Page 73 of From the Start

I wipe the sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand. “What will I be doing?”

“We’re here,” Blossom announces as she hurries toward me. She’s holding hands with an adorable little girl while Dakota trails behind her, pushing a baby stroller.

“Holy mermaids!” I squeal. “Is this Pearl and Mira?”

Dakota and Rhett are fostering the two children. There’s a whole story about Dakota wanting to foster children since shegrew up in care but I don’t know the details since Dakota never told me and I ignore gossip as much as possible.

“This is Pearl,” Blossom says, and the little girl hides behind her leg. “She’s a bit shy.”

Kai kneels in front of Blossom. “But she’s not shy with her favorite uncle.”

“Uncle Kai!” Pearl throws herself into his arms. He lifts her and flings her in the air.

“Kai,” Dakota growls. “What did I say about throwing my daughter?”

Kai rests Pearl on his hip. “She loves it.” Pearl giggles. She’s adorable.

Kai appears comfortable with a child on his hip. As if he does this all the time. I bet he’d make a great dad. He’d be the goofy dad who the child runs to when I get mad at her.

Whoa. Hold the dolphins! I am not having children with Kai. We’re barely dating. But a baby with his blue eyes would be the most adorable baby in the world.

Stop it. My hormones must be out of whack. I inhale a deep breath and get myself under control.

“Do you want to meet Mira?” Dakota asks as she lifts the baby out of the stroller.

I immediately steal the baby from her. “She’s adorable, Dakota.”

“She’s my sister,” Pearl says.

“You’re very lucky to have a sister,” I tell her.

Kai tickles her. “Brothers are better.”

“Uh oh,” Blossom says. “You’re getting baby fever.”

I snort. “I am not getting baby fever.”

I glance over at Kai to see his reaction.I wouldn’t mind,he mouths to me.

I ignore him. He’s crazy. “Do you want to hold your niece, Zane?”

He flashes a smile but it doesn’t hide the panic in his gaze. “I’m good. Mira looks happy with you. I should get going.” He scrambles away as fast as he can without breaking into a run.

Dakota frowns at him. I don’t blame her. An uncle should want to cuddle his niece whenever possible.

“What are you up to today?” I ask Blossom.

“We’re here to pick you up.”

“Pick me up?” I motion to my booth. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“I’m working for you today,” Kai says.

“Can I help?” Pearl asks.

He tweaks her nose. “Not this time, baby girl. But you’re going to have a fun day with your mom and Blossom and Harper.”

“Is Harper your girlfriend?”