Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 93936 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93936 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
“Yeah, along with Maverick and of course, princess Juniper,” I add.
Mom rolls her eyes. “That girl is never going to have to do a thing in her life being surrounded by four boys. Also, I know you get daily pics of the babies, but the boys look alike.”
“I expect Jace and Maverick to look alike.”
“No,” mom says, shaking her head. “All four boys look alike. I’ve convinced your sisters to put nametags on them because I’m old and I’m afraid I’m going to mix them up.”
I try not to laugh, but my mom is not old.
After a few more minutes, Justine and I make our way around the room, talking to everyone. Each member of my family and extended family treats Justine like she’s been part of our fold for years, not minutes. I expected nothing less, but one has to wonder how people are going to react when someone knew comes around.
Dad, Liam, and JD come over to us. Justine squeezes my hand and tells me she’s going to go play with the babies. I watch, as she walks away, to see how my sisters are going to react. Peyton moves over on the couch and motions for Justine to sit in between her and Elle.
God, I love this family of mine.
Liam pats me on the back and then pulls me into a hug. JD does the same. “I hear the outside performance was your idea,” Liam says.
I nod. “Everyone was on board instantly. I just couldn’t see wasting the night or disappointing the fans.”
“Elle says the show has opened doors for everyone,” Dad adds.
“With three labels looking to sign Plum. FMG Records being one of them,” Liam tells me. “We’re about to have a meeting.”
My eyes widen. “Seriously?”
Liam nods. “I know I was supposed to join the tour for a couple of stops, but with the triplets and some town crap I couldn’t get away, but that doesn’t mean I don’t recognize the talent there. I’m excited to make them an offer.”
“Wow, and to think all of this because the power went out.”
“All because you chose to make music instead of making excuses,” Dad corrects.
While the four of us continue to talk, I keep my eye on Justine and my sisters. When Peyton manages to get Maverick into Justine’s arms, something shifts in my chest.
Justine holds him naturally, talking and smiling to him. The way she interacts with him feels effortless, genuine. She’s not performing or trying to impress anyone. She’s just being herself with a baby, and it’s beautiful.
I excuse myself and step closer, needing to be in the mix.
“He likes you,” I hear Peyton say.
“He’s beautiful,” Justine says, and something in her voice makes my chest tight. “They all are.”
“You’re a natural,” my mom observes, watching as Maverick grabs onto Justine’s finger. “Some people just have that gentle touch with children.”
I watch as Elle holds out one of her boys in what seems like an offering. Somehow Justine ends up holding both babies, one in each arm, looking completely at ease. She laughs at something Peyton says about the challenges of managing triplets, and the sound is so natural, so right in this moment with my family surrounding us. She looks like she’s been in this mix from the beginning.
“You’re staring,” Noah says, jolting me from, in fact, my intense staring, watching, ogling. Whatever it needs to be called.
“I can’t help it. I see her, sitting there with my sisters, my nephews, and niece and I . . .” I pause and shake my head. If I had my choice, I would’ve been married by now.
“Tell me, Quinn, what do you see when you look at Justine?”
“My future,” I say without hesitation. The thought doesn’t scare me. It excites me. It sends this jolt of power through me, making me feel like I can do anything. Be anyone.
“I’ve never felt more comfortable with someone. It’s like she was meant for me, but I had to go through this shit with Nola to see the sun again. She’s, my sun.” I motion toward Justine, who happens to look at up. She smiles and points to the boys in her lap.
That’s when it hits me like a lightning bolt. This moment, watching Justine with my nephews while my family surrounds us, this is what I want. Not someday, not eventually. Now.
I want Justine to be part of my family officially. I want her to be the one helping with babies at every family gathering. I want our own children to call my parents Grandma and Grandpa. I want forever with her, starting now.
After more family time and a very well relaxed nap in the lazy river, I find myself on the balcony of our suite with Justine. The Vegas strip spreads out below us, a river of lights and endless possibility.