Page 105 of On the Breakaway

I laugh despite myself, crouching down long enough to pull both of them into a hug.

“One at a time, monsters.”

Wyatt climbs out beside me. “Jesus Christ.”

“He won’t save you now, Wyatt,” Katie calls from the porch.

He makes a face at her, squatting to give the boys hugs.

They don’t stop talking as they follow us up the driveway, each grabbing one of my hands and attempting to drag me in opposite directions. By the time I make it to the porch, Lexie has abandoned all interest in her mother and is reaching both arms toward me.

“Well, look at that.” I scoop her up from Katie’s lap. “Give me my favorite girl.”

Lexie immediately grabs my nose.

Katie gasps dramatically. “You can’t say things like that.”

“Why not?”

“Because Jessica exists.”

She might be halfway across the country, but our older sister would definitely jump down my throat for that comment.

I grin. “Don’t tell Jessica.”

“Your funeral when Macie finds out.”

“She’s seven. She’ll never know.”

Katie laughs. “You underestimate your other niece.”

Lexie settles comfortably in my arms, tiny fingers wrapping around the collar of my shirt while I bounce her lightly on my hip.

Instant calm settles over me.

My family has always been loud. Every gathering turns into complete chaos as soon as everyone has arrived. It’s probably why being alone never seems to sit right with me.

"Hey, Lex." Wyatt reaches up and wiggles her tiny foot.

Lexie stares at him for a long moment before deciding he’s acceptable and rewarding him with a smile.

“There she is.” He points at her. “That’s my girl.”

“Get your own favorite girl,” I tell him, pushing him away.

“You two are no better than Mason and Jaxon.” Katie rolls her eyes.

The smell of food drifts outside through the screen door.

She waves us inside. “Come inside before everything gets cold.”

The boys sprint through the doorway at full speed, nearly taking each other out in the process, while Katie follows behind them, shaking her head.

She manages to get everyone seated around the table with varying levels of success. Mason is already halfway out of his chair before his plate even hits the table. Jaxon keeps kicking his legs beneath the table while narrating everything happening around him. Lexie occupies a highchair beside Katie, periodically throwing pieces of chicken onto the floor and laughing whenever someone notices.

I sit across from Wyatt while Katie moves between the table and the kitchen, grabbing drinks.

She handles it all so effortlessly, and I’m left wondering how the hell she maintains this level of multitasking constantly while not losing her shit.