An Inconvenient Flame

Chapter 16 - Un Poco Loco

"Fair, but you're first generation Russian. You can handle your spices because it's cultural. These two white walkers can't say the same." Jason rolled his eyes. "Make us something Nigerian that you think we can possibly handle. Worst case scenario we'll keep the water coming."

Jade thought on it and nodded. "I know exactly what to make. My sister made it at the villa for everyone when she first got there. I can tweak the ingredients so it's not as spicy." James nodded happily. He was eager to try another Jade Tatum dish.

"Was she hard to put down?" James asked Jenna as he thought of their daughter. He couldn't help but smile at that. He now had a partner when it came to Layla. He now had a partner hopefully when it came to life. James was happy and Jason and Jade could see it so clearly.

"She actually fell asleep when we were walking back from Quinn's house. I'll wake her up in an hour. I'm sure she'll love to help Jade cook dinner." James nodded his head before kissing her sweetly. "I can't stand how cute they are!" Jade whisper squealed. Jason laughed at her before pulling her close.

"You know if it weren't for us, they'd never be. Layla would never have a mother. We did a lot with our love, pretty girl. I'm just saying." Jade hummed a response before kissing his lips.

"Best friend, we're so behind on our shows." Jenna said walking out of James' arms. "Girl! I know! You want to catch up?" Jenna nodded before linking arms with Jade and heading to the living room.

Both brothers watched their women leave with smiles on their face. "This looks good on you, brother." Jason said at James' happy smile. "Happiness looks good on both of us." James said taking a seat on the stool next to Jason.

"It's really hard to believe this is real after everything I went through with Lena, but it is. Jenna is...I had dreams of what my love life would look like, Taylor. Jenna is greater than my wildest dreams. Every time she looks at me with those big blue eyes, I'm smitten all over again. Then seeing her with Layla. I feel so full."

Jason nodded his head. "I know the feeling. Hold onto that, James. Cherish the kisses. Bask in the moments you watch her with Layla. You deserve all of it and I'm so fucking happy for you." James smiled wide before patting his brother on the back.

"It's just crazy though, right? Everything that's happened to us the past week are insane. We find the women of our dreams literally out of thin air and they're best friends. What are the chances?" Jason laughed at him. "One in a billion."

"Mom is really happy. Apparently, Dad couldn't stop talking about Jade after their lunch date. It looks like our family has changed exponentially thanks to a certain gemstone."

Jason laughed at that but nodded. "I definitely agree with that statement. Jade has managed to come through and shake our little world up for the better. I wouldn't have it any other way."

James agreed wholeheartedly. "How's the team taking you being married?" Jason looked at his younger brother with an expression that said everything. James couldn't help but laugh heartily.

"What did you expect? You boasted about your exploits every chance you got. You wore each new notch on your belt like a scarlet letter." Jason rolled his eyes. "I guess...I didn't think I was that bad." James' laughter settled down.

"You didn't think it was that bad because you didn't think about anything but yourself. You were a selfish fuck, Taylor. You put yourself first and didn't give a fuck about the rest." Jason listened intently.

"It wasn't that harsh for us because we're blood, but it wasn't all rainbows and sunshine either. Jade has changed you and I'm really fucking glad because you sucked." James said frankly.