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“They’re all really nice,” I say lamely. It’s my attempt to change the subject, but the look in his eye tells me it’s not going to happen.
“Did you choose?”
He damn well knows that I did. He heard me say his name. He wants me to say it, but I’m not budging. “Maybe.”
He steps closer. “Who did you choose?”
“Daddy!” Blakely calls.
Declan drops my hand and takes a giant step back, putting some much-needed space between us. I can’t think clearly when he’s that close to me.
“What’s up, squirt?” he asks, lifting her into his arms, and setting her on his hip.
“Papaw said I can spend the night with him and Mamaw and watch his balls drop.”
I bite down on my cheek to keep from laughing.
“We’re going to watch the ball drop.” Carol Kincaid steps next to Declan with a man who looks so much like his sons it’s easy to know who he is. “Kennedy, this is my husband, Raymond. Ray, this is Maureen’s granddaughter, Kennedy.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” I offer him my hand.
He takes my hand and shakes it. “You too. How’s your grandma feeling?”
“Ornery as ever.” I laugh.
“She’s on the mend then.” Carol smiles.
“She is. The pain is controlled. She’s just restless.”
“Well, if she needs anything, you let us know,” Carol tells me.
“I will, thank you.”
“Now, how about you let our only granddaughter spend the night with us old folks so you young folk can bring in the New Year.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Declan tells his mom.
“Blakely is going to make me some popcorn. No one adds the cheese flavoring like she does,” Raymond says. He reaches for Blakely, and she goes willingly.
“He’s right, Daddy. I’m real good at shaking the fake cheese.”
“Give me a kiss,” Declan says. He leans in, so does she, and she gives him a loud, smacking kiss. “Love you, baby girl,” he says softly.
“I love you too, Daddy. Bye, Kenny.” She waves, and I wave back, and then they’re gone.
“Come on. I’ll make you a drink.”
“I’m driving,” I remind him.
“I’ll take you home.” The look in his eyes tells me he wants to take me to his home instead of my grandma’s.
“Water is fine,” I tell him.
He nods. “After you.” He motions toward the table of food and the same refrigerators we used for the bachelor and bachelorette parties to keep the drinks cool. Before we make it to the drinks, Merrick’s voice— at least I think it’s him; it’s hard for me to tell the twins apart— telling everyone to hit the dance floor.
“The parentals are gone,” he announces into the mic. “Time to let loose.” He holds up a bottle of beer, and everyone cheers.
“They’re staying with me tonight,” he tells me. “I assumed I’d have Blake, so I told them I’d drive them to my place.”
“Looks like you’re going to have your hands full.”
“That’s exactly what it looks like. Remind me to thank my little brother.”
“For what?”
“Change of plans,” Declan says, guiding me to the dance floor. He slides an arm around my waist when Brooks calls out for him to slow it down so he can cuddle his baby momma. The song changes to “Spin You Around” by Morgan Wallen. “Come here,” Declan whispers, pulling me into his chest.
I have no choice but to place my hands on his chest. He moves them to rest on his shoulders as we sway to the music. He holds pressure on the small of my back, holding me close. I’m glad he is because my knees are weak. He smells incredible and being this close to him has me feeling off balance.
“Who did you pick, Kennedy?” he rasps, his lips next to my ear.
My heart is beating so loud in my chest that I’m certain he can hear it. I lick my lips and debate telling him. He knows. I know that he knows. He just wants to hear me say it. “Girl talk,” I tell him.
He pulls me closer, which I didn’t think was possible. One hand rests low on my back. If he were to move it just an inch, maybe two, he’d be gripping my ass. The other runs up and down my back. I’m wearing a modest little black dress that flares at the hips. It’s not sexy, but right now, I feel as though it’s the sexiest outfit I’ve ever worn with the way he’s looking at me.
“I want to hear you say it.”
There it is. Confirmation that he already knows.
“You already heard me,” I counter.
He dips his head. “Let me hear you say it, Kens.” Pulling back, his eyes bore into mine.
“You, Declan. I chose you.” He closes his eyes as the song changes. I go to step away, but he holds me tight. “Almost six years,” he says cryptically. He places his lips on my forehead, holding them there for several thunderous heartbeats.
