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“You didn’t need to do anything. Penelope was having most of it catered from their hotel and Griffin is just grilling steaks.”
And this was supposed to be a simple backyard party, she thought. Not in her lifetime and she was hoping that she didn’t feel too out of place around everyone here in this group.
Duke had filled her in more on the people and who was who, but it hadn’t helped any.
She just hoped they were all down to earth like his family was.
They drove closer to the north end of the island and pulled up to a massive house that looked to be very old on the outside.
“This place is huge. And just kind of in a neighborhood too.”
“Not everyone is on the water,” he said. “I’m not.”
“I know. But this house looks old too.”
“It is. Penelope bought it and had some work done. Griffin used to live at the casino before he knocked Penelope up.”
She laughed over the way he’d said that. Like it was a joke in the family that the baby came before the marriage, but she’d been told that was very much Penelope anyway.
They parked in the road and walked down a long driveway and to the backyard. She noticed Duke’s parents and sister and a few more people and would find out their names soon enough.
“Hi, everyone,” Duke said. “This is Hadley Breaton. I’m sure you all know about her and how we met.”
She felt her face flush. She was shocked he’d do it that way.
“I filled everyone in already,” Kelsey said. “But most knew. What did you bring? I heard you were bringing dessert.”
“I made a vanilla cake with five-spice crumble layers and white chocolate buttercream and then a dark chocolate and peanut butter mousse pie.”
“I’ll have to hide that pie or Griffin will eat it now.” A brunette walked forward. “I’m Penelope.”
“I’m Griffin. My wife thinks she’s being funny. But she’s not very funny.”
“Says you. And I’m Jennie. I’m Griffin’s sister.”
“You don’t think Penelope is funny either,” Griffin said. “Don’t try to stick up for her now.”
“The Zales all stick together,” Jennie said. “And Penelope is a Zale now. My boyfriend, Alex Bond, is coming here now.”
“With my daughter, Zandra, in his hands.”
Her head was swiveling around trying to keep up. The toddler in Alex’s arms could have easily passed as his daughter. But Penelope and Alex had the same dark hair and features.
“Don’t be cute,” Alex said. He passed Zandra to her mother and then shook Hadley’s hand and took the pie out of it fast. “But Griffin will eat it and I like chocolate and peanut butter so it’s going with me.”
Hadley smiled and looked at Duke. “Let’s go in and meet the rest of who is here.”
They got in the house and she was introduced to Emily and Crew Ackley. Emily looked very uncomfortable on the couch. “When are you due?” she asked.
“These two little ones are due any time now. Hopefully not much longer because my body hurts.”
“I told Emily I would watch the babies anytime she wanted. I’m Alana Nadar. Emily and Duke’s cousin.”
She shook hands. Alana seemed quiet almost. Her light brown hair was straight and pulled back in a ponytail. Hadley hadn’t been sure how to dress and was glad everyone had jeans on.
Well, Emily had a dress on and she was sure it might be the only comfortable thing for her at the moment.
She met Emily and Penelope’s parents who were in the kitchen and then went back outside on the deck.
