Keeping You (Destined Love #3)

35. Matt

CHAPTER 35

Matt

O ne Month Later

Sitting in Caleb and Bailey’s backyard after dinner, I’m content. I’m surrounded by friends and family, and I know when I leave here, I can text Megan and she’ll come to my place. I’m happy my friends and sister have found the people they want to share the rest of their lives with. I want that one day, but right now, I’m enjoying the lack of responsibility and fun. I have plenty of time before I need to settle down.

Liv hands me Cate before she heads into the house. I have a soft spot for my niece. I can spoil her rotten and then send her home to her parents. I can’t wait until I can feed her tons of sugar and then send her home. I love my sister and will always protect her, but she’s my baby sister and it’s my brotherly duty to bug her and get under her skin.

Zoey comes and sits beside me, dancing her fingers in front of Cate’s face while she makes silly noises. Cate giggles, and a smile spreads across Zoey’s face. She’s so good with her. I know she loves being Aunty Zoey and hanging out with Cate whenever she can.

“You want kids?” I ask her.

Her eyes flick to me, her smile faltering for a second before she plasters it back on and returns her attention to Cate. “Eventually.”

I nod, not wanting to pry more. Zoey and I’ve grown closer over the last year, but not close enough that I can push the topic.

Cate starts to fuss in my arms, and I adjust her to bounce her a little, but it doesn’t work. Zoey reaches out and takes her from me, standing and walking as she bounces her. Cate calms down almost immediately. I stand behind her and make faces at Cate, and she giggles. The sound warms my heart.

As I stand here with Zoey and Cate, I’m beginning to wonder if maybe I should start thinking about settling down sooner than later and actually putting some effort into dating instead of hook-ups.

Liv comes back and takes her daughter back.

“Zo, your date with the new teacher is all set for next week. I texted you his number so you guys can coordinate the rest,” Liv says.

A pang of jealousy hits me, but I brush it off. I shouldn’t be jealous that Liv is helping Zoey find someone. When Cate smiles at me from Liv’s arms, I set my resolve to stop fucking around and settle down.