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His thumb brushes back and forth on the sliver of skin where Charlie’s borrowed top doesn’t quite reach the band of the black leggings. My body responds instantly.
Will I ever not want this man?
Kaleb and a petite brunette stand at the kitchen island chopping tomatoes. She’s beautiful, her smile bright, and her eyes shine as the two laugh together.
“Who brought food?” Michael asks, gesturing to the mostly prepped food spread over the countertop.
No one answers verbally, but Kaleb waves his knife slightly.
“Thanks.” Michael smiles, not mentioning the food we picked up. That’s probably best since most of it is rolling around the floorboard of his truck. They don’t want to eat that.
My face heats at how it got there.
His large hand pats my ass. Is he thinking the same thing?
Worth the loss.I grin, flicking my eyes to his face and looking away quickly.
How had I only met this man a few days ago? My chest fills with something I don’t want to acknowledge. It’s not normal. What I saw him do wasn’t normal, yet my grin doesn’t slip as I peek at him again.
“Well, that’s better. I’ll take a smile over tears any day,” Christopher cheers, raising his drink as he joins us in the kitchen, his wife, Daniel and baby Belle, who is still strapped to her daddy’s chest, follow close.
“We’d like you to join us at the county clerk’s office tomorrow,” Michael announces as if this isn’t a surprise to me either.
Everyone freezes, including me.
“I’ve asked Judge Greene to meet us there and marry us. He’s agreed. I put a call into Molly. She wants us there a few hours beforehand to fill out and file the paperwork so she can sort the marriage license while the judge performs the wedding.”
Upside of small towns is people make things happen, I guess.
“There’s a park across the street. It’s pretty,” he reassures me, like that’s the problem.
I try to shy away from everyone’s eyes, but Michael won’t let me. His hold stays tight.
The whole room just stares at us, their eyes moving between Michael and me.
Helen screams, rushing forward to envelop me in a hug so tight I practically feel my bones shift.
“Congratulations, baby,” she whispers to Michael over my shoulder.
One by one, I’m passed around the group, each welcoming me to the family.
No one hugs Michael, not until Daniel approaches him.
Passing Belle off to the woman who I assume is her mother, Daniel grips hold of Michael’s neck. The two lock eyes silently.
The loud, boisterous noise of the kitchen fades as I watch the two connect.
After a few minutes, the larger man pulls his younger brother in, hugging him like his life depends on it. By the time they separate, I’m not the only one in tears.
“You get used to it,” the small brunette whispers. “Their bond,” she clarifies. “Charlie.” She offers her hand.
“Charlotte,” Daniel corrects in his growly voice.
Charlie rolls her eyes. “My husband is the only one who really calls me that.”
“Lara.” I smile, shaking her hand.
“How’s the foot?” Helen asks, joining us.
