Page 83 of Open To Negotiation

“You have a lovely home, Jane,” I said as we all circled around the table.

“Thank you.” She smiled as she looked around proudly. “The boys didn’t give me much of an option but Henry and I love it here.” She looked behind me at the guys grabbing snacks off the table like they hadn’t eaten in days rather than hours. “Boys, I have all of your rooms set up so off you go. I’ll give Quinn a tour later.”

“I can do that,” Theo said, but Jane literally shoved him out of the room.

He would have gone willingly since he had some serious height and weight on her. All of them did, but she seemed like she had no problem bossing them around. I needed to take notes.

“Get, she’s mine now.”

“Not even five minutes and you’ve already lost her. I think that means none of us win right?” Jaxson asked, laughing as they moved out of the room.

“It’s like they revert to teenagers when they show up here.” Jane grabbed my arm and pulled me out the open back doors.

As we stepped out, I was struck with the alluring scent of flowers with undertones of fresh cut grass. There was a large patio with comfortable seating, a table, and a grill. Behind a stone retaining wall was a patch of grass surrounding garden beds, some were on the ground and others were raised. There were roses, hydrangeas, lavender, and other beautifully colored flowers I couldn’t name. The flowers were just starting to really grow and I’m sure this yard would be even more spectacular in a month or two at the height of summer.

“This place… it’s amazing,” I commented as I looked around in awe. It was maybe one of the most peaceful places I had ever been, it felt like a home. It had the same feeling that Theo’s place did.

“I know how you feel.” She came to join me at the edge of the patio leading to another path. “When they first brought me here, I was so mad, I didn’t want them doing this for me. I didn’t even want to come inside but of course they talked me into it, they can be convincing. But then I walked through it, I couldn’t help but fall in love.

“They made sure there were enough rooms for all of them to come here when they needed, which was big for me. Noah may be my only blood child but I feel like they’re all mine. And then I saw this garden, it was smaller at the time but no less beautiful. And I gave up.”

I smiled over at her just as a large golden retriever came barreling toward us letting out an excited bark.

“Tucker. No!” Jane called out, her tone high and eyes wide.

It gave me enough warning to bend down and prepare for impact.

The dog rammed into me with full force and started licking my face, his tail was moving in a circle as he pranced around me. Thankfully I’d braced myself well enough that I didn’t fall over completely, not that I thought the dog would have been deterred.

“Sorry, he got ahead of me!” A man came down the path that Tucker had come from. Noah got his height from his dad and apparently the ability to build muscle, since I’m pretty sure he could lift more weight than me. His hair was darker, with grey streaks through it, and his skin was tan from working in the sun. It honestly boded very well for how Noah would age.

“It’s no problem.” I gave Tucker a good scratch behind the ears and his tongue hung out of his mouth happily. I stood up as the boys came outside. Tucker quickly abandoned me and ran straight for Asher who bent down the same as I had.

“Hi, Quinn, it’s nice to meet you,” Henry said as I turned back to him. “I would shake your hand but…” He held up his dirt covered palms.

“Henry,” Jane scolded while she shook her head and looked up at the sky. “Go get yourself cleaned up, I’ve got snacks before dinner.”

“I knew it,” muttered Noah as Theo came behind me and wrapped his arm over my shoulder, pulling me into his chest as my hands grabbed his forearm.

“What?” I asked, looking from Noah to Theo.

“Jane’s version of snacks is usually enough for a whole meal.”

“But if we don’t eat dinner after she’ll be offended,” Asher added quietly from beside me.

“Boys, come help me carry the trays,” Jane called as she headed back inside.

Theo kissed my head before untangling himself from me. “Stay here.”

“But I can—”

“No chance, Love,” he interrupted before following the others inside.

Twenty minutes later we were all settled with drinks in our hands and an enormous amount of food spread around us.

“How was the event last night? Henry and I were sorry to miss it,” Jane said, looking around. I watched as Henry reached over and squeezed her hand, leaving it in her lap. I’d noticed quickly that those two still looked at each other like they were teenagers in love and it was so endearing to witness.

“Biggest one yet,” Asher replied. For a man that never seemed to let his guard down, he was softer here, like he knew this place was safe.