfully and they both break out in laughter.

“You guys are lucky you’ve known your husbands since you were young.” Elsa sighs, taking a sip of her martini.

“You met Aiden when you were young, too,” Kim says.

“Yeah, but I didn’t live with him like you guys did.”

“You’re lucky you didn’t.” Silver sighs. “He was a wanker from a young age. Cole, too. Kim is the only actual lucky one here because Xan was like a ring on her finger since they were in nappies.”

Kim’s face flushes. “That’s not true.”

“Yes, it is. He always stood up for you and even beat Cole and Aiden whenever they bothered you.”

“Well, I guess.”

“You guess?” Silver attacks Kim’s ticklish side until they both break down in giggles.

“Rub it in, would you?” Elsa tears her gaze from them and focuses on me. “How about you, Teal? Don’t you wish you’d met Ronan when he was young?”

“No. Not really. I believe we met at the right time. Any earlier and it would’ve been off, you know?” My gaze automatically finds his and he winks. I smile back, feeling all sorts of fireworks explode in my chest.

I want him for myself.

As much as I love getting together with the girls and seeing all the kids play with each other, I’m actually selfish about my Ron, and even Remi.

I want my husband’s time for myself. I want to sleep in his arms and have him speak French to me.

I guess it’s time to go home.