Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
“More than okay. Tomorrow, I’ll talk to Paul and Jeremy. They’ve been very circumspect, which is surprising, but they’ll be thrilled we worked it out. You’ll meet them on Sunday.”
“I have to bring something.”
“Cake.”
She laughed. “Aren’t you tired… Forget I said that. I will bring a few. I have a chocolate fudge cake you haven’t tried. And a spice cake with maple frosting.”
“I vote for those.”
“Okay.”
“Only if you have time.”
“I’ll make time. I’m not showing up empty-handed.”
I didn’t argue with her. I knew there was no point. I stood and walked down the few steps, turning to look at her.
“I hate leaving you.”
She hesitated. “You could stay.”
“No. I want you to be sure. Completely sure.”
“Thank you.”
I rested one foot on the bottom step and leaned over. She stretched closer, and our mouths connected. Moved and brushed together. Softly. Sweetly. I cupped the back of her head and kissed her harder. Slid my tongue inside to taste her. She whimpered, cupping my jaw. I kissed her until I knew I had to stop or I would carry her back inside and make love to her. I eased back, dropping kisses on her brow, cheek, and nose.
“I’m calling you when I get home.”
“Are we having phone sex?” she breathed, her eyes dancing.
I laughed and kissed her again. “Minx. I just want your voice to be the last thing I hear before I fall asleep.”
“I’d like that.”
I kissed her again, then forced myself to walk away.
It took everything in me to do so.
* * *
Monday morning, I headed straight to Paul’s office. He was at his desk, looking over some plans. Jeremy was at the drafting table in the corner, bent over his task. I rapped on the door and walked in, shutting it behind me. They both looked up, each offering a smile.
“Hey. What’s up?” Jeremy asked, his eyes dancing. “Coming to confess, big bro?”
I laughed. We were the exact same age, but those minutes between our births meant something to us. We always teased Paul for being the middle child in our group.
I sat down, and Paul joined us, nudging me with his knee. “Talked to Liam last night. I hear you and your girl have made up. That you took her to meet the family.”
I was glad to see no anger in his expression. Curiosity, for sure, maybe a small hint of hurt, but not anger.
“We are back together,” I stated simply. “Meeting the family wasn’t planned. I didn’t intentionally cut you out. Liam brought her out to see me, and I was showing her around. It just…happened.”
Paul laughed. “Things usually do with this family.”
“So, you’re not hiding anymore?” Jeremy asked.
“No.” I sat back with a sigh. “I didn’t mean to hide. I was an idiot. I just didn’t want to share.”
“Were you ashamed of us?” Paul asked. “I mean, Ava said you weren’t…” He frowned, looking worried.
“No, not at all.” I sucked in a deep breath. “You guys were right. I was feeling left out. I knew we’d all find someone and lead separate lives, but I hadn’t expected it to happen at the same time.” I snorted. “And with twins.”
“We sort of figured that out, but you wouldn’t talk to us.” Jeremy cocked his head to the side. “Still being the protective, selfless Ronan. Always deferring to us.”
I was surprised Ava had been correct when she’d said they knew what I did. I didn’t really think they had figured it out. “You knew that?”
They both laughed. “Everyone knew it, Ronan. You don’t see yourself the way we do.” Paul clasped my shoulder. “We both look up to you. We love you.”
“So, you’re not angry?”
“Because you were a selfish ass for a few weeks and hid part of yourself?” Jeremy shrugged. “Mildly annoyed, but we’re over it. We knew you’d find your feet.” He grinned. “Now, tell us about your girl. When can we meet her?”
An idea formed, and I smiled. “What are you doing tomorrow night?”
* * *
Beth
I lifted my face to the sunshine as I stepped off the bus. I was anxious to get home. Ronan and Evan were in charge of taco night. He had dropped by last night, spent more time with Evan and me, played with Lucy, and made Paige laugh. I wondered if he knew how his presence alone brightened all of our worlds. His smile and laughter. The way he teased and offered his affection so freely. It changed all of us.
I paused in front of the house. Ronan’s car was parked in the small driveway, and behind it was another car—one I didn’t recognize. I wondered if Paige had a client over. That happened on occasion, but she usually let me know in advance so I would look after Lucy for her.
I walked up the steps and into the house, stopping in the doorway at the sight before me. On the floor sat Evan and Ronan. Three Ronans, actually. They all looked up as I walked in, the same bright smile and green eyes greeting me. I blinked, unsure what I was seeing. My Ronan smiled wider. “Hey, little bird.”