7
" I start to speak, but he pushes me. “I lost a brother, but I also gained one the day I met you. So I’m begging you not to go after Loki, because if you die I’ll be destroyed again and I don’t think I can take that.”
Fucking hell.
Jace has always been important to me—Cole, too—and I considered them my family, but I never knew he felt like I was his.
The sound of someone sniffing has us both turning to Cole.
Jace’s expression twists in horror. “Motherfucker, are you crying?”
“Nah, man,” Cole says, rolling his shoulders back. “They got some onions up in this bitch or something.”
Jace and I start howling with laughter.
“Sawyer must keep his balls in a jar on the nightstand,” Jace jokes. “Right next to her Bible.”
“Dammit. I’m telling you, it’s the onions,” Cole argues.
“It’s okay, man,” I tell him. “I love you, too. "
― Ashley Jade , Broken Kingdom (Royal Hearts Academy, #4)
9
" So,” Cole says. “Did you decide on a name yet?”
Before I can answer, everyone starts speaking at once.
“You should name him Jace after your favorite brother.”
Cole shoots Jace a dirty look. “You should name him Cole after your good-looking brother.”
Dylan gives me a rueful grin. “Dylan is a great boy’s name, too. Just saying.”
Sawyer nudges her in the ribs. “So is Sawyer.”
Oakley and I exchange a humorous glance.
“Okay,” Oakley declares, rubbing his hands together. “The bidding starts at fifty dollars.”
After pulling out his wallet, Jace slaps some money on the tray table. “I got a hundred for Jace, right here.”
Cole shoves some bills into Oakley’s hands. “I got two hundred for Cole.”
Wayne reaches inside his pocket. “Do you take credit?”
“Sorry, Pops. Cash only.” Fanning the money in his hand, Oakley looks around the room. “Any more takers?”
Dylan pulls some money out of her bra. “Yup. Four hundred for Dylan.”
“Well, I didn’t bring my checkbook with me.” Smiling smugly, Sawyer pats her stomach. “But we are having a girl and a boy. Perhaps we can work out an exchange.”
Jace glowers. “That’s not fair.”
“It’s called bartering, bro.” Reaching over, Cole high-fives his wife. “And that right there is just one reason I love you so much, Bible Thumper. You’re so fucking smart.”
Oakley’s shoveling the money into his wallet when a nurse waltzes in. “Hi, Bianca. I’m the lactation nurse. Do you think you’re ready to try breastfeeding yet?”
Jace makes a face. “And that’s my cue to leave.”
Cole shakes his head. “Not me. I’m not leaving until I know my nephew’s name is Cole.”
I’m shifting to get into a more comfortable position when I notice the blue, green, orange, and purple butterflies scattered across the nurse’s scrubs.
My chest swells and I look over at Oakley who’s smiling.
There’s only one name that feels right.
“Liam,” we whisper at the same time. "
― Ashley Jade , Broken Kingdom (Royal Hearts Academy, #4)
