Leaving just the six of us.
“Will it be weird if I nurse him?” Zoey wrinkles her nose. “Or, you guys can start and I’ll come out in a bit.”
I cup her shoulder. “Of course not. Please do whatever you need to do.”
“I’ll get Ollie.” Ty raises his hand and waves before disappearing into the bedroom, returning minutes later with his tiny son. “Lena’s passed out on the bed.”
Jace yawns. “I’m not surprised. I haven’t had jet lag in a while. It’s no joke.”
“Let’s sit in the living room.” Zoey leads the way and settles herself on the couch. Ty sits next to her, and she leans back on him as he places Oliver in her arms. Ty carefully covers them with a blanket while Zoey situates her son to feed.
They’re so beautiful.
Jace and I sit opposite them. He loops his arm around my shoulder. We all sit around with goofy grins on our faces.
“I’m sorry,” we all say in exact unison.
Ty strokes Zoey’s hair. “No, I’m the one who’s sorry. Alex, I never wanted my shit to come in between the two of you. Zoey always wanted to be there for you. If it wasn’t for me and this little guy…”
“Shhh.” She looks up at him. “You could never come between us, Ty. I told you that.”
“Never,” I echo.
Jace shifts a bit. I know this is uncomfortable for him. “I’ve not said this, and it’s long past due. Congratulations on Oliver, my brother.”
“Thanks, man.” Ty smiles.
“Jace, I hope you know that I’m not mad at you for not calling me back. You were doing for Alex what I did for Ty. And if the situation were reversed, it would be the same. Alex and I are sisters. Our love for you guys just enhances the situation. We can raise our families together. Go through things together.” Zoey looks over at me. “Whether we’re together every single day or go months without contact, that bond is always there. It’s always strong.”
“I’d like to think our bond is just as strong.” Ty directs the comment to Jace.
He nods. And nods. Then looks up at Ty. “I’ve been a bit of a dick. Obviously, we were going through a lot. When you started acting, uh…”
“Distracted? Strange? Self-involved?” Ty offers.
“Yeah, all those things.” Jace chuckles. “I just couldn’t fathom having to deal with more shit.”
“You don’t have to.” Zoey tilts her head.
Ty kisses her temple. “She’s right. I can deal with my own shit. I’ve told you many times you’re off the hook, Jace. You need to take yourself off it.”
I stifle a giggle. Ty’s nailed it. “He likes to make sure everyone is taken care of, it’s his blessing and curse.”
Jace looks at me and arches an eyebrow.
“It’s true,” I insist.
“I’m glad you took care of Alex when she needed you.” Zoey takes Oliver out from under the blanket and begins to burp him. “It gave me so much comfort knowing the two of you could rely on each other. I guess what I’m hoping is you can see Ty and I have each other’s backs too. We’re not going to drag you into our problems ever again.”
“Okay.” Jace nods.
“Okay?” Ty confirms.
“Yes. Okay.” Jace stands and holds out his hand to LTZ’s singer.
“So, we’re gonna reconvene in the new year.” Ty’s question is actually a statement.
“Yeah. Alex and I have decided to bring Jen and Becca in as partners at the ranch. We finished our therapy certifications while we were in Italy, but we don’t want to run that type of business on a day-to-day basis. Eventually? Sure. For now, we want Lena to grow up with her family. Which includes LTZ.” Jace sits next to Ty. “You’re my brother. I will always have your back, even when you annoy the fuck out of me.”