I sit back and watch my two brothers embrace again, their grins so wide, their joy palpable. This is everything I ever wanted for them. It’s why I tried so hard to protect them from the fallout of Darra and my relationship, not that I succeeded. This is what family looks like.
I look over and find Pen watching me. I give her a smile.
April and Leah get up, breaking the moment as everyone talks at a hundred miles an hour.
Mum sits back in her chair and grins from ear to ear, before getting up and hugging everyone.
Pen and I move around the table, embracing the happy couples. It’s only when Pen stops in front of me. I find my arms sliding around her waist, pulling her back against me.
She looks up, wide-eyed but doesn’t move away.
“As it seems to be the night of announcements. Pen and I have one, too,” I say. “We’re seeing one another.”
The four stop in their tracks and turn to face us.
Caleb holds out his hand to Gabriel.
“I win,” he says, earning himself a scowl.
April and Leah look at their husbands in horror.
“What?” they both say, shrugging and shooting their wives a look of complete innocence.
“That’s great news,” April says, stepping forward and giving Pen a hug, shooting me a grin. “Pleased for you, big man.”
Leah steps forward. “I knew it,” she says against Pen’s ear as Pen squeezes her back.
“We’re keeping it under the radar at the moment,” Pen says, and they all nod in agreement.
“Finally seen sense, big brother?” Gabriel says, clapping me on the shoulder.
I frown at him and shoot a look in Lottie’s direction, making Gabriel look sheepish.
Lottie just shrugs and goes back to playing with Callum. It’s not like Pen, and my relationship is news to her. She’s taken it completely in her stride.
Lottie looks up at us all and shakes her head.
“I thought you two were on the down low,” she says. “You’re the worst secret keepers.”
I hold up my hands, realising Lottie was too busy with Callum to have heard the other news. “Your aunt and uncle just announced they’re having a baby.”
Lottie’s eyes widen, and it’s her turn to squeal. She runs forward, hugging April and Leah in turn.
“I take it Lottie’s onboard,” Gabriel says quietly next to us.
Pen turns and smiles at him. “I’m her cool godmother.”
“Except when I find you naked and in bed with my dad,” Lottie says, making everyone turn to face us.
Pen’s cheeks darken instantly, and she drops her gaze. She looks cute. I pull her back against my chest.
“That only happened because you arrived home a day early.”
Lottie laughs. “I think it’s a good thing I did.”
“Quite something when your teenage daughter is teasing you,” Caleb says. “Wait until Lottie?—”
“Don’t say it!” everyone shouts simultaneously.
