“I’m not sure. Soon. I hope to get a word with Raven’s sisters at some point. Their Nan knows I’m going to propose, and she approves.”
“No matter when you propose, here ismyproposal.” Patrick cleared his throat as if he was giving a wedding reception speech. “River and I will be in charge of all the food.Allof it. Rowan and Dad will be in charge of the venue. Jo, the honeymoon.”
Bran noticed his father’s slight flinch at his brother’s words. What was up with him? He needed to talk to him privately beforetoo much more time passed and see if there was a possibility that he didn’t approve of the union.
It wouldn’t change Bran’s mind, but he wanted his father’s approval. His dad was one of the best men he knew. His opinion mattered. A lot.
“You are so extra, Pat. You realize she has to say yes first, and then, if she does, all of the things you just listed would be up to her, not you, dumbass.”
Patrick shrugged, not concerned at all. He was sure Patrick believed he would ultimately have his way. Knowing Raven, he would.
He heard multiple voices laughing and talking moments before Raven, River, Rowan, and Jo made their way to the deck to sit at the long table with the men.
“Hey, babe.”
Raven bent down before sitting. Whispering, I love you, kissing his lips before finding her seat.
Bran reached over and pulled several thick strands of her hair through his fingers. It was beautiful. It always seemed to be shifting and moving around her lithe body. She smiled softly at him. Probably knowing that he was thinking sappy thoughts about her. He loved her smile of approval when she saw the open bottle of Bushmills. There was no hesitation as she grabbed it and poured her own drink.
Bran felt like poking her. Knowing she would blush.
“Raven committed to moving in next week. Permanently.”
The blush stained her pale skin on cue. She gasped and looked at her sisters. Whoops, he assumed she’d already told them. Shit.
Side eyeing Bran, and not in a good way, Raven explained to her sisters. River and Rowan currently looked like crappies out of water, gills working overtime.
“I was going to speak to both of you tonight, but... someone,” Raven raised her eyebrows in Bran’s direction, “couldn’t wait. I’ll start packing as soon as we get back to Eufaula tomorrow. I will commute daily unless I’m meeting a client out of town, I promise.”
“Tweedle Dickhead already told me to expect it,” River laughed, poking her thumb in Patrick’s direction.
“Hey now, Riv!” Patrick spluttered. “Knowledge is power.” Pat sniffed with mock offense.
“You might consider saving your insight for the bimbos you date,” James laughed as he air quoted ‘date.’
Bran saw River stiffen. Barely, and if he hadn’t been watching her, he’d have missed it completely. She laughed with everyone else. Raven didn’t miss her sister’s reaction. Her left hand that lay on his thigh tightened.
Damn. Maybe he should talk to Patrick after all.
Dad’s housekeeper, Sara, poked her head out, smiling at everyone. “Mr. O’Faolain, the chef asked me to let you know dinner would be served at your convenience.” The older woman winked at his dad. “Which means, young man, get your ass up and to the dining room. I’m off to home. Behave.” With that, she sauntered away, enjoying her status as a woman too old and beloved to care if her words insulted someone. Sara was awesome.
Dad pushed his chair out and announced it was time to eat. Everyone began filing through the patio doors.
Bran scooted his chair back and slid out, waiting for Raven. She looked stunning this evening in a sky-blue wrap dress with butterflies at the hem. She was smiling up at him as she stood. He couldn’t wait to untie that perfect bow at her waist.
Leaning into him, Raven placed her hands on his chest, stretching just a bit to place a kiss on his lips. She should wear heels more often— much easier to get to her mouth. Her lipsstarted to leave his, so he placed his hands on her hips to keep her still— pull her closer. He deepened the kiss, dragging one of his hands up her body to cup the side of her head, giving him purchase.
He knew he was a man obsessed. He just didn’t care.
Breaking the kiss briefly, they stood panting on the deck alone. “Shit, babe. Can we skip dinner?” Raven’s tongue flicked her swollen bottom lip. Groaning, he took her mouth again, rougher, deeper. Bran wedged his hard length against her stomach, her hand coming between them to stroke him through his slacks.
This time Raven broke the kiss. “Let’s sneak around the side of the house to your car.”
Bran knew their escape plans were ruined when his brother’s irritating voice bellowed outside at them.
“For fuck’s sake, bro. Stop humping Raven. I’m fucking starved, and Dad won’t let them bring in the food until we’re all seated.”
“I will kill him one of these days,” he mumbled against her lips.
