Page 140 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus (The Exchange)

Melody

Mallory A Year Old

“I’m beginning to think she has no incentive to walk because the four of you spoil her rotten,” I say, snorting a laugh. “All she has to do is let out a fake cry and she’s got a minimum of two of you fist fighting for the chance to pick her up.”

“You can’t spoil a child with love,” Miller says, giving me a chagrined smile as he rocks Mallory.

She’s sleepy, but she’s fighting it.

She let out one little hint of a whine. Nik and Miller practically elbowed each other out of the way to get to her. I shake my head, stretching back against the couch.

They really do spoil her.

Then again, I can’t say much since they do the same for me. I still enjoy giving them a hard time about it, though.

“Let me,” Nik says, carefully taking Mallory from Miller.

“I can’t wait until you pop out the next one,” Carver says from the other side of the couch. “It’ll be fifty-fifty odds. Two on and two off on dad duty.”

I snort.

Miller tosses himself down on my other side. The couch bounces as he pulls me into his chest.

Mallory lets out a whiney fuss. She really is fighting her afternoon nap today.

“I can read her some advanced chemistry and she’ll knock right out,” Oliver offers without looking up from his tablet.

“Nah, let me handle this,” Nik says, swaying over to the surround sound before turning it on to something light that’s kind of like elevator music.

“Oh yeah, that’s the guy who swore he’d never spoil his kids,” Carver says, chuckling. He yanks out his phone, snapping pictures of Nik dancing Mallory around the living room.

“You live and you learn,” Nik says in the same soothing voice he always uses when he’s trying to get Mallory to sleep.

“What do you think it’ll be this time?” Miller asks, running his hand over my stomach.

I chuckle. He’s just as obsessed with the belly as he was the first go-round, but I don’t mind. They pamper the hell out of me. Who would complain about extra affection? Not me.

“I think we’ll keep it a surprise until the baby is born. That way there’s no lingering disappointment if it’s a girl,” I say, biting my lip to hold back the laugh.

“I would never even think such a thing,” Miller growls indignantly.

“I know,” I say truthfully. He’s firmly in the girl-dad camp. I can feel it in the bond.

“I wouldn’t mind a boy to play baseball with,” Carver says, catching my eyes and nodding to Nik.

“Don’t joke about that. This is a football house all the way,” Nik says, still swaying.

“Well, I’ll be happy either way,” Oliver says.

“Yeah, you are sleepy, aren’t you?” Nik murmurs, kissing Mallory’s temple.

Her eyes are heavy, and they close for a second only to pop back open.

“When you’re older, I’m going to teach you where a gentleman should place his hands when dancing with a woman he cares about.

” He smiles, kissing her chubby cheek. “Carver and Miller will teach you exactly where to punch in case he doesn’t. ”

“Damn right,” Carver interjects.

“Oliver will show you how to hack all his social media if he doesn’t treat you with respect,” Nik says, his eyes meeting mine. “And Mom will keep you sane when you swear our only goal is to ruin your life.”

“I love you,” I whisper. “She’s out.”

“Perfect timing,” Nik says, winking as he gives me a look that’s pure fire.