We were in Skye’s backyard, and I sat on the comfy swing they had, just watching the Winchester clan doing what they did best: laugh and have a good time, while also sneakily checking if everyone was okay. Some were better at being sneaky, such as Tess, who did the job merely by observing her family. She caught me watching her, and we exchanged a conspiratorial smile. I patted the empty spot next to me, and Tess joined me on the swing. She was holding a plate with cheesecake. Rob had had the party catered by Dumont Foods.
“Enlighten me,” I whispered.
“About what?”
“When do you just observe everyone quietly, and when do you go in detective mode?”
“Cole told you about that?”
“Yes. In vivid detail.”
She frowned, tapping her chin. “I can’t tell, actually. I guess I just adapt to whatever the situation requires.”
“That makes sense.”
“It’s a family trade, you know.”
“I sort of put that together. But between you and me, your skill range is by far the most impressive.”
“Why, thanks!”
Ryker and Cole also tried to be subtle, it just didn’t always w
ork out. Balls to the wall was the way to go as far as they were concerned. I felt so damn lucky to have met them and be part of their lives.
I was delighted that Skye was doing so well. She was full of energy as she moved around the yard to chat with everyone. From time to time she paused to look around for baby Jonas. He was by far the happiest today, as everyone was practically lining up to cuddle him. I was still waiting for my turn.
“I can’t even tell you how amazing it is to see my toes again,” Skye exclaimed, standing in front of the swing. “And also be able to apply nail polish on them myself.”
“I’m always happy to spoil you by doing that,” Rob said, affectionately mussing his wife’s hair.
When Cole took baby Jonas from Rob, I couldn’t help but sigh loudly. Next to me, Tess chuckled.
“Uh, he looks mighty hot with his nephew,” I declared, watching Cole until Amelia took Jonas from him, and my sexy man went inside the house.
“Oh, yeah. I’ve seen the way you look at him. Just saying, the more, the merrier, so if you get down to business, I volunteer to babysit.”
I threw my head back, laughing. “Oh, Tess.”
The truth was, I hadn’t felt this longing to be a family in years, but now, things had changed. And it was all the doing of this wonderful man.
“I don’t want to sing my own praises, but I think I’m an excellent aunt. Right?” she asked Avery. She was playing next to the swing.
“You’re the best, Tess,” Avery exclaimed.
“Ha!” Tess exclaimed cheerfully. “See? The best. Not that we’re in a competition,” Tess said cheerfully. In a lower voice, she whispered to me, “But if we were, I’m sure baby Jonas would back that up.”
Truth be told, Jonas had seemed exceptionally happy when Tess held him a while ago.
“How are you doing?” I asked her. “Cole told me that it’s a super busy time for you with the business.”
“That’s an understatement. Things are really taking off in a way that I hadn’t imagined, and we’re looking for the best way to sustain this expansion. It’s crazy busy, but in a good way.”
My stomach began to rumble as I watched Tess devour her cheesecake.
“Okay, time to dig into the buffet,” I said, rubbing my stomach.
“I highly recommend the cheesecake,” Tess declared. “And the cheeseburger.”