“Fuck man that’s our sister.” I heard one of Lila's brothers say as I joined them again. I didn't even know why they were in my house, it was like a Trenton invasion.
“Don’t curse in front of the baby.” Lila snapped, apparently back with her sister.
“I think Ruby’s doomed to a life of bad language in this family.” I said lowly, slightly annoyed for so many reasons.
“We’re not staying long. Derrick has some fancy douche red carpet thing to go to and he asked me to tag along because he can’t get a girl to go with him.” Josh grinned and Derrick shook his head. What was Josh's job again? They were too many, I couldn't keep up with them if my life dipended on them. Maybe it was because I didn't care too.
“Yeah that’s exactly what I said.” Derrick smirked as he tossed Ruby into the air and she squealed with delight. “It has nothing to do with the fact that you have a crush on my co-star and she’s going to be there.”
“You have seen her right?” Josh grinned.
“Eww.” Colbie said, as if their brothers weren't grown up men but still boys. She had two kids herself for christ's sake.
“Don’t curse in front of the baby.” Lila snapped, apparently back with her sister.
“I think Ruby’s doomed to a life of bad language in this family.” I said lowly, slightly annoyed for so many reasons.
“We’re not staying long. Derrick has some fancy douche red carpet thing to go to and he asked me to tag along because he can’t get a girl to go with him.” Josh grinned and Derrick shook his head. What was Josh's job again? They were too many, I couldn't keep up with them if my life dipended on them. Maybe it was because I didn't care too.
“Yeah that’s exactly what I said.” Derrick smirked as he tossed Ruby into the air and she squealed with delight. “It has nothing to do with the fact that you have a crush on my co-star and she’s going to be there.”
“You have seen her right?” Josh grinned.
“Eww.” Colbie said, as if their brothers weren't grown up men but still boys. She had two kids herself for christ's sake.
“You’re hogging my niece.” Lila protested but I caught her glance at me as I sat back in my lounge chair with my beer in hand, trying to get the best from this day.“You bought Lila a Range Rover?” Derrick asked.
“It’s safer.” I replied nonchalantly, taking a swig from my bottle.
“Sure, I’m just surprised she agreed to it.” He sad back, proving to know his sister very well. “I’m sure you realized she’s a little bit stubborn.”
Jax laughed. “That’s like saying she kind of likes coffee.”
I smirked, ready with a comeback. “I-“
“If you say you have ways of convincing her I’m going to puke on the baby.” Josh replied and I faked a smirk but gave him a one shouldered shrug.
“Yuck.” Josh told Ruby who laughed and then clapped in Josh’s arms.
"I only meant that she knows better than arguing with me." I added with another shrug, tempted to groan because what was I stupid to bring up anything sex related in front of Lila's brothers?
Both Jax and Josh raised one eyebrow at me but for totally different reasons, that was for sure. I didn't care anyway. Lila's brother opened his mouth but his youngest sister was faster than him. "Where are you guys going?" Lila asked to Colbie and Jax.
"Dinner with Adam and Liz." Jax grinned for some reason that went beyond my ability to read my brother. I guessed he was just happy to go out.
"Double date." Derrik the TV star pointed out with an equally wide grin while I was starting to feel like we were too many in my house and we were stepping into a conversation I wasn't really interested in. "Lame." He added.
"We'll see if you still think it's lame when you'll have your own kids and going out will be a luxury." Colbie retorted.
"If ever." Lila added with a dramatic sigh only to shoot a teasing smile to his brother a moment later.
"That's what nannies are for." Josh pointed out matter of factly.
"That's what family is for." I interjected in monotone because sure nannies existed when you needed them, but when you had big families then I didn't see the point.
Jax grinned at me, "Thank you for making me save money." He said, making the other men in the room chuckle and I thanked god for my cheerful brother.
Lila bit down on her lip, cocking her head to the side, "I wonder how Adam will take that since you're not babysitting his girl too." She teased me.
"But I am." I answered candidly with a shrug, "Actually, they should be here to drop Poppy any moment now."
Lila's eyes widened, "What?!"
Josh furrowed his brows, looking less surprised than his sister though. "Are you sure you can handle two baby girls?" He asked me skeptically.
"Are you sure you can handle two baby girls and Lila?" Derrick added, his tone amused. "She looks like she's going to faint any minute."
"I have everything under control but thanks for your concern." I shot him a smug grin.
“I am not going to faint.” Lila threw a pillow at Derrick who smirked and chucked it back at her. Good god it was like preschool.
“Derrick! She’s still hurt!” Colbie said, grabbing the pillow back and smacking him in the face with it.
“I’m fine.” Lila rolled her eyes but Derrick looked concerned.
“F.u.ck Lila I forgot….you seem so normal.” He said seriously.
Lila rose her brows. “Okay stop. I am normal. I’m completely capable of both babysitting and kicking ass in all pillow related fights. In fact the only person’s ass here I couldn’t kick is Trav’s.”
“Amen.” I replied, smirking over at her. My girl was so wise.
“Hey!” Colbie and Jax said at the same time.
“You have never fought anything in your life. You never even slapped you’re asshole of an ex.” She reminded Colbie who scrunched up her face in defeat. “You I can out run easily.” She grinned at Jax who narrowed his eyes at her. “Plus you have a ticklish spot under your right rib that will make me win every time. Colbie told me.”
“Betrayed by the love of my life.” Jax said slowly.
Colbie laughed and cupped his face. “Forgive me.” She batted her lashes.
“Fine. But enough revealing my weaknesses. I have an image to uphold.” My brother conceeded while I watched, it was like watching TV.
“Damn.” Josh shook his head and we all turned to look at him.
“What?” Colbie asked.
“Nothing….it’s just weird. We’re all so grown up.” He finally realized that.
“I’ve had a kid for 13 years.” Colbie reminded him.
“I mean you’ve always kind of been like a mom.” He shrugged. “But it’s just nice to see that you’re happy. But you’re still you. Lila too. Now if we can get this guy to act like an adult we’ll be all set.” He shoved his hand to Derrick and Lila rolled her eyes.
“This is getting cheesy.” Lila said. “This is why I never invite you over.” That and because I never wanted to see them.
“This isn’t even your place.” Derrick pointed out. Captain obvious.
“Yeah are you even using your place or can I crash there this week instead of getting a hotel?” Josh asked.
Lila shrugged a shoulder, acting weird for some reason. “You can stay there. I have empty bedrooms…” She trailed off.
“Awesome.” Josh grinned. “I hate staying in hotels.”
“But don’t bring any girls home.” Lila narrowed her eyes.
Josh shot her an innocent look. “But what if I think she could be then one?” He asked, clearly trying not to laugh.
“Then you can take her to your place in L.A.” She replied much more seriously right as the doorbell rang.
I stood up to open the door, tiny Poppy rushing into my arms as soon as she could fit through. She was like a breath of fresh air. “Uncle Travis I’m going to play with you and Lila and cousin Ruby all night!!!!” She squealed, wrapping her arms around my neck.
“I heard.” I grinned, kissing her forehead.
“And Mom said Lila can paint my nails!” She kept squealing, her excitement looking like it might overwhelm her.
“Sure I can baby.” Lila smiled at Poppy and reached up to sweep her curls off her forehead before saying hello to Adam and Liz.
“This is a full house.” Liz commented. “Oh my god.” She blanched as her eyes met Derricks. “You’re that guy from that cop show!!!”
“You knew my brother was an actor.” Lila rolled her eyes as Derrick reached out his hand with his classic actor smile.
“That’s me.” He winked and Liz blushed as he kissed her hand.
“Seriously?” Josh asked. “She’s married.”
Derrick held up his hands in mock surrender. “I was just being nice to a fan.” He winked and Adam shook his head.
“I like you better on TV” He told him, making Colbie and Lila laugh with Josh, which made Poppy laugh louder just because she wanted to be included.
I let out a groan, taking advantage of the moment since everyone was having the time of their lives while I was dying to get my space back. It was weird how they all seemed to fit while I felt completely out, like I was watching from a glass. No one even noticed though, except for Poppy who grabbed my cheeks and squeezed them. "I want to play." She pointed out in a silly voice, showing me her tiny teeth like she was a little cute animal.
"Let's get all these all people out of here and we can play." I whispered into her ear, which made her giggle.
"What is uncle Travis telling you?" Adam asked her with a brow raised.
I watched Poppy and I pretended to zip my lips, it only making her giggle again as she repeated my same gesture.
Liz smiled, walking to us and kissing her daughter. "Be a good girl tonight."
"I'm always good." She protested, sporting her best innocent face.
I looked at all the people crowding my living room and I just couldn't resist a moment longer. "Haven't you places to be? Why is everyone still here?!" I asked in monotone, honestly not caring if I seemed rude. My brothers knew me and Lilas brothers weren't any of my concern at this point. I wanted to stay with my girls.
Jax laughed, proving to be my opposite. "Impatient much?"
"He's right you're going to be late!" Lila interjected, surprising me to be honest.
"You know you're right." Josh got up and handed Ruby to Lila as he made a face. "I think she needs to me changed."
Lila stared at him blankly. "Perfect timing." She commented but then smirked.
"I can change her before going." Colbie offered.
"No. We will. Just go and have fun okay?" I said as I did my best to keep my attitude in check but I was having a hard time.
Jax nodded and grabbed Colbie's hand. "Call us if you need anything."
I just groaned in response.
"Uncle Trav is getting mad." Poppy pointed out and glared at Jax, but it was only adorable and it made me smile.
Josh laughed, "If Ruby is going to be like this little one..." He trailed off and whistled, "Good luck Jax."
They all laughed. Again. Then they finally said bye and walked out.
"Thank f-" I cut myself off as I glanced at Lila who grinned.
"Thank god for being alone again." She saved my ass.
Poppy looked confused. "But you're not alone." She pointed out slowly.
"But we're not with all the others anymore either." Lila explained while I set my nephew back on her own feet.
"Do you want me to change her?" I suggested because I didn't know if she had ever done that. How old was her when Will was a newborn? 10? 11? Barely a baby herself.
She shot me a surprised look. "Can you?!" She asked and I just shrugged, making her roll her eyes. "Of course you can."
"Did she poop?" Poppy asked slowly, looking genuinely disgusted.
I laughed. "Maybe. But what if she did?" I grinned at her while I grabbed Ruby from Lila's arms.
"Ew." She made a dramatically disgusted face and looked at Lila. "Can you paint my nails while uncle Trav change the baby?"
I laughed again because honestly this girl killed me. She was my sunshine. "I have to remind you that only light pink nail polish is allowed." I pointed out more seriously.
"We already know that uncle Travis, no need to be so serious." Lila stuck her tongue out at me.
Poppy shook her head. "Uncle Travis is always serious. But not with me because I'm good!" She explained as if that was the biggest secret ever.
“You are good.” Lila smiled and kissed her cheek which made her squirm and blush.
“Let’s paint nails!!” She jumped into her arms before they disappeared and I got all the things I needed to change Ruby.
She kept her big eyes on me and I smiled down at her, "You're really beutiful you know that?" I told her, kissing her forehead before peeling off her playsuit only to find her diaper was opposite than it should have been.
“Your dad has no idea what he’s doing with you does he?” I chuckled as I poked her nose, making her giggle and distract her while I got rid of the dirty diaper, cleaned her, fixed the new diaper on her then spoiled her with extra belly kisses before getting her dressed agaain. I tried to hear what my other two girls were saying, but all I got was that Poppy was complaining because that little asshole of Rob pulled her hair. What was wrong with him?
“If Rob is pulling your hair you should tell me.” I said, walking in and cradling Ruby who looked much happier now that her diaper was new.
“What will you do?” Poppy asked, her big blue eyes widening.
“I’ll let him know what happens to guys who mess with my favorite girl.” I grinned and sit down next to us, keeping out the details about the ass kicking that would happen if my nephew kept being mean to my niece. Adam wasn't going to be happy about it either.
“I thought Lila was your favorite girl.” She said giggling. “Because you kiss her all the time.”
“We can tie for favorite.” Lila grinned and grabbed a waterbottle from the fridge.
“With Ruby too?” She asked me.
“Ruby too.” I nodded, laughing as Ruby grabbed his finger and started chomping on it. Babies were amazing. “You’ve got a grip on you don’t ya?” I asked softly as she stared up at me, still sucking on my thumb.
“She’s so little!!” Poppy whispered. “Ruby look at my nails!” She said, showing her the sparkles and trying to get everyone's attention because she was used to be the little one while now she wasn't anymore.
Ruby blinked down at Poppy and then squealed.
“I think she likes them.” Lil laughed.
“When she’s old enough I’ll teach her to do it too.” Poppy said seriously.
“Good idea." I grinned.
"Because I'm her big cousin." She added and got distracted, staring at her nails in awe.
I gave her an amused look then glanced at Lila who was cleaning the table, looking completely comfortable in my space. "How are you feeling today baby?" I asked her, walking over her and kissing her cheek chastely.
"I'm good." She glared then softened, smiling. "I had a good time with Colbie. Speaking of family, what were my brothers doing here?!"
Ruby made a noise that got my attention, her tiny face twisting and her bottom lip trembling. I knew what that meat. "We'll talk about that later." I told her as I cradled the tiny girl in my hold, rocking her gently. "I think we should feed Ruby first, did Colbie give you her milk?"
Lila nodded and reached for a bag, while I smirked because I didn't know if she knew what she was supposed to do. "She told me what to do." She said as reading my thoughts.
The baby started crying, so I started pacing the room to distract her. "Shhh cutie it's okay. You'll get your milk soon." I told her softly, caressing her head and doing my best to comfort her.
"Why is she crying?" Poppy asked with a frown on her face.
"Because she's hungry." Lila explained simply. "God I don't like when babies cry, it breaks my heart." She muttered to herself but I heard her anyway.
Poppy looked confused. "Why can't she just talk?" She asked candidly as if that was the simplest conclusion to come to.
I let out a chuckle. "Because she's just a baby." I said back and at that Lila chuckled too.
She walked over me, holding the bottle, but instead of grabbing it from her hand I handed her Ruby instead. "This is going to make it better." She grinned, adjusting the baby girl against her chest as she sat at the table.
"Uncle Trav I'm hungry too." Poppy said, looking up at me with her big eyes.
"Do you want some milk to?" I teased her and poked her nose.
She giggled, taking a seat next to Lila and watching closely. "No I want real food!"
"What about you help aunt Lila and I make something?" I suggested, already on my way to the fridge.
She didn't even bother to answer me, instead she stared at Lila. "Can I call you aunt Lila?" She asked almost timidly.
I gave all the attention to the girls and my heart nearly exploded at the view. My love, feeding our gorgeous niece while smiling at my other equally gorgeous niece. Lil glanced at me and shot me a questioning look. "Of course you can baby." I answered for her even though I wasn't sure about how she felt about that.
Lila kept silent and smiled, a big beautiful smile that didn't need any words.
“Colbie too?” Poppy asked.
“You’d have to ask her, but I’m sure she’d love that.” I replied.
“Hi pretty blue eyes.” Lila said to Ruby as she stared up at her while she drank, intent on the task at hand, but still blinking those bright blue eyes up at her aunt.
“Mommy says sometimes I have blue eyes and sometimes I have green eyes.” Poppy said, padding after me into the kitchen.
“She’s right.” I grinned. “Today they look blue because your dress is blue.”
“It’s like magic!” Poppy jumped, looking thrilled.
I reached down to pick her up and set her on the counter while I pulled things out of cupboards. My magic girl needed to eat. “What do you think about spaghetti?” I asked, smiling down at Poppy with a look I reserved specifically for her, I had always had. Now I had Lila, and Ruby too, but with Poppy my bond was special because she had been my ray of light and hope when I had been alone.
“I love spaghetti!!!” She exclaimed.
“Good.” I pulled out a pot from under the island and filled it with water, turning the heat on.
“You have to be careful around ovens!” Poppy said seriously just as Ruby finished her bottle.
“You were a hungry little one weren’t you?” Lila asked, setting down the empty bottle and picking her up to set on her shoulder.
“Do you know how to burp her?” I asked.
Lil glared at me and bounced with her, patting her back gently. “Did you go to some kind of parenting class I don’t know about?” She asked with a brow raised.
“It’s just innate." I winked at her, teasing. Poppy had been my parenting class. Uncling class more like it.ì.
“Is there anything that you’re not cocky about?” She asked, teasing back as she tilted her head to let Ruby snuggle against her neck. I smirked wider because they were so fucking cute.
“What is cocky?” Poppy asked, making me laugh and Lila groan.
“That’s an adult word baby.” I told her, still chuckling.
“Like dammit?” Poppy whispered the word and Lil and I gave each other a glance before looking down at Poppy. “Sometimes Mommy says that but she says I’m not supposed to because it’s an adult word.” Poppy explained.
“She’s right.” I agreed as I did my best not to laugh because she was adorable. “Also most of the things Rob says are probably adult words too.” I added.
“Rob’s not an adult!” Poppy exclaimed, watching me cut up tomatoes.
"But he's not a baby either isn't he?" I said back, tearing my eyes away from my favorite girl to focus on the tomato sauce I was making.
Poppy kept quiet for a moment, which only meant she was thinking. Either that or she was sleeping, those were the only reasons why she'd stay silent. "No. What is he then?! I'm confused." She sighed eventually, killing me.
Lila laughed from behind me. "He's a teenager. That's the word." She answered softly.
"I heard it before." My niece said back and glanced up at me. "Daddy always says Rob is like you."
I made eye contact as I put the pan on the stove and poured the spaghetti into the pot. "Do you think it's true?" I asked back, more amused than anything else. Of course it was true.
She shook her head, her pigtails waving in the air, "Nope."
"I think it's true instead." Lila interjected, smirking wide at me. "He looks a lot like uncle Travis!"
"He looks like dad instead." Poppy protested, set on her idea like the stubborn little thing she was.
"Don't I look like dad too?" I asked her while I cooked, trying not to get too distracted.
"Yes." She answered slowly and blinked her big eyes at me, studying me.
"Then I think that means that Rob looks like me too." I stared as I set the table, winking at Lila in the process.
Poppy jumped down the counter, giving me a heart attack because I was already seeing her fall and hit her head. She landed on her feet instead, thank god. "But if Rob looks like you I want to look like you too!" She protested, pouting.
Lila laughed as she sat at her place at the table, still holding Ruby who was busy looking around with her big eyes. "You're blonde just like uncle Trav cutie."
"See baby? You look like me but with no beard and way much prettier." I grinned at my niece and filled the plates. "Be careful with your spaghetti, do you want me to cut them?"
"No I can eat them!" She shook her head. Of course.
Lil set Ruby in her seat, "Let's see if uncle Trav is a good cook." She smirked at Poppy, but a second later the baby was crying already. She started reaching for her again but I stopped her.
"I got her." I picked the newest addition to my family, letting Lila eat without having her hands full while I used one to hold the baby and the other to eat.
“I like babies.” Poppy said, sighing as she made faces at Ruby, who seemed completely delighted.
“Me too.” Lila grinned. “They’re so little.”
“Yeah smaller than me!” Poppy replied, her eyes wide as if that was crazy.
Ruby screamed then, making me smirk and nuzzle against her cheek. Ruby set her hand against my head and stared at me with adoration.
“Everyone’s smaller than Uncle Travis though.” She sad with a mouthful of spaghetti.
“Don’t talk with food in your mouth.” I replied with a grin.
“What about your Dad?” Lila asked, grinning since she knew as well as I did that Adam was a few inches taller. Maybe just one.
“He’s big too.” She nodded. “And super strong.” She smiled. “Mom says he’s a superhero.”
“A superhero?! Really?” Lila asked, widening her eyes as our niece nodded.
“Yeah because he’s so strong and takes care of all of us!” She explained and rolled her eyes a little as if we were stupid and she had to tell us everything. Good god, she was something.
“You’re lucky.” Lila grinned.
“I know.” She nodded. “But if Daddy’s a superhero then I must be a princess.” She added as a second thought.
“Yes that makes perfect sense.” Lil chuckled while Ruby let out another squeal. “I think Ruby wants to be a princess too.” Lil replied, then looked at me, stared at me actually, with an expression I couldn't read.
“What?” I asked, looking at her.
She smirked and shrugged. “You look cute.” She replied. I made a face at her and she laughed. “Sorry. You have a baby. It’s automatic cute.”
“Why can’t Ruby be cute and I’ll still be….” I trailed off trying to think of a good adjective.
“Ruggedly handsome?” She offered.
I shot her a cocky grin. “Yeah.” I agreed.
“Are you two in love?” Poppy asked.
Lila smiled down at the tiny girl. “Definitely.” She admitted.
“Do you think I’ll ever be in love?”
I grumbled and Lila laughed. “Plenty of times. But don’t tell Uncle Travis.” She grinned.
Poppy widened her eyes. “Why not?” She asked.
“Because he won’t like it. Come to mention it, neither will your dad. If you’re ever in love maybe just come find me or Colbie.”
Poppy thought about that. “Colbie said she could braid my hair.” She replied, the subject changing just like that. Kids.
"Yeah we already know that." I told her casually, too busy with Ruby now who kept wriggling in my hold.
Lila shot me a look. "Travis."
Poppy seemed unaffected though, shrugging her shoulders and eating. "Aunt Lila can too." She added nonchalantly.
"Of course I can cutie." My girlfriend smiled at our niece and stared at her for a while only God knew why.
"And uncle Trav too!" The cutie added more enthusiastically.
Lila burst into a laugh. "What?! Really?!" She asked me, looking beyond amused.
"Liz taught me." I confessed and I wasn't even ashamed. I'd do anything for the people I loved and Poppy? I super loved her. So what if to make her happy I had to learn things that usually girls did? I didn't care.
"Uncle Trav can you braid my hair now?" She asked sweetly.
I shook my head because that wasn't the right time. "No, we're still eating." I pointed out quietly. I believed that dinner was an important moment of the day, one made to eat, not to touch hair.
She frowned. "But I'm finished."
"Do you want something else?" Lila asked, grabbing all our plates and getting up to set them into the sink.
"No I'm all full." She answered and rubbed her tummy as she grinned wide.
"Good baby. You know what that means right?" I asked her and she gave me an innocent look. I didn't buy that. "Go brush your teeth."
"But I think I'm too tired to get up." Poppy protested as her face turned as angelic as possible.
"I'm sorry that you're tired because I wanted to color with you before going to bed...maybe another time when you're not tired." Lila said seriously and softly. Damn I loved this girl.
Poppy lit up, jumping down the damn chair. "No! I'm not tired! I want to color!"
I bit back a grin. "Then go brush your teeth." I told her, struggling not to smile like an idiot.
"Okay but you're putting me in my pajamas!" She bargained before running away. Not ever running, she just disappeared in a blink of an eye.
"Don't run!" I yelled after her, making Ruby jump and grab my shirt.
Lila tangled her fingers with Rubys hair, looking at me. "Is Poppy sleeping here?" She asked quietly.
I nodded as I looked back at her. "We make a good team."
“Yeah we do.” Lila reached over to kiss me softly and then the baby. “I feel positively domestic.” She winked at me.
I stared at her. What did that mean? “What?” She asked, blinking. “Did I get nail polish in my hair again?” She winced, looking up at her bangs while I laughed and shook my head.
“No.”
“Then why are you looking at me like that?” She questioned.
I started to explain but Poppy came out of nowhere with her pajama’s already on. “I changed and brushed all my teeth!!” She squealed, looking so excited. “Can we color?!”
Lila nodded and grabbed the coloring books and some crayons before setting in the living room on the coffee table.
“I want to color Elsa.” She said, grabbing the Disney princess coloring book, while Lila chose one about flowers.
I set down a blanket and set Ruby down on her stomach. “Is it tummy time?” Lila asked her as if she understood anything we said. She wiggled her arms and legs and squealed.
“Why doesn’t she have to go to bed soon?” Poppy asked, pouting a little.
“She does.” I said. “But first she has to get all her wiggles out so she’ll be tired.”
Poppy narrowed her eyes but then decided she believed me. “She does wiggle a lot.”
“You did too when you were her age.” I grinned, sitting down next to Ruby and handing her a toy that she immediately put in her mouth.
“Did you babysit me then too?” Poppy asked.
“I did.”
“And Lila?” She asked turning to her.
She shook her head. “No back then I didn’t know Travis yet.”
Poppy looked upset. “Weren’t you sad without him?” She asked softly.
Lila smiled, reaching over to kiss her tiny head as she took in her words. “I was." She nodded. “I got lucky.” She turned to wink at me as I watched them with a soft amused expression.
“I got lucky too because now I have the best babysitters." She said.
“When you’re finished with that page it’s bed time.” I warned her as I glanced at my watch.
Poppy pouted. “Will you read me a story??” She asked.
I grinned at her adorable expression. "Anything for my favorite girls."
“It’s safer.” I replied nonchalantly, taking a swig from my bottle.
“Sure, I’m just surprised she agreed to it.” He sad back, proving to know his sister very well. “I’m sure you realized she’s a little bit stubborn.”
Jax laughed. “That’s like saying she kind of likes coffee.”
I smirked, ready with a comeback. “I-“
“If you say you have ways of convincing her I’m going to puke on the baby.” Josh replied and I faked a smirk but gave him a one shouldered shrug.
“Yuck.” Josh told Ruby who laughed and then clapped in Josh’s arms.
"I only meant that she knows better than arguing with me." I added with another shrug, tempted to groan because what was I stupid to bring up anything sex related in front of Lila's brothers?
Both Jax and Josh raised one eyebrow at me but for totally different reasons, that was for sure. I didn't care anyway. Lila's brother opened his mouth but his youngest sister was faster than him. "Where are you guys going?" Lila asked to Colbie and Jax.
"Dinner with Adam and Liz." Jax grinned for some reason that went beyond my ability to read my brother. I guessed he was just happy to go out.
"Double date." Derrik the TV star pointed out with an equally wide grin while I was starting to feel like we were too many in my house and we were stepping into a conversation I wasn't really interested in. "Lame." He added.
"We'll see if you still think it's lame when you'll have your own kids and going out will be a luxury." Colbie retorted.
"If ever." Lila added with a dramatic sigh only to shoot a teasing smile to his brother a moment later.
"That's what nannies are for." Josh pointed out matter of factly.
"That's what family is for." I interjected in monotone because sure nannies existed when you needed them, but when you had big families then I didn't see the point.
Jax grinned at me, "Thank you for making me save money." He said, making the other men in the room chuckle and I thanked god for my cheerful brother.
Lila bit down on her lip, cocking her head to the side, "I wonder how Adam will take that since you're not babysitting his girl too." She teased me.
"But I am." I answered candidly with a shrug, "Actually, they should be here to drop Poppy any moment now."
Lila's eyes widened, "What?!"
Josh furrowed his brows, looking less surprised than his sister though. "Are you sure you can handle two baby girls?" He asked me skeptically.
"Are you sure you can handle two baby girls and Lila?" Derrick added, his tone amused. "She looks like she's going to faint any minute."
"I have everything under control but thanks for your concern." I shot him a smug grin.
“I am not going to faint.” Lila threw a pillow at Derrick who smirked and chucked it back at her. Good god it was like preschool.
“Derrick! She’s still hurt!” Colbie said, grabbing the pillow back and smacking him in the face with it.
“I’m fine.” Lila rolled her eyes but Derrick looked concerned.
“F.u.ck Lila I forgot….you seem so normal.” He said seriously.
Lila rose her brows. “Okay stop. I am normal. I’m completely capable of both babysitting and kicking ass in all pillow related fights. In fact the only person’s ass here I couldn’t kick is Trav’s.”
“Amen.” I replied, smirking over at her. My girl was so wise.
“Hey!” Colbie and Jax said at the same time.
“You have never fought anything in your life. You never even slapped you’re asshole of an ex.” She reminded Colbie who scrunched up her face in defeat. “You I can out run easily.” She grinned at Jax who narrowed his eyes at her. “Plus you have a ticklish spot under your right rib that will make me win every time. Colbie told me.”
“Betrayed by the love of my life.” Jax said slowly.
Colbie laughed and cupped his face. “Forgive me.” She batted her lashes.
“Fine. But enough revealing my weaknesses. I have an image to uphold.” My brother conceeded while I watched, it was like watching TV.
“Damn.” Josh shook his head and we all turned to look at him.
“What?” Colbie asked.
“Nothing….it’s just weird. We’re all so grown up.” He finally realized that.
“I’ve had a kid for 13 years.” Colbie reminded him.
“I mean you’ve always kind of been like a mom.” He shrugged. “But it’s just nice to see that you’re happy. But you’re still you. Lila too. Now if we can get this guy to act like an adult we’ll be all set.” He shoved his hand to Derrick and Lila rolled her eyes.
“This is getting cheesy.” Lila said. “This is why I never invite you over.” That and because I never wanted to see them.
“This isn’t even your place.” Derrick pointed out. Captain obvious.
“Yeah are you even using your place or can I crash there this week instead of getting a hotel?” Josh asked.
Lila shrugged a shoulder, acting weird for some reason. “You can stay there. I have empty bedrooms…” She trailed off.
“Awesome.” Josh grinned. “I hate staying in hotels.”
“But don’t bring any girls home.” Lila narrowed her eyes.
Josh shot her an innocent look. “But what if I think she could be then one?” He asked, clearly trying not to laugh.
“Then you can take her to your place in L.A.” She replied much more seriously right as the doorbell rang.
I stood up to open the door, tiny Poppy rushing into my arms as soon as she could fit through. She was like a breath of fresh air. “Uncle Travis I’m going to play with you and Lila and cousin Ruby all night!!!!” She squealed, wrapping her arms around my neck.
“I heard.” I grinned, kissing her forehead.
“And Mom said Lila can paint my nails!” She kept squealing, her excitement looking like it might overwhelm her.
“Sure I can baby.” Lila smiled at Poppy and reached up to sweep her curls off her forehead before saying hello to Adam and Liz.
“This is a full house.” Liz commented. “Oh my god.” She blanched as her eyes met Derricks. “You’re that guy from that cop show!!!”
“You knew my brother was an actor.” Lila rolled her eyes as Derrick reached out his hand with his classic actor smile.
“That’s me.” He winked and Liz blushed as he kissed her hand.
“Seriously?” Josh asked. “She’s married.”
Derrick held up his hands in mock surrender. “I was just being nice to a fan.” He winked and Adam shook his head.
“I like you better on TV” He told him, making Colbie and Lila laugh with Josh, which made Poppy laugh louder just because she wanted to be included.
I let out a groan, taking advantage of the moment since everyone was having the time of their lives while I was dying to get my space back. It was weird how they all seemed to fit while I felt completely out, like I was watching from a glass. No one even noticed though, except for Poppy who grabbed my cheeks and squeezed them. "I want to play." She pointed out in a silly voice, showing me her tiny teeth like she was a little cute animal.
"Let's get all these all people out of here and we can play." I whispered into her ear, which made her giggle.
"What is uncle Travis telling you?" Adam asked her with a brow raised.
I watched Poppy and I pretended to zip my lips, it only making her giggle again as she repeated my same gesture.
Liz smiled, walking to us and kissing her daughter. "Be a good girl tonight."
"I'm always good." She protested, sporting her best innocent face.
I looked at all the people crowding my living room and I just couldn't resist a moment longer. "Haven't you places to be? Why is everyone still here?!" I asked in monotone, honestly not caring if I seemed rude. My brothers knew me and Lilas brothers weren't any of my concern at this point. I wanted to stay with my girls.
Jax laughed, proving to be my opposite. "Impatient much?"
"He's right you're going to be late!" Lila interjected, surprising me to be honest.
"You know you're right." Josh got up and handed Ruby to Lila as he made a face. "I think she needs to me changed."
Lila stared at him blankly. "Perfect timing." She commented but then smirked.
"I can change her before going." Colbie offered.
"No. We will. Just go and have fun okay?" I said as I did my best to keep my attitude in check but I was having a hard time.
Jax nodded and grabbed Colbie's hand. "Call us if you need anything."
I just groaned in response.
"Uncle Trav is getting mad." Poppy pointed out and glared at Jax, but it was only adorable and it made me smile.
Josh laughed, "If Ruby is going to be like this little one..." He trailed off and whistled, "Good luck Jax."
They all laughed. Again. Then they finally said bye and walked out.
"Thank f-" I cut myself off as I glanced at Lila who grinned.
"Thank god for being alone again." She saved my ass.
Poppy looked confused. "But you're not alone." She pointed out slowly.
"But we're not with all the others anymore either." Lila explained while I set my nephew back on her own feet.
"Do you want me to change her?" I suggested because I didn't know if she had ever done that. How old was her when Will was a newborn? 10? 11? Barely a baby herself.
She shot me a surprised look. "Can you?!" She asked and I just shrugged, making her roll her eyes. "Of course you can."
"Did she poop?" Poppy asked slowly, looking genuinely disgusted.
I laughed. "Maybe. But what if she did?" I grinned at her while I grabbed Ruby from Lila's arms.
"Ew." She made a dramatically disgusted face and looked at Lila. "Can you paint my nails while uncle Trav change the baby?"
I laughed again because honestly this girl killed me. She was my sunshine. "I have to remind you that only light pink nail polish is allowed." I pointed out more seriously.
"We already know that uncle Travis, no need to be so serious." Lila stuck her tongue out at me.
Poppy shook her head. "Uncle Travis is always serious. But not with me because I'm good!" She explained as if that was the biggest secret ever.
“You are good.” Lila smiled and kissed her cheek which made her squirm and blush.
“Let’s paint nails!!” She jumped into her arms before they disappeared and I got all the things I needed to change Ruby.
She kept her big eyes on me and I smiled down at her, "You're really beutiful you know that?" I told her, kissing her forehead before peeling off her playsuit only to find her diaper was opposite than it should have been.
“Your dad has no idea what he’s doing with you does he?” I chuckled as I poked her nose, making her giggle and distract her while I got rid of the dirty diaper, cleaned her, fixed the new diaper on her then spoiled her with extra belly kisses before getting her dressed agaain. I tried to hear what my other two girls were saying, but all I got was that Poppy was complaining because that little asshole of Rob pulled her hair. What was wrong with him?
“If Rob is pulling your hair you should tell me.” I said, walking in and cradling Ruby who looked much happier now that her diaper was new.
“What will you do?” Poppy asked, her big blue eyes widening.
“I’ll let him know what happens to guys who mess with my favorite girl.” I grinned and sit down next to us, keeping out the details about the ass kicking that would happen if my nephew kept being mean to my niece. Adam wasn't going to be happy about it either.
“I thought Lila was your favorite girl.” She said giggling. “Because you kiss her all the time.”
“We can tie for favorite.” Lila grinned and grabbed a waterbottle from the fridge.
“With Ruby too?” She asked me.
“Ruby too.” I nodded, laughing as Ruby grabbed his finger and started chomping on it. Babies were amazing. “You’ve got a grip on you don’t ya?” I asked softly as she stared up at me, still sucking on my thumb.
“She’s so little!!” Poppy whispered. “Ruby look at my nails!” She said, showing her the sparkles and trying to get everyone's attention because she was used to be the little one while now she wasn't anymore.
Ruby blinked down at Poppy and then squealed.
“I think she likes them.” Lil laughed.
“When she’s old enough I’ll teach her to do it too.” Poppy said seriously.
“Good idea." I grinned.
"Because I'm her big cousin." She added and got distracted, staring at her nails in awe.
I gave her an amused look then glanced at Lila who was cleaning the table, looking completely comfortable in my space. "How are you feeling today baby?" I asked her, walking over her and kissing her cheek chastely.
"I'm good." She glared then softened, smiling. "I had a good time with Colbie. Speaking of family, what were my brothers doing here?!"
Ruby made a noise that got my attention, her tiny face twisting and her bottom lip trembling. I knew what that meat. "We'll talk about that later." I told her as I cradled the tiny girl in my hold, rocking her gently. "I think we should feed Ruby first, did Colbie give you her milk?"
Lila nodded and reached for a bag, while I smirked because I didn't know if she knew what she was supposed to do. "She told me what to do." She said as reading my thoughts.
The baby started crying, so I started pacing the room to distract her. "Shhh cutie it's okay. You'll get your milk soon." I told her softly, caressing her head and doing my best to comfort her.
"Why is she crying?" Poppy asked with a frown on her face.
"Because she's hungry." Lila explained simply. "God I don't like when babies cry, it breaks my heart." She muttered to herself but I heard her anyway.
Poppy looked confused. "Why can't she just talk?" She asked candidly as if that was the simplest conclusion to come to.
I let out a chuckle. "Because she's just a baby." I said back and at that Lila chuckled too.
She walked over me, holding the bottle, but instead of grabbing it from her hand I handed her Ruby instead. "This is going to make it better." She grinned, adjusting the baby girl against her chest as she sat at the table.
"Uncle Trav I'm hungry too." Poppy said, looking up at me with her big eyes.
"Do you want some milk to?" I teased her and poked her nose.
She giggled, taking a seat next to Lila and watching closely. "No I want real food!"
"What about you help aunt Lila and I make something?" I suggested, already on my way to the fridge.
She didn't even bother to answer me, instead she stared at Lila. "Can I call you aunt Lila?" She asked almost timidly.
I gave all the attention to the girls and my heart nearly exploded at the view. My love, feeding our gorgeous niece while smiling at my other equally gorgeous niece. Lil glanced at me and shot me a questioning look. "Of course you can baby." I answered for her even though I wasn't sure about how she felt about that.
Lila kept silent and smiled, a big beautiful smile that didn't need any words.
“Colbie too?” Poppy asked.
“You’d have to ask her, but I’m sure she’d love that.” I replied.
“Hi pretty blue eyes.” Lila said to Ruby as she stared up at her while she drank, intent on the task at hand, but still blinking those bright blue eyes up at her aunt.
“Mommy says sometimes I have blue eyes and sometimes I have green eyes.” Poppy said, padding after me into the kitchen.
“She’s right.” I grinned. “Today they look blue because your dress is blue.”
“It’s like magic!” Poppy jumped, looking thrilled.
I reached down to pick her up and set her on the counter while I pulled things out of cupboards. My magic girl needed to eat. “What do you think about spaghetti?” I asked, smiling down at Poppy with a look I reserved specifically for her, I had always had. Now I had Lila, and Ruby too, but with Poppy my bond was special because she had been my ray of light and hope when I had been alone.
“I love spaghetti!!!” She exclaimed.
“Good.” I pulled out a pot from under the island and filled it with water, turning the heat on.
“You have to be careful around ovens!” Poppy said seriously just as Ruby finished her bottle.
“You were a hungry little one weren’t you?” Lila asked, setting down the empty bottle and picking her up to set on her shoulder.
“Do you know how to burp her?” I asked.
Lil glared at me and bounced with her, patting her back gently. “Did you go to some kind of parenting class I don’t know about?” She asked with a brow raised.
“It’s just innate." I winked at her, teasing. Poppy had been my parenting class. Uncling class more like it.ì.
“Is there anything that you’re not cocky about?” She asked, teasing back as she tilted her head to let Ruby snuggle against her neck. I smirked wider because they were so fucking cute.
“What is cocky?” Poppy asked, making me laugh and Lila groan.
“That’s an adult word baby.” I told her, still chuckling.
“Like dammit?” Poppy whispered the word and Lil and I gave each other a glance before looking down at Poppy. “Sometimes Mommy says that but she says I’m not supposed to because it’s an adult word.” Poppy explained.
“She’s right.” I agreed as I did my best not to laugh because she was adorable. “Also most of the things Rob says are probably adult words too.” I added.
“Rob’s not an adult!” Poppy exclaimed, watching me cut up tomatoes.
"But he's not a baby either isn't he?" I said back, tearing my eyes away from my favorite girl to focus on the tomato sauce I was making.
Poppy kept quiet for a moment, which only meant she was thinking. Either that or she was sleeping, those were the only reasons why she'd stay silent. "No. What is he then?! I'm confused." She sighed eventually, killing me.
Lila laughed from behind me. "He's a teenager. That's the word." She answered softly.
"I heard it before." My niece said back and glanced up at me. "Daddy always says Rob is like you."
I made eye contact as I put the pan on the stove and poured the spaghetti into the pot. "Do you think it's true?" I asked back, more amused than anything else. Of course it was true.
She shook her head, her pigtails waving in the air, "Nope."
"I think it's true instead." Lila interjected, smirking wide at me. "He looks a lot like uncle Travis!"
"He looks like dad instead." Poppy protested, set on her idea like the stubborn little thing she was.
"Don't I look like dad too?" I asked her while I cooked, trying not to get too distracted.
"Yes." She answered slowly and blinked her big eyes at me, studying me.
"Then I think that means that Rob looks like me too." I stared as I set the table, winking at Lila in the process.
Poppy jumped down the counter, giving me a heart attack because I was already seeing her fall and hit her head. She landed on her feet instead, thank god. "But if Rob looks like you I want to look like you too!" She protested, pouting.
Lila laughed as she sat at her place at the table, still holding Ruby who was busy looking around with her big eyes. "You're blonde just like uncle Trav cutie."
"See baby? You look like me but with no beard and way much prettier." I grinned at my niece and filled the plates. "Be careful with your spaghetti, do you want me to cut them?"
"No I can eat them!" She shook her head. Of course.
Lil set Ruby in her seat, "Let's see if uncle Trav is a good cook." She smirked at Poppy, but a second later the baby was crying already. She started reaching for her again but I stopped her.
"I got her." I picked the newest addition to my family, letting Lila eat without having her hands full while I used one to hold the baby and the other to eat.
“I like babies.” Poppy said, sighing as she made faces at Ruby, who seemed completely delighted.
“Me too.” Lila grinned. “They’re so little.”
“Yeah smaller than me!” Poppy replied, her eyes wide as if that was crazy.
Ruby screamed then, making me smirk and nuzzle against her cheek. Ruby set her hand against my head and stared at me with adoration.
“Everyone’s smaller than Uncle Travis though.” She sad with a mouthful of spaghetti.
“Don’t talk with food in your mouth.” I replied with a grin.
“What about your Dad?” Lila asked, grinning since she knew as well as I did that Adam was a few inches taller. Maybe just one.
“He’s big too.” She nodded. “And super strong.” She smiled. “Mom says he’s a superhero.”
“A superhero?! Really?” Lila asked, widening her eyes as our niece nodded.
“Yeah because he’s so strong and takes care of all of us!” She explained and rolled her eyes a little as if we were stupid and she had to tell us everything. Good god, she was something.
“You’re lucky.” Lila grinned.
“I know.” She nodded. “But if Daddy’s a superhero then I must be a princess.” She added as a second thought.
“Yes that makes perfect sense.” Lil chuckled while Ruby let out another squeal. “I think Ruby wants to be a princess too.” Lil replied, then looked at me, stared at me actually, with an expression I couldn't read.
“What?” I asked, looking at her.
She smirked and shrugged. “You look cute.” She replied. I made a face at her and she laughed. “Sorry. You have a baby. It’s automatic cute.”
“Why can’t Ruby be cute and I’ll still be….” I trailed off trying to think of a good adjective.
“Ruggedly handsome?” She offered.
I shot her a cocky grin. “Yeah.” I agreed.
“Are you two in love?” Poppy asked.
Lila smiled down at the tiny girl. “Definitely.” She admitted.
“Do you think I’ll ever be in love?”
I grumbled and Lila laughed. “Plenty of times. But don’t tell Uncle Travis.” She grinned.
Poppy widened her eyes. “Why not?” She asked.
“Because he won’t like it. Come to mention it, neither will your dad. If you’re ever in love maybe just come find me or Colbie.”
Poppy thought about that. “Colbie said she could braid my hair.” She replied, the subject changing just like that. Kids.
"Yeah we already know that." I told her casually, too busy with Ruby now who kept wriggling in my hold.
Lila shot me a look. "Travis."
Poppy seemed unaffected though, shrugging her shoulders and eating. "Aunt Lila can too." She added nonchalantly.
"Of course I can cutie." My girlfriend smiled at our niece and stared at her for a while only God knew why.
"And uncle Trav too!" The cutie added more enthusiastically.
Lila burst into a laugh. "What?! Really?!" She asked me, looking beyond amused.
"Liz taught me." I confessed and I wasn't even ashamed. I'd do anything for the people I loved and Poppy? I super loved her. So what if to make her happy I had to learn things that usually girls did? I didn't care.
"Uncle Trav can you braid my hair now?" She asked sweetly.
I shook my head because that wasn't the right time. "No, we're still eating." I pointed out quietly. I believed that dinner was an important moment of the day, one made to eat, not to touch hair.
She frowned. "But I'm finished."
"Do you want something else?" Lila asked, grabbing all our plates and getting up to set them into the sink.
"No I'm all full." She answered and rubbed her tummy as she grinned wide.
"Good baby. You know what that means right?" I asked her and she gave me an innocent look. I didn't buy that. "Go brush your teeth."
"But I think I'm too tired to get up." Poppy protested as her face turned as angelic as possible.
"I'm sorry that you're tired because I wanted to color with you before going to bed...maybe another time when you're not tired." Lila said seriously and softly. Damn I loved this girl.
Poppy lit up, jumping down the damn chair. "No! I'm not tired! I want to color!"
I bit back a grin. "Then go brush your teeth." I told her, struggling not to smile like an idiot.
"Okay but you're putting me in my pajamas!" She bargained before running away. Not ever running, she just disappeared in a blink of an eye.
"Don't run!" I yelled after her, making Ruby jump and grab my shirt.
Lila tangled her fingers with Rubys hair, looking at me. "Is Poppy sleeping here?" She asked quietly.
I nodded as I looked back at her. "We make a good team."
“Yeah we do.” Lila reached over to kiss me softly and then the baby. “I feel positively domestic.” She winked at me.
I stared at her. What did that mean? “What?” She asked, blinking. “Did I get nail polish in my hair again?” She winced, looking up at her bangs while I laughed and shook my head.
“No.”
“Then why are you looking at me like that?” She questioned.
I started to explain but Poppy came out of nowhere with her pajama’s already on. “I changed and brushed all my teeth!!” She squealed, looking so excited. “Can we color?!”
Lila nodded and grabbed the coloring books and some crayons before setting in the living room on the coffee table.
“I want to color Elsa.” She said, grabbing the Disney princess coloring book, while Lila chose one about flowers.
I set down a blanket and set Ruby down on her stomach. “Is it tummy time?” Lila asked her as if she understood anything we said. She wiggled her arms and legs and squealed.
“Why doesn’t she have to go to bed soon?” Poppy asked, pouting a little.
“She does.” I said. “But first she has to get all her wiggles out so she’ll be tired.”
Poppy narrowed her eyes but then decided she believed me. “She does wiggle a lot.”
“You did too when you were her age.” I grinned, sitting down next to Ruby and handing her a toy that she immediately put in her mouth.
“Did you babysit me then too?” Poppy asked.
“I did.”
“And Lila?” She asked turning to her.
She shook her head. “No back then I didn’t know Travis yet.”
Poppy looked upset. “Weren’t you sad without him?” She asked softly.
Lila smiled, reaching over to kiss her tiny head as she took in her words. “I was." She nodded. “I got lucky.” She turned to wink at me as I watched them with a soft amused expression.
“I got lucky too because now I have the best babysitters." She said.
“When you’re finished with that page it’s bed time.” I warned her as I glanced at my watch.
Poppy pouted. “Will you read me a story??” She asked.
I grinned at her adorable expression. "Anything for my favorite girls."
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