Chapter 0927

"Dad instincts, kicking in on day one," Mark says, laughing a little, leaning back in his chair and popping a mint cookie in his mouth.

Jackson sighs, thinking he's getting a bit too much credit for that. He turns his eyes back to Ella. "How do I do this?"

"Oh, it's not so bad when they're little like this," Ella says with a sigh, leaning forward to study Marigold. "She's what...four?"

Marigold's eyes flick up and she gives Ella a single steady nod before returning her gaze to her noodles, eating with gusto.

As one, all of the adults at the table break into a smile at that.

"God, she's like...a teeny tiny Jacks," Mark murmurs, leaning closer. Marigold ignores him but Rafe nods in agreement.

"So serious," Rafe says, laughing a little. "And intent on her food."

Jacks smirks, studying the girl, realizing that that's at least a little true, and thinking again that...well, that she looks like him. Sweeter, and softer, and - obviously tiny. But the stern set of her mouth, and her broad forehead onto which her hair flops, all dark and messy...

God, but she's...his little mini.

before

studying Jackson alongside the girl. "They're potty-trained, so you don't have to deal with any of that mess. And

nod. She smiles softly, trying very hard to keep the fluttering joy in

her. Talk to her, make sure she's loved and

Ella in surprise at this offer. Mark nods eagerly

right? Which makes this little one my niece." He grins, leaning over on the table and bending low so that his eyes are even with Marigold's. "I always wondered when I'd get one of those. Never thought this is how it

about this big man grinning at her like that, even as she continues to eat her supper. Rafe bursts out laughing, sitting

says with

over her chest as she studies the little girl. "Regarding the niece question, I think a great

a cheerful

his eyes opening wide as he panics.

go rigid, turning towards

going on?" Ariel

you guys everywhere - Jesse's upstairs with a bunch of bags, he can't find you either, and he won't

on the little girl, who

a little, moving towards

"Who is thi-"

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