Page 108 of Rebound

“You doing okay?”

“Yeah, figuring out schedules and tournaments with Farhad.” I nod and watch him for a moment, smiling when he looks at me. “What?”

“I’m pretty sure there’s no cricket happening for a few months, so what’s really going on?”

He laughs and shakes his head. “You can read minds, can’t you?”

“Lots of practice with your brother, maybe.”

“Vera doesn’t have this superpower, right?”

I cock an eyebrow and smile. “It’s a family secret, Elias.”

“All right, all right. I uh…Amma gave me my grandmother’s ring and I was thinking of how and when to ask her.”

I straighten up and at his firm head shake, I press my lips together and suppress the squeal on the verge of exploding. I close my eyes and suck in a deep breath, then exhale loudly as I focus on Elias.

“Wow, that looked like it hurt.”

I nod and with my hands on my hips, I give him my best threatening look. “If something happens to this baby, it’s on you.”

He snorts. “I promise to do whatever it takes to look after you and your child.”

“But seriously, you can’t drop that on me so casually!”

“Sshhh!” Elias hisses and I wince, looking over to find Patrick watching us with narrowed eyes. “My family knows. I haven’t spoken to Tessa or Jacob yet, but it’s on my list.”

“Do not ask them for permission.”

He frowns. “Why not?”

“Vera is not their property and I get the respect angle, but don’t do it.”

“Would they hate me if I didn’t?”

I shake my head. “No. I think you could tell them you want to marry her. And they’ll give you their blessing. My aunt and uncle love you, Elias. They’re not going to make you work for it.”

“Make him work for what?”

Elias jumps at his brother’s deep voice and I grin. “None of your business, Trick.”

Patrick narrows his eyes as he glares and I simply continue to smile.

Either amused or confused by his brother’s behaviour, Elias says, “If this is some kind of kink, I’d like to be left out of it.”

Patrick leans in and in a loud whisper says, “She likes to call me Daddy in bed.”

“For fuck’s sake, Pat.”

I snort out a laugh and cover my mouth as Elias shoves his brother aside and walks to the couch. Vera’s soothing him instantly, glancing back at us with a smirk. I love that my cousin met someone who wants to spend his life with her, someone who looks at her and sees the incredible woman she is. I know Elias is going to love her better than anyone ever could.

Patrick squeezes my hips. “You good, Lo?”

“I am, honey. Tired, but really happy.”

“Go nap,” he says softly and I shake my head. “Or let me kick everyone out.”

“Stop it. You’re glad the people we love the most want to be with us.”