“Oh, don’t be silly. You’re one of our kids now,” Jerry states.
I can’t hold back my gratitude. He has no idea what that means to me. My own father didn’t even want me around.
“Thank you. I appreciate being included.”
Everleigh stands and grabs her plate, and I do the same. Together we clear the table while the others chat. Tyler meets me in the kitchen, carrying more dishes.
“How ya holdin’ up?” he asks.
“Just fine. Better than my previous accommodations.” I chuckle.
“You mean I only have to provide better housing than a prison cell?” Everleigh taunts. “Hope I exceeded all your expectations.”
“You were in prison?” Owen gasps from the doorway.
Shit.
I’m not sure how much he knows about Tyler and Noah being in prison too, so I stay quiet.
“Owen, sweetie. Let’s go check on your brothers. I think I hear Finn crying,” Everleigh says, guiding him back toward the dining room.
“Guess I should anticipate that reaction,” I mumble when it’s only Tyler and me.
“It gets easier.” He shrugs. “People will talk. You can’t stop that, but you also didn’t do what you went there for. Just gotta shake it off.”
Easier said than done, but I don’t tell him that.
“I’m glad you’re fitting in with everyone. I was hesitant to have you live with my sister, but I see y’all are getting along just fine.”
“Yeah, we are. I can’t imagine rooming with anyone else,” I say with a grin, not giving any more details. Everleigh’s a spitfire with high energy and a bubbly personality, which is opposite from me, but she’s entertaining nonetheless. I already see myself liking her more than I should. Right now, I’m forcing myself to only think of her as a roommate and friend.
“Alright, who’s ready for my Better than S—”
“Cuddling,” Katie quickly interrupts as Everleigh brings it to the table. Katie gives her a look and nods her head toward Owen.
Everleigh forces a smile. “Better than Cuddling cake, yes.”
“What’s in it?” Jerry asks.
“Chocolate, caramel, and toffee.” She places it down. “With whipped cream and chopped candies on top.”
“Oh my God…” Noah groans with a smirk. “I wish I would’ve saved more room.”
“Especially since you have to wait five more weeks...to cuddle,” Everleigh taunts, and the room fills with laughter.
“If he’s lucky…I’m thinking longer.” Katie deadpans.
Noah’s brows rise. “Excuse me, woman?”
“Yeah, right. You two could hardly keep your hands off each other. Pretty sure that’s how she got knocked up in the first place,” Everleigh blurts out, then realizes Owen’s hanging on to her every word.
“Forget I said that,” she tells him.
After everyone has a piece, we dive in. It’s, in fact, the best dessert we’ve ever had, something we all agree on.
“Don’t eat too much. I still need models for the boutique,” Everleigh says, directing her attention to Tyler and Gemma. “Assuming you’re not game?” she asks Katie.
“Not unless it’s for post-maternity moumous.”
“How’d I get roped into this?” Tyler asks. “Is it an athletic line, at least? Because I could support that.”
“No, but you’re my brother, and I need some male models since I’m adding a men’s line. Nice jeans and shirts, ties, and shoes. You look good all dressed up,” she tells him.
“I’ll do it as long as you don’t make me wear anything too tight,” Gemma says. “I have ten pounds of baby weight I still need to lose.”
“You’re crazy, but fine. I have some cute winter dresses I can put you in.” Everleigh shrugs.
“What about Archer?” Gemma states, and every set of eyes is on me as I stuff cake in my mouth.
“Yes…he’d sell your entire collection in a heartbeat with his tats,” Katie agrees.
“Especially since he gives off a whole bad-boy vibe,” Gemma adds.
Tyler and Noah give their wives a look of disapproval, and I hold back a grin.
“What?” Gemma and Katie say in unison.
“That’s actually not a bad idea…” Everleigh arches her brow as she scans down my body. She reaches over and squeezes my arm. “Good biceps. Sexy smile. Intense brown eyes. Maybe a little hair trim and you’d be the best eye candy in the state.”
“Y’all critiquing him like a piece of meat,” Tyler says.
“Don’t be jealous, brother,” Everleigh taunts, and he rolls his eyes.
“Well, what do you say, Archer? Can I get you naked?”
I nearly choke on my dessert. If I looked at Tyler right now, I’m sure he’d be sporting a disapproving scowl, so I don’t.
“To dress you in my clothing line, of course,” she emphasizes, and enjoys catching people off guard.
“Considering you’re letting me invade your space, I’d be happy to help,” I say honestly. Though I’ve never modeled before, I can’t deny the excitement I feel at spending more time with Everleigh outside of the house.
“Yay! You can even keep a few outfits. They’ll look great on you in case you need them for a night out or something.”