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He chuckles as he sweeps her up, settling her on his shoulders, and I can’t help but smiling.

Especially, when I spy she’s wearing a blue princess dress.

“Obsessed,” I hear and turn to see Briar leaning against the door frame, her mouth tipped up.

“With her uncle?” I ask, and I can see why.

All that strong male energy going soft for a little girl in a princess dress?

Totally swoonworthy.

And it’s not the first time I’ve thought of that when it comes to Hudson.

Something that…scares me.

But also…settles me.

“She loves her uncle, yes,” Briar says, sweeping an arm to indicate I precede her inside. “But”—her voice drops—“she’s truly obsessed with the princess in Dash’s guest room.”

I choke on a laugh.

“I swear I didn’t mean to start that,” I say.

“Four-year-olds gonna four-year-old.” She tilts her head toward the kitchen.

“Oh,” I say, remembering myself. I reach into my bag, pull out the bottle of wine. “I know it’s not much,” I whisper. “And it’s not really mine. I insisted that Hudson bring it.”

Her eyes sparkle. “Domesticating my brother. I like it.”

“Who’s talking about domesticating Dash?” I hear a male voice say.

I jump, heart twisting as nerves twine through my insides.

Briar’s fingers brush over mine. “The broody man in a suit is Atlas.” She lowers her voice. “The secret, though, is he’s really a softie on the inside.”

He scowls and shakes his head. “He’s also your boss, Briar.”

“Still not scary,” she mock-whispers. “Mostly because he knows that if he makes me unhappy, Banks, Royal, and Dash will kick his butt.”

Atlas scowls, but the beleaguered sigh he gives tells me that’s true.

“Come on,” Briar murmurs. “Let’s open up this wine and relax while dinner is cooking.”

“Is there anything I can do to help with that?”

Her mouth curves. “No, thanks though. Everything’s just finishing up in the oven now.”

“Plus,” Hudson says, moving to my side and lightly touching my back. “Briar’s a control freak in the kitchen. Better to just sit back and enjoy the wine you nagged me to bring.” Light words and I look up, don’t miss that he’s assessing my face.

Whatever he sees there must be acceptable because he glances over at his family. “So, you’ve met Atlas. That grump”—a nod—“is Royal and the woman who somehow makes him smile is Jade?—”

“Hey!” Royal snaps. “I’m not?—”

Jade just pats him on the chest. “For what it’s worth. I like you grumpy, honey.”

God, his face—the way it goes soft and gentle for her—fills my soul. Albeit, that soft and sweet only lasts for a second because Hudson moves over to him and gives him a wet willy.

“Christ, Dash!” Royal growls, swatting him away.