Just as I thought, nothing about our behavior tonight alluded to a couple in love, and sitting on opposite ends of the same furniture sent that message home. But unlike that time at Margaret’s house, the distance between us is Nate’s doing, not mine.
For someone who made it clear that we needed to convince his family we’re in love, he’s doing an awful job.
The man beside me grunts at his sister’s comment before getting up from the far end of the pool chair and dropping himself next to me. His hand lands on my hip, squeezing tightly. And I suck in a ragged breath at the warmth that shoots through me.
“Are you happy?” Nate asks, unimpressed with his sister’s behavior.
Audrey smiles, clearly satisfied. “Very much so.”
“Would you still be picking on me like this if Adam were here?”
“A 110 percent.”
He rolls his eyes, swearing off his brother, who didn’t show up for this impromptu dinner because of his“hot date.”Adam’s words, not Nate’s and definitely not mine.
Laughter sounds off in the distance, and our attention diverts to the two grown-ass men entertaining Anya. Richard trails the father-and-daughter duo with a wide smile as they run around the place, chasing the fireflies that dance like tiny stars in the twilight.
The sight touches a place deep in my heart.
The Archers are a remarkable family—there’s no doubt about it. And their love for each other runs so deep, it’s impossible to miss. No matter what, it’s always all hands on deck—not out of need, but out of want.
A premature pregnancy, like Audrey had been telling me. A knee replacement surgery that took Richard years to overcome. The fire that cost Natalia her hair-dressing studio.
They were always there for each other.
“Would you like to have children of your own someday?” Audrey’s question snaps me out of my thoughts.
I always thought I knew my answer.No.All because of one incident that turned my world upside down. But if I had the right person by my side and was surrounded by as much love as they were…Fuck, I’d want a family.And I’d want it so damn bad.
I nod in response with a weak smile, just in time for Natalia to come rushing out the patio doors with a brown leather book in hand.
“I have to say. This one hasso manygems.”
Audrey and I chuckle as Nate’s shoulders slump in defeat.
“This is not going to end well for me.” He sighs.
“It’s necessary. Your future wife needs to realize how totally un-cute and screwed your babies are,” his sister teases with a wink.
And as much as I’d like to agree with her for the sake of teasing Nate, it would be the furthest thing from the truth. Maybe he wasn’t the cutest baby—though an inkling tells me otherwise—but he definitely makes up for it as a man.
There’s no time for me to respond when Natalia plants herself down next to me and sets the baby picture book on my lap.
From the cover alone, I can tell this is going to be the highlight of my week—baby Nate sits in front of a supersized tub of Nutella and is covered in chocolate from head to toe.
Audrey slaps her knee in amusement. “Holy—” she tries to catch her breath. “My brother was a fat ass, and to this day, nothing has changed.”
“I am not a fat ass. I have a fat ass. Please properly differentiate between the two,” Nate murmurs.
I hit the side of his arm in disbelief, and I’m met with the playful roll of his eyes. It’s a fissure in his exterior, a slight tug of his lips that turns into a full-blown smile, and I can’t help but revel in the sight.
“I’d like to come to your defense, but I’m afraid Audrey’s right.”
“Donotlie to me.” Nate’s mouth drops in disbelief.
“Why would I be lying?” I play up my cluelessness.
Nate’s face dips down till he’s hovering above my ear, and goose bumps jolt up my arm. His proximity is addictive. His warmth sends my heart into overdrive. But it’s the way he drawls, “Don’t act like I haven’t seen you stare, baby,” that sends heat rushing to my cheeks.
