Page 64 of For Your Consideration

Jane and Henry Hutchinson were standing before us with big smiles on their faces. The people that took me in and raised me and, in all the ways that mattered, were my parents.

I had seen them the last time I was in London when we’d met for lunch. Neither of them had mentioned they were planning to come here and that had been just a few weeks ago. Even with a private plane at our disposal, this seemed planned.

“Mum, you asked for this to be a surprise. I only told Quinn because I had to tell someone,” Noah announced.

All the guys let out excited whoops and went about hugging them. Jane ignored the boys and hugged Quinn first before letting the rest come to her. I stepped back to stand next to Sutton who looked even more overwhelmed now.

To be fair, she’d only been expecting dinner with Quinn and Knight.

“Those are Noah’s parents,” I muttered low enough for her to hear.

“Are you sure it’s okay that we’re here?” Sutton asked, worrying her lip.

“Of course. You’re a part of this group and everyone will be thrilled to have you. You belong here.”

Her eyes got a little misty but before she could respond, Jane’s voice cut in.

“Oh my God! Asher Lawson! Who is this?” She beelined toward me, practically pushing Oli out of the way, her eyes locked on the baby in my arms.

“Hi, Mum,” I said with a small laugh, noticing how Sutton’s eyes softened as she watched our interaction.

I’d been in university when I first called her mum. I’d done it mostly as a joke when we were teasing her but when she started crying and waving her hand over her eyes to stop the tears, I decided I would call her that in earnest from then on.

Jane and Henry had taken me in during the darkest time in my life. When I wasn’t sure where my next meal would come from, or where I would be sleeping next. They grounded me, accepted me for who I was, and gave me the space I needed to heal.

As Jane got to me, she reached out and patted my face but didn’t take her eyes off Sophie.

“Asher, introduce me right now.”

“Jane, meet Sophie.” I bounced a little for Sophie. She let out a small giggle but kept her head on me, a little skeptical of the newcomer in front of her.

“I knew this would happen.” Noah let out a dramatic sigh. “I knew I was going to lose top spot the second she saw Soph.”

“I’m pretty sure you lost top spot when Quinn came around,” Knight said as he looped his hand around Quinn’s shoulders and pulled her into his side.

“He’s not wrong,” Henry laughed as his son glared at him.

“I’m sorry.” Sutton shifted uncomfortably, like she was going to take Sophie from me. “She can be fussy with new people.”

“She’s a sweet girl.” Jane smiled, reaching out her finger. Sophie looked between us, then decided to grab it. She started babbling and kicking her legs. “You must be her mum, Sutton, right?” She turned to look at Sutton while Sophie kept a hold of her finger. I’d mentioned her a few times—well, maybe it was the only thing I’d talked to her about on the phone, just little stories or passing comments, but Jane knew exactly who she was.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs.—”

“Please, call me Jane,” she said, cutting Sutton off before she could finish. “I want to hold her if that would be okay with you.” She moved her attention to Sophie.

“You’re welcome to her but she might cry. She doesn’t love leaving me but she hates being pulled away from Ash even more,” she said with a small smile. I, on the other hand, winked at her and then passed Sophie over to Jane. She took her quickly.

“How about you and I go look out the window and you can tell me a story so we can forget Asher exists?”

Sophie looked back at me and Sutton a few times but then must have decided she was going to be okay. She started babbling back at Jane. I’d noticed she would do that when she was comfortable.

“She’s getting better with new people,” Sutton commented as she watched her, a look of pride mixed with sadness shining in her eyes.

“Don’t,” I said quietly as Henry and some of the guys moved to the patio while Quinn and Knight headed back to the kitchen.

“Don’t what?” she asked, looking up at me, confused.

“Don’t feel bad for Sophie having to get used to people. You have done the best for that girl and provided her with a caring home. Now we can work on getting her used to her family.” I watched as she opened her mouth and then frowned.