Chapter 12

Christian

I watch my mother drag Jasmine into the house but I grab my dad’s arm. I explain everything that’s happened and the change in her this morning.

He rubs his chin thoughtfully for a moment.

“You’re serious about them?”

I frown at him.

“They are mine.” I tell him firmly.

He grins at me and slaps my back.

“It’s about time. I had your mother pregnant with you within the first few months of meeting her.”

I groan and look at the ceiling.

“Dad, please. I want to eat breakfast. Not vomit.”

“You wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t worked so hard. How long has it been since she lost her husband?”

“Nearly five months.”

“I couldn’t imagine life without your mother, son. I also know how hard-headed you can be. In this case, it will serve you well. You sorted the other issues out?”

“Yes. We should complete it by the end of next week. I feel jealous of a dead man. She loved him so much she put on his wedding ring. I want my rings on her finger.”

“Make it happen. Do whatever you have to and don’t stop. I can give you some tips on how to make her very happy. Ask your mother.”

“The food is going to get cold while you two stand here and gossip.”

I look over at my mother. He does have a point. He loves needling her, but he loves her fiercely. I have never seen my mum upset. If she is angry at him for his over the top teasing, he never reacts other than dragging her off somewhere. He might be onto something.

“Mum, can you persuade Jasmine to stay the night?”

She grins at me before rubbing her hands together.

“Leave it with me. She won’t be able to say no. They are beautiful, Christian. You did well. Finally, another baby girl in the family. Let’s hope you can give me another granddaughter.”

Dad goes over and puts his arm around her and spoils the moment by whispering something in her ear. She swats his arm.

“No. Everyone is waiting to eat breakfast.”

Gross, but I smile at them. Knowing they will accept my girls wholeheartedly eases the tension in me. It is down to me to persuade Jasmine that they are mine.

“Yes, dad. Wait your turn. I’m starving.”

I grin at him before I saunter off to find the rest of my family.

I never took my eyes off Jasmine. As she observed us all, I sat there taking her in. She eventually relaxed enough to let mum and dad take the kids to the farm.

“Why don’t we go for a swim?” Carina asks Jasmine.

“Um. I brought nothing to wear for swimming with me.”

“That’s okay. I have a whole load of my clothes still in my bedroom here. Come on, I am sure I can get you something that you like. It’s too sunny not to take advantage of the pool.”

Jasmine doesn’t have time to protest as Carina grabs her by the hand and drags her out of the room. Jasmine looks at me for help.

I give her a smile and a little wave as she disappears from the doorway.

“You guys going in for a dip?”

I turn to my brother and Lucas.

“Nah. I’m happy watching Carina have fun.”

It took me a while to accept Lucas. Carina was only twenty-four when she met Lucas. She went missing for a few weeks and turned up married to him. I know he is into some shady shit, but Carina made it clear he was her choice. He is just going to sit by the pool and stare at her like a creeper. I get it now.

“Yeah. I’m up for it.” Carter said. “The kids can join us when they come back. Can Bella swim?”

“I don’t know. I will need to ask Jasmine. Mum still has Connor’s floats if she can’t.”

“When’s the wedding?” Lucas asks.

“I might need to do what you did at this rate.”

He smirks at me.

“After all the shit you gave me.”

“I know. Ironic, right?”

Carter laughs.

“Women fall over themselves to get to me. If I wanted to settle down, I wouldn’t be like you two assholes.”

“I can’t wait till it is your turn. Not that any woman wants a man whore like you.” I said to him. My relationships have never lasted long. Work has always been number one on my list. Carter is never with the same woman twice.

“I’m surprised your dick hasn’t fallen off yet,” Lucas said.

“What the fuck, Lucas? Don’t even joke about that shit. I always glove up.”

He covers his dick with one hand as if to protect it.

I ignore them as I wonder what’s keeping the girls.