Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 38962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 195(@200wpm)___ 156(@250wpm)___ 130(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 195(@200wpm)___ 156(@250wpm)___ 130(@300wpm)
“You know your mother, son. Always has to be in the thick of it. Proud of you, proud of all our boys.” Dad squeezes my shoulder and doesn’t move until I give him a nod. I’m unsure if that’s for my sake or his, probably a bit of both. My brothers shake my hand, one by one. Trey, even though he’s a dick, is first, then Ryland with Case, Dean with Tully, Lane with Birdie, and Lawson with Juni.
After that, the Oliver family parks their three different vehicles, and they all pile out. While my family makes their way inside, I wait to greet them. The next time everyone gets together, we might have to move it to Mom and Dad's. They’ve got the bigger house, whereas all of us brothers have more of a normal-size place with three or four bedrooms. Their house has six, plus more bathrooms and a hell of a lot bigger living room and kitchen.
Mom stepped in when each of us brothers built our house, not going overboard, but she’d look at the plans, make suggestions, and go as far as to tell us what a woman would look for in a house. We’d all shake our head, then think on it. Dad would find us shooting the shit, drinking a beer, and working on someone’s house. He’d help us, have a beer of his own, and proceed to tell us Mom is coming from a good place. We all knew that. Usually, the next day, we’d add her ideas to the blueprints. I didn’t want a covered porch the length of the house both in the front and back, but she said I’d regret it. A few days later, after looking at a couple of other houses, I realized it made more sense, especially since the master bedroom is off the back of the house.
“You good?” Lawson escorted Juniper into the house, then came back out and stood next to me on the front porch.
“Yeah, think it’s going to take me a few days to get the scene out of my head.” I turn my attention to Lawson for a minute before the slamming of car doors catches my attention. “I better go welcome my future in-laws. Is it safe to assume Fletch will be here to take our statements when some of the family has cleared out?”
“From what he told me, he’s wrapping up a few loose ends, then he’ll be calling instead. He’s ready to hop on a plane and get back to Delilah.” I can’t say I blame him. After the events of today, you wouldn’t catch me fucking around when I could be home with my woman.
“I’ll meet you inside,” Lawson says. He heads for the door, and I’m down the few steps to meet Maddie, Michelle, Ryan, and Mr. and Mrs. Oliver at their cars. My family had the advantage of living closer to us, whereas they’re in town. Still, I see the bags of goodies Ryan has in her hands, which means they stopped at the store on their way.
“Hey, Ryan, you stocking Auntie Mae up on snacks?” I ask when she barrels her body into me, arms wrapping around my waist. My hand goes to the back of her head, holding her close for a beat. Ryan doesn’t say anything, only nods her head over and over again.
“Sorry about that, JW. She’s been a bit off kilter since we told her Maeve was in the hospital,” Michelle explains.
“Not a problem.” Ryan backs out of my arms, and I squat down until we're at eye level. “Aunt Maeve could use one of your hugs right now. She’s inside with my family, and I’m sure they’re driving her crazy.” I give her a wink. A big toothy smile appears in response, then she’s darting up the stairs.
“I’ll go with her. The girl can pack some heat,” Michelle replies.
“I’m going, too. Can’t let Michelle and Ryan have all the fun.” Maddie rolls her eyes at the antics. I wait until the three of them are out of earshot before shaking Maeve’s parents’ hands. They were at the hospital when we were rolled in on an ambulance. Being in a small town, there was no shielding them from the news. Shit spreads like wildfire. I brought them to Mae’s room while she was sleeping. They got their eyes on her, thanked me, and then left knowing they’d be here the second Maeve was settled.
“Mr. Oliver, Mrs. Oliver.” I go to shake her hand and am pulled into a tight hug. The Oliver women are big on hugs, and it seems they get it from their mom.
“I’m going to see my girl, but thank you again, for taking care of Maeve,” she says before she pulls back, and then follows the rest of the crew.