Page 77 of Blood

Bored of sitting with her parents, Belle reaches for me. Although the lemon cheesecake on the table in front of me might have something to do with it.

Daniel hands Belle over the table to Samantha. With the two parents lost in their own world, Sam and I happily feed Belle spoonsful of cheesecake while talking to Michael and Lara.

After Rupert is burped and both kids settled, my brothers and I stand to talk where it’s a little quieter.

Seeing Sam distracted with our niece, I kiss my girl’s cheek, happy when no reprimand comes.

Cold air tapers my temper, but it’s not enough to cool the killer inside. “Cooper’s a dead man.”

We walk toward the pavement, near the empty cars.

“We need to think about this,” Michael starts, ever the voice of reason.

“I’m with Kaleb.”

I hold my hand out to high-five Daniel. My oldest brother stares at my hand before punching it.

“Close enough.” He did agree with me, after all.

“We have the messages to Sam from his phone if he suddenly goes missing . . .” Michael doesn’t need to finish his sentence.

“Fuck,” I whisper-yell. “How many lives does this fucker have?”

“Michael”—Daniel sighs—“he needs to go.”

Michael huffs, turning away. A smile lights up his face. Turning to the window, we see Lara feeding Charlie more milkshake-dipped fries, and Rupert resting peacefully in her arms. Sam and Belle cheer on the other side of the table like a pair of cheerleaders.

“He needs to go,” Daniel repeats, his eyes anchored to his wife.

Michael shakes his head. I have a feeling it’s going to be a while before we can all agree on how to deal with the fucking cockroach.

“I just want to say thank you for today.” I nod back toward the girls. “Sam was practically hyperventilating on the way here.I thought you’d throw at least one punch if I’m honest,” I confess with a small laugh.

“Why?” Daniel frowns. “You love her?”

“I do.” I nod.

“She loves you?”

I cringe. “God, I hope so.”

Michael shrugs. “And we love you both.”

Daniel nods like that’s all the explanation needed, and I guess it is.

“So neither of you want to hit me?” I double-check.

“Should we?” Daniel frowns, turning back to his family.

“Yes!”

“Why?” Michael asks.

“Because I fucked your sister,” I snap. I guess I don’t fully understand their lack of disapproval after all.

Daniel stops moving, his hand held high as he returns Belle’s wave.

“Politely,” I rush, but both men stare blankly, “can we go back to you not wanting to punch me in the face?”