Jake had no choice but to accept. “Geez, just what I’ve always wanted...a smaller version of myself.”
Scarlet let out a snorting laugh. “You’re so funny,” she complemented adoringly. Oh God! She’s a Jake groupie.
“Alexis, this is Johanna. Johanna, Alexis, my little sister.”
“Clearly, I’m not little,” I said as I rolled my eyes at my brother. “It’s nice to meet you, Johanna.”
“Nice to meet you too, Alexis.” Johanna said politely, putting her arms out to Jake, wanting to hold baby Jack. My brother more than happily obliged, passing him over.
“Hello, you big handsome boy,” she cooed at him, as she walked toward the rest of our family, Jack now bouncing on her hip.
I linked my arm around Jake’s. “So, how long is this one gonna last?” I murmured with a low voice.
“I dunno, hopefully a while. I like her.”
“Didn’t you like the others?”
“Not really.”
“You’re such a man-whore.”
“Correction: was a man-whore. I like this one.”
“Well, if you want to keep said ‘one’ stop referring to her as a number.”
Jen walked up to us while giving Johanna unsure glances.
“Who gave my son to a stranger with a funny laugh?”
Jake pointed to me and I pointed to him.
“I re-gifted,” I explained.
“So did I,” retorted Jake.
“Jake, she better be clean and sterile.”
“Listen you two, be nice. She is clean and sterile, although we did shag before we came here...”
I punched his arm. “Ewww.”
“That’s it! Get my son, someone get my son. She’s kissing his cheek and I have a fairly good idea where her lips have been.” Jen turned around and headed for Johanna.
I smiled sweetly at Jake. “So she gave you head before our Christmas lunch? She’s so nice,” I said stretching out the ‘nice’ part of my statement.
“Alexis, give her a chance.”
I screwed up my face, insulted. “I will, I was being genuine, she does seem nice.”
He glared at me.
“I’ll do you a deal. Be nice to Rick, and I’ll do the same to Johanna.”
He raised his head and spotted my estranged husband. “No can do. The man cheated on you with that little bitch hanging off his arm,” Jake said angrily.
“Hey, I know. We both made mistakes, and anyhow, I’m better off now. I’m happy and I’ve forgiven him, so you can do the same.”
He huffed. Yes, my brother huffs.
“Deal?” I offered again.
“Hmmm.”
I hugged him. “I love you, Jakey Snakey.”
We walked down into the lounge area to mingle with the rest of our families. I noticed Dad and Bryce come out of Bryce’s office, Dad giving Bryce a manly slap on the back, both of them looking quite pleased. God, I hope Dad just didn’t agree to let Bryce buy him a helicopter or something.
I let go of Jake’s arm so that I could embrace Bryce. “What are you getting up to with my father?” I inquired as I slid my arms around his waist. “He didn’t just agree to sign his life over to you, did he?”
Bryce chuckled, “Kind of.”
I scowled at him with curiosity. “I know you want to share your wealth with me and my family, but you need to keep me informed about it. I hate shit being said and done behind my back.”
He leaned forward and kissed my nose. “Okay. I’ll let you know.” Then he unwrapped my arms and headed to the kitchen.
I stood there and shook my head at him then turned to find Rick staring at me. He met my gaze, smiled mildly then returned his attention to Charli who was showing off her new karaoke machine. It dawned on me in that moment that he had not yet seen Bryce and I physically affectionate toward each other. It also dawned on me that it must be hard on him to observe. So I made a mental note to tone it down, not wanting to ruin anybody’s Christmas, although, he would have to start to get used it sooner rather than later.
***
Bryce had offered to cook the Christmas turkey and ham, but I had insisted that he didn’t, wanting him to have a break and enjoy the day without any work involved. He’d worked enough as it was lately. Besides, he had a perfectly good chef downstairs in the hotel’s kitchen who was more than happy to cook our Christmas lunch for us.
Chaos surrounded the dining table as both our families dished up their lunches. I smiled warmly at the four highchairs lined up next to each other, hoping one day soon that another one would be added to the adorable sight before me.
Bryce approached from behind, having noticed me staring at the babies. Resting his chin on my shoulder momentarily, he whispered into my ear. “You wanna sneak off and try to make one of those now?”