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And right when I was about to click capture, she kissed his cheek, a little too close to his lips.

Aaron’s eyes widened, and he slanted her with a deadly glare.

Jaelynn had a hopeless crush on my son. It wasn’t something she hid. She was loud and proud about it, and it annoyed the hell out of Aaron. And her father the most. While Evy and I loved the idea of becoming in-laws, Emmie loathed the fact that his little princess was already running around proclaiming her love for a boy who was nothing but rude to her.

Her glittery pink outfit and wide smile was a stark contrast to Aaron’s full black outfit and expressionless face.

“Okay, now it’s time for cake. I want both of you in the backyard now.”

They both nodded and walked off, and not even a minute passed before they started to argue.

I shook my head and went searching for my other son.

Though the world officially considered Aaron my eldest, to our little family, Luka was the eldest brother. He had the last say when it came to the twins, who followed Luka around everywhere like he was the leader of their little tribe.

My love for Luka only grew boundless. I loved all my children equally, but in my heart, Luka would always be my first son.

I couldn’t help the smile that stretched my face when I came upon a sight of my not-so-little Luka rocking my brother’s daughter in his arms in the kitchen.

I still couldn’t believe he was the thin, lanky kid I met in Iona all those years ago. He was a big boy now, almost fifteen and as tall as his dad. He was all strong, with an unwavering attitude and sharp eyes.

Which only softened for me and little Soa.

“Mom?” Luka’s eyes found mine, and Soa’s hazel eyes blinked at me.

Unlike the rest of us, my brother stuck to one child and his daughter was the apple of his eye. Soa loved her dad but then there was one other person she clung to all the time, like he was her knight in shining armor.Luka.

Luka and Soa shared a special bond that just couldn’t be described with words.

“Hey, baby.” I knew he hated it when I called him my baby. But sue me, he was always going to be my baby. “What are the two of you doing here?”

“Soa started to cry in the crowd,” Luka explained, kissing my forehead as I neared them.

I smiled sadly before sliding my eyes to Soa. “You feeling okay now?”

“Yes,” she whispered, hiding her face in his neck.

“If you both are ready, little Ms. Temper Tantrum is all set to cut her cake.”

Luka chuckled and it made a small smile curve Soa’s lips. “I thought she’d be busy running behind Aaron.”

“She was.” I sighed. “I just settled a dispute between those two. Let’s go before she starts another one.”

He nodded, his soft eyes sliding to Soa. “You okay to go out and celebrate Jae’s birthday?”

“Yes,” she whispered again.

Soon, the entire gang crowded in the backyard while Jae proudly cut her pink princess cake. The first slice was to her dad, who was her favorite. She had Emmie wrapped around her tiny little finger.

“Thanks, princess,” Emmie whispered softly.

Her next slice was to my son.

“I don’t want it,” Aaron mumbled, and it made Jae’s lip quiver. And no one batted an eye at that because we all knew she was faking it to get my son’s attention. Well, everyone except her dad.

“Lan, I swear to God, if my girl cries on her birthday, I’m going to punch your face.” Emmie threatened. “Keep your son in order.” He glared at Aaron and Lan.

“Your daughter’s the one chasing my son,” Lan countered. “Not the other way around.”