Reaching across the coffee table, my dad takes hold of my hand, and it surprises me. He’s not exceptionally touchy-feely. “Don’t be. We both know you had some demons to sort out, and no doubt this baby, Maggy, was one of them.”
I only nod.
“Son. We’re not gonna look back and wish we’d known sooner, because we’re happy we know now.” He stands up and moves closer. Placing his hand on my shoulder, he squeezes. It’s my dad’s way of hugging.
Placing my palm over his, I say the only thing I can think of. “Love you, Dad.”
He squeezes again, then steps away. “Now.” He claps his hands. “I think we’ve given the girls enough time to bond. It’smyturn to meet my granddaughter.”
And off he goes.
32
Nate
“She’s hot, man.”
I know exactly who Nick’s referring to, and I refuse to even acknowledge his words. If I do, I may have to punch him in his damn throat.
“You hear me?”
Growling at my little brother, I glare at him. “And your point is?”
He laughs as he slaps me on the back. “All I mean is, good job. She’s fucking hot, and she just pumped out a kid. I get why you knocked her up.”
“How old are you again?” Because, Jesus, he’s talking like he’s a fucking horny teen.
He’s looking at me now like he can’t believe I don’t know how old he is. “Twenty-eight.” The thing is, I do know how old he is. I’m the eldest child; of course I know. I also know Matt is thirty.
Or is he thirty-one?
Hell, it doesn’t matter. “I know she’s beautiful.”
“Beautiful?” Nick snickers. “You’re in love, ain’t ya, man?”
“You went to Harvard, jackass. Don’t say ‘ain’t.’ It’s not cute.”
“What’re you talking about? I’m fucking adorable.” He smirks. “Just ask the ladies.”
“What ladies? You haven’t brought a girl home since Monica back in high school.”
“Don’t even…” He shakes his head. “I told you never to say that name again.”
“She still calling you?”
“Nate, man. Not going there today.”
I nod because I know he means it. Monica broke his heart to smithereens back in high school, and now she thinks she wants to try it again. He’s having none of it.
“What do you think of Brynn?”
Nick’s face suddenly changes from irritation about Monica to something much softer. “She’s fucking adorable. I’m really happy for you, man.” He squeezes my shoulder. “So, are we ever going to eat? I’m fucking starving.”
“Me too.” Our middle brother, Matt, says as he sticks his head into the kitchen. “Please tell me you’re almost done.”
“It is. We’re just waiting on Maggy’s egg casserole.” Peeking around the corner, I say her name. “Maggy. Come check this thing.” Because I have no idea if it’s done or not.
“Be right there.”
