Rialto (Unbreakable Bonds 8)

“Yeah, just try finding some help when it’s three a.m.,” Andrei grumbled.

“Does this mean you’re going to slow down now?”

Andrei and Lucas looked at each other, slow guilty smiles spreading across their faces.

Ian gasped. “You’re not pregnant again, are you?”

Andrei placed both hands on his flat stomach and looked down. “I don’t look pregnant, do I?”

“Be serious!”

“No, we’re not pregnant,” Lucas said evenly.

“Do you have a surrogate?”

“Not officially, though we have someone we’re considering.”

“Word has gotten out regarding how well Lucas pays,” Andrei mumbled.

“But we are also looking into adoption,” Lucas added.

“That’s wonderful.” Ian threw his arms around Lucas, hugging him tightly.

“It’s still a ways off. We want to wait until Stefan is at least two before we add another child to our family.”

The volume of noise in the great room jumped as Snow, Rowe, and Noah entered. All three had wet hair. Rowe and Noah looked to be in their usual street clothes, but Snow was wearing a pair of sweat pants and a soft, gray sweater that Ian knew belonged to Lucas. Apparently getting a naked Rowe and Noah out of the pool had meant that Snow went into the pool. Probably fully dressed.

Ian walked over to the newcomers and gave out hugs, complimenting Rowe and Noah on their gifts to the Vallois family. Snow grumbled at Rowe and Noah, promising to get them back for the dunking, which they just laughed off.

Snow dropped onto the couch and Ian joined him.

“Not running to the kitchen?” Snow asked in surprise.

“Nope. Relaxing this year.”

Snow wrapped an arm around Ian’s shoulders and pulled him in closer. “It’s about time.”

Ian had to agree. This was nice. In all the years since he’d come into this family, he’d never had this on Thanksgiving. He was always in the kitchen, worrying about the food being prepared just right or worrying about the place settings, or a hundred other little things. There had never been time to sit and talk with his family. That always came after dinner when they were stuffed and in danger of falling into a food coma.

Looking over at his friend, Ian caught sight of the gold band on Snow’s left hand. Something he’d been sure he’d never see in his lifetime, but Jude changed a lot of things for the grumpy surgeon. “Anna forgiven you yet?”

After nearly a year of indecision, they’d each gotten a call late one night from Snow and Jude, informing the family that they’d hopped on a plane for Hawaii and were now married. They’d freaking eloped. Ian had been a little sad that he’d not been there for Snow’s big moment, but if he was honest with himself, he wasn’t really surprised. Snow and Jude weren’t into big, flashy events or being the center of attention. They’d wanted something just for them.

There were only a few pictures, but they were gorgeous. Just the two of them with an official saying their vows on the beach with a beautiful backdrop of blue skies and gentle waves. A perfect peaceful moment.

Snow groaned and dropped his head against the sofa. “Yes and no. She says that she has, but she wants to throw a big party this spring for the entire family.”

Ian giggled at the idea of Snow surrounded by all of Jude’s family. But after the life that Snow had before Jude, Ian was sure that Snow could use all the love he could get from those loud and boisterous people.

And Anna was the mother he needed whether Snow was willing to admit it or not. That woman adored him and babied him as much as she did her own sons.

“What about your house? Adjusted to the little ones yet?” Snow asked.

Ian shrugged. “We’re getting there. Every time I think we’ve got it all covered, they cook up something new to surprise us. I love it!”

“I’m assuming those were the voices I heard in the fort with Daci…”

Ian nodded.

Jude laughed as he approached them. “I have a feeling that they’re going to be eating dinner in that monstrous thing.” He then looked over at Ian. “All your food has been handed over to Sonja and Nicole. They said to tell you that they’ve got it under control.” Jude dropped down on the sofa next to Snow and threaded his fingers through Snow’s. Both of them looked tired after spending the afternoon with Jude’s family.