Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 80304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
“One time, B. One time.” Maverick holds up his index finger.
“We learned our lesson,” Merrick assures us.
What he doesn’t say is they both ended up in a scuffle and got black eyes from the girl’s older brother. That was their senior year of high school. The girl was from Harris. Her older brother stepped in, and although I hate that they were hurt, it could have been much worse. Hopefully, they learned their lesson.
“Does Old Man Gentry know about that?” Orrin asks, bringing the conversation back to the field party. Always the big brother making sure we all stay out of trouble. He’s going to be a good dad. Hell, how can he not be when we were raised by the best man I know?
“He knows. He’s cool with it as long as we clean up and keep the noise down.”
“You going too?” Declan asks Merrick.
“Yep. No offense, but you all are old and boring,” he teases.
“Call us if you need a ride.” Brooks levels them each with a stare that gives zero room for them to argue.
“We’re staying there. We’ll sleep it off in the truck.”
“Anyone else in?” Merrick asks as they stand to leave.
“Me.” Archer also stands. “Someone has to keep you little shits out of trouble.” He grins.
There’s nothing little about our little brothers. They are both tall and physically fit, just like the rest of us. Our parents made some good-looking kids, if I do say so myself.
The twins say their goodbyes, and the rest of us remain as we wait for the ladies to tell us their book club meeting is over.
“Do they really talk books the entire time?” Ryder asks.
“Yep,” Sterling says. “They really do.”
“Are they all like the one that Alyssa’s phone started playing that day?” I ask.
Sterling lowers his head, but his shoulders shake with his laughter. “Pretty much,” he finally says once he maintains his composure. “Tink assures me that there is a love story and that the sex just enhances it.”
“Before I fell ass over heels for Palmer and convinced her to be my wife, I would have called bullshit, but it makes sense,” Brooks explains.
There’s a murmur of agreement from every man in the room except for me. It’s not that I don’t believe them, but it’s hard to agree when it’s something I’ve never experienced. Sex has always just been sex for me. It’s intimate, but there’s never been this deep meaning to it. Two people seeking release in an intimate way. I’ve never been privy to the kind of meaning my brothers and Deacon insist is there.
“Rush, man, you don’t know—” Declan starts, but he’s cut off by the ringing of his phone. “Hello.” He’s smiling, and then his face goes pale. “Stay where you are. I’ll be right there. I’m on my way, Kens, you hear me? I’m on my way.” He’s standing and rushing toward the door.
“Declan!” Orrin calls out as we’re all on our feet, moving after him. “What’s going on?” Orrin asks as he clamps his hand down on Declan’s shoulder, keeping him from moving forward.
“Kens is in labor. Her water broke. I have to get there.” His eyes are wide with panic, but the smile on his face is pure joy.
“I’m driving,” Orrin says.
“We’re all right behind you,” Brooks tells him.
Orrin jumps behind the wheel of Declan’s Tahoe, and they peel out of the driveway. The rest of us go to our respective vehicles and follow along behind him. As I’m driving, my phone rings. I see Ryder’s name pop up on the screen. “What’s up?”
“I’m going to Mom and Dad’s to fill Dad in on what’s going on and to help with Blakely. I’m sure Mom will end up at the hospital, and Dad will probably want to go be with her as well.”
“Good call. I’ll let Declan know what’s going on.”
“Thanks, man. Keep me updated, yeah?”
“You got it. Give Blake a kiss from her favorite uncle.”
“I’m the favorite.” He laughs, ending the call.
I’m sure tonight, he will be her favorite. She plays us all, and we’re good with it. There’s nothing that any one of us wouldn’t do for that little girl.
When I get to Declan’s place, I park my truck out of the way to ensure they can leave as soon as they get Kennedy loaded into the car. I’m not sure what I’m walking into, but I knock on the door and step inside.
Declan is standing in front of Kennedy. His forehead is leaning against hers, and both of their eyes are closed. His hands rest on their unborn child, and the moment steals the breath from my lungs. I force myself to look away to give them some time. Scanning the room, I find Orrin holding Jade close as they watch the scene before them. Same with Alyssa and Sterling. My eyes land on Brooks, and he’s holding Palmer, and they, too, are watching Declan and Kennedy soaking up the moment. My eyes survey the room again, looking for Crosby. Orrin said she was here when he dropped Jade off. I don’t see her anywhere, so I step into the kitchen and stop at what I see. Crosby has Remi in her arms, gently rocking her back and forth as she feeds her a bottle. I stay just outside the doorway so she can’t see me, but I can see and hear her.