He leans his forehead to touch mine and gazes into my eyes.
“Gorgeous, you gotta know I love you. Yes, I want to marry you. I want to have more kids like we’ve talked about. I want to spend the rest of my life making you smile.”
Mads finds her voice. “Well, it looks like we’re getting another brother here soon. I, for one, think it’s great.” I turn on Shane’s lap to look at my sister. She continues, “I know you, brothers of ours, want to protect us and can’t see us as being actual adults who can handle things, but we can. Also, she fell in love with someone you already consider a brother and friend. Doesn’t that mean that you already know he’s a good guy and worthy of Kierstie? You’ve known Shane since you came to Ma and Pa’s. He was basically raised by Grant.You know him. Like Pa says, just fucking look. Do you really wanna do something that not only would break her heart but also harm the father of your niece or nephew?”
I think that’s more words Mads has said in this big of a group in years.
Jon must find the non-asshole part of his personality.
“Well, shit. Leave it to lil’ one to put it into perspective like that.”
Ry decides to join in the conversation. “You know she has obsessions and watches the same thing over and over again?”
I can feel Shane chuckle.
“Yeah, I know. I think I’m up to four times forSeven Brides for Seven Brothersand five or six forGrease 2. I’m well aware that it is far superior over the first one. I also know that if you put ketchup on the fries and not dip them in it, you’re a sociopath.”
Pa stands up.
“Now that we’ve worked through all the surprises, let’s get dinner on the table. We’ve got two grandbabies on the way and they need some of Ma’s good cooking. You boys all okay with things now?”
Looking over at Ror and the Js, I can see them all nodding at him.
Jane must have seen it too.
“Good, ‘cause I know all three of you don’t want to sleep alone tonight. You were headin’ that way. Now, help me up so I can go give each of them a hug and celebrate that our kid is going to have a cousin that’s close in age to play with and grow up with.” I see the moment that part dawns on all of my brothers, Ry included. They all get grins on their faces.
Ry thinks he’s a comedian.
“Let’s get the gremlin growers fed!” He walks up and smacks Shane on the back. He gives me a hug, whispering in my ear, “Sis, if he makes you happy, that’s all that matters. The stooges will accept it, eventually.” I get hugs after Ry from Jane, Nicky, Grant, and Juan. Jon walks up and stares at me for a second.
“You remember what you said to me when I first came to Ma and Pa’s?” Huh? I shake my head at him.
Jon grins at me.
“You and all of your five-year-old self told me that once you stay here once, even for a little bit, that makes you family and that family is there for each other no matter what. Well, I may not be happy about the way ya’ll went about it, but we’re family and we accept each other.” He turns to Shane.
“Brother, I get why you did things the way you did. I ain’t lovin’ it but I get it. As much as it hurts me to say, I can see how much you love her. I ain’t gonna kill ya, and I’ll work on being happy about this shit. Maybe naming the baby Jon if it’s a boy is a start.”
Shane
Kierstie smacks Pres for that comment, but he smiles at her and gives me a one-armed hug. He whispers in my ear so she can’t hear, “I know the brotherhood is a family, but she’s my sister. Just remember, you hurt my family, and I’ll release the wrath of Valhalla on you, club brother or not.”
I move to look him in the eyes.
“I wouldn’t expect any less, Pres, and would never do anything to hurt her.” This must be the right answer for him ’cause he moves to let Ror hug Kierstie and nods at me. Max walks up to us, and I realize he hasn’t said anything this whole time. Before I can say anything, I’m surprised by the fist that meets my face.
I take a couple steps back as Kierstie yells, “Max! What the fuck was that?” Ror moves to get in between us, but Max doesn’t make a move to hit me again, and I have no intention of swinging back.
“That’s for not telling us sooner and to make sure you keep your word about cutting down on huntin’ for Tyson. You know he was one of my best friends, but he doesn’t want help, man. I just don’t want you to hurt what you got here for him. I love him like a brother, but, man, he’s not wantin’ to be found by any of us. Last time I saw him a year ago, he told me to forget about him ’cause that’s what he’s done with all of us.”
Well, shit.
“I get it. I ain’t goin’ all over, looking for him, but I’m still gonna try from time to time. Somewhere in that drug-addicted mind of his is my little brother, and that’s who I’m leaving an olive branch for. You’re right though. I ain’t gonna jeopardize this here for anything.”
Seemingly satisfied with my answer, he nods at me and declares to the few of us still left on the patio, “Let’s go get food before Ry eats all of it!” Everyone but Kierstie follows him into the house. She brings her hand up to my face and gently touches my cheek.
“I dunno when he actually learned to throw a punch, but he did a decent job. Not great, but it’ll leave a mark.” I grab her hand on my cheek and move it to my mouth to kiss it.
