“Hey, ummm, Bryn, can we switch seats real quick?”
“Too late,” she answers smugly, handing me the margarita she just poured. I sigh in defeat and sip a rather healthy gulp as I notice the guys loading their asses into the other seats out of the corner of my eye. When I ready my nerve and look to my right, he’s there, just as suspected.
“Gare Bear said I needed to sit here.”
I glance across the table to see ‘Gare Bear’ smirking behind his longneck bottle. He leans over and presses a kiss to Jane’s cheek as an amused, boyish snicker leaves his lips. I eye him with the ‘War is the only solution to this,’ and he eyes me back warily, knowing he’s up against a worthy opponent.
“Oh, did he now? Gare Bear, tonight is supposed to be an adults-only night, right?”
Garrett’s smile falters, and he sits up straighter, suddenly realizing his night of romancing and getting his wife naked are very, very much on the line.
“Ugh! I can’t wait tosleepwithout the monitor turned on next to the bed.” Jane sighs wistfully, and Garrett suddenly looks fearful that his night is already almost over.
“I promise I’ll take night feeds for the whole week if you don’t gostraightto sleep,” Garrett practically pleads to Jane, and the guys erupt into peals of laughter. We women at least have the good sense to titter behind drinks and hands. Garrett looks over at Colin hard. “You’re not far behind me at this stage. It’s coming. Mark my words. Plus, you’ve got two.”
“I’ll change things up on that note. Sydney, how have you been feeling?” Jaxon asks.
“Rather plump I fear,” Sydney breathes out half-heartedly, and Jaxon looks like he exited one minefield just to step into another.
“I love you, hun. You’re gorgeous, all round with my babies,” Colin declares proudly. She is beautiful.
“Thank you,” Sydney whispers, her cheeks pinking up a little.
“How are the upstairs rooms coming along in the house, Bryn?” I ask, trying to move this conversation somewhere less emotionally dangerous.
“Mmm.” Brynleigh finishes her sip. “It looks good! I think we’ve officially gotten all the rooms painted, and the guest room is mostly furnished. Trystan’s been working on getting the outside cleaned up. Then, hopefully, we can concentrate on getting the outside painted before summer gets here.”
The waitress dishes out all the food orders, taking time to refill waters and ask if any other beverages are wanted.
“So, Jaxon, did I hear you telling Colin you finished your residency?” Mark asks.
“Yes. It’s been a crazy last couple of months. I’ve been offered the choice of placement either where I’m currently at or here in Kittery.”
I almost choke on my fries.
“In fact, I was here scoping out some small places available to rent. I have a couple of options.”
“You can come look at my place, if you’d like. I’ve been debating on renting it out or just selling it,” Trystan adds, and I look over at Brynleigh, who’s pressing her lips together in a tight line. She eyes me and picks up her burger.
“Oh, really? Thanks, man.”
“You bet. We could even go look after this so you don’t have to make an extra trip back.”
“I appreciate that,” Jaxon adds before looking at me. “But I don’t mind an extra trip if you change your mind and aren’t up to it in a bit.” His eyes sparkle mischievously, skating along my features. He bites his lip lightly before lifting his water for another sip. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Trystan nodding in answer while he chews.
“Do you think Charlotte’s doing okay with my parents?” Jane worries aloud to Garrett, checking her phone.
“Yes, Jane, she’s only been there an hour. She’s having the time of her life. Remember they’ve done this before. You deserve the break.Wedeserve the break.”
“I know, I know. I just miss her. We haven’t been apart yet…” Jane’s voice trails off as Garrett rubs her back in soothing circles.
After dinner and more small talk, which I noticed Jaxon peering over at me frequently throughout, I ask the girls if they’d like to step out onto the porch for a breather.
Chapter 4
Holly
Igreedily drag in the breath of cool air as I beeline for one of the small, empty tables with barstools around it. I rest my face in my hands and try to pull myself together. Normally, I can pull off the cool, sassy Holly everyone is used to getting, but tonight, I’m shook. I don’t know what to think.
