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“We’re pregnant!” she squealed as she jumped up and down.
I pulled her into a hug and looked over at my shoulder at Brock, who was grinning as if he were the first man to ever impregnate a woman.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Brady managed even though he was receiving a bear hug from our brother.
“We were just waiting until we had the two of you together. I’m only two months along, so we want to wait a while before we tell everyone,” Victoria said as she pulled away, beaming.
“Your secret is safe with us,” Brady replied.
“Now, you have to promise to bring her to the barbecue this weekend, I have to met her,” she said, squeezing my hand.
“All right, but you guys have to go easy. Give her some space and time. The age thing is a big issue for her. I know she’ll be nervous to meet you guys and worry about what you think, but when you add the whole group to the mix, she’ll be even more intimidated.”
“We’ll be gentle,” Brock promised as he pulled Victoria in and cradled her against him.
Chapter Sixteen ~ Bronagh
I don’t know how I let him talk me in to coming here…
I looked around the backyard. The sun was shining and reflecting off the pool, and there were people everywhere. Beautiful, laughing people, with babies and small children. There was a lot of chatter filling up the gorgeously landscaped backyard, and it was obvious that not only did these people know each other very well, but there was a lot of love in this group.
I felt like a sore thumb, an outsider, as I sat under the shade of a tree, sipping my margarita and trying to take it all in.
A statuesque redhead had her arm around a gorgeous sandy-haired man with a mischievous grin. She was laughing at something that Brendan’s older brother, Brock, who I’d met briefly when we arrived, said.
Brock was the opposite of Brendan. Tall, bearded, and intimidating as hell, until you noticed the way he cradled his son gently in his arms. His wife, Victoria, was the picture of perfection, with her dark hair slicked back in a ponytail, her black shorts perfectly tailored, and paired with an obviously expensive blouse, as she walked up to the trio carrying a tray of meat for the grill, and traded her husband the tray for the baby.
My eyes drifted to where Brendan was talking with two men. One, his brother Brady, who I hadn’t met yet, and the other a brown-haired guy who looked to be the youngest of the group.
A small smile played on my lips as I took advantage of my sunglasses to peruse the length of the man who’d wanted me to meet his family and friends. Wearing only swimming trunks, sunglasses, and flip-flops, he looked like a surfer instead of the rocker/chef that he was. His skin tanned quickly and gave him a nice golden glow, which only made his already killer body look that much better. That, coupled with his long hair and presently laid back attitude, made him nearly irresistible to me.
He really was the whole package.
Brendan had introduced me to the few people who were already here when we’d arrived. Shelly and her husband, who’s name I couldn’t remember, were a very sweet couple, but were busy trying to chase around their toddlers. Gaby, a baker!, was in the kitchen helping Victoria with the food, while her husband was pushing their little girl on the new swing set in the backyard. I’d offered to help them in the kitchen, which was really the only place that made me feel comfortable, especially in a strange place, but they’d insisted that I grab a margarita and mingle. Once outside, I’d feigned exhaustion from a late night working at the pub, and had settled into my seat, ushering Brendan off to go help greet the other guests who were arriving.
I’d managed to watch the goings on from my safe spot for about thirty minutes, and was beginning to feel guilty. Brendan hadn’t brought me along to be a wallflower, and everyone looked really nice, bu
t I couldn’t deny that being the oldest one at the party was making me feel a little uncomfortable.
“Hi,” a voice said from next to me, causing me to look up, startled. “I noticed you sitting alone and thought you might like a refill.” The girl was young and cute, with short spiky hair and a friendly smile.
She was holding out a fresh margarita, so I took it from her and said, “Thanks, I appreciate that.”
I gestured for her to sit down and join me. Her tank top featured a rock band and her skirt slid up precariously as she sat.
“I’m Bronagh.”
“Abby,” she said, then pointed out to our stunning hostess. “Victoria’s sister.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Abby; thanks for the drink.”
“Sure,” she replied, taking a healthy sip from her own glass.
“What do you do, Abby?” I asked, then grimaced. “Sorry, force of habit.”
“That’s okay,” she replied with a shrug. “I’m still trying to figure it all out. Currently, I’m a waitress.”
“You any good?” I asked, my business hat going on without a thought.
