Asher grunts. “I told Andrew we’d be here.”
“Yeah, but we know you too well. If you can avoid people, you do.”
Listening to their easy banter, I wonder what it must have been like to grow up with such a large family. You’d never be lonely, that’s for sure.
What I see of the home is beautiful, although clearly still being finished. I know about the fire that killed their parents, but I figured they’d rebuilt long before now, since it was ten years ago.
Then we step into the kitchen. It’s huge. Even with all the brothers either standing at the island or cooking, it doesn’t feel crowded. Then I see a short, red-haired woman steps out from behind the other twin—Adam—and gives me a huge smile.
“Hi, I’m Rebekah, Adam’s wife. I’m sorry you got hurt, but it will be nice to have another woman to talk to.”
Asher sets me on a chair at the island and then pulls another over and puts my foot up on it. It looks huge all wrapped up under the sock, but it feels better. “Thank you, Ash.”
“You’re very welcome, Raindrop.”
“Raindrop?” Adam asks.
“What of it. You call Rebekah Firecracker.”
I look over at the grinning Rebekah, and I can see why that name stuck. She’s beautiful and has all that gorgeous red hair. I wonder if she has a temper to match.
“Yeah, but…”
When Asher growls, Adam shuts his mouth and gives him a look, one I don’t understand. It’s like they all communicate without talking.
“How are you feeling, Emma? Doc said it’s just a bad sprain. Do you need anything?”
When my stomach growls again, I know my cheeks turn beet red, I can feel the heat. “Umm, dinner?”
The brothers grin. “Coming right up,” Adrian answers.
Andrew sets several wine glasses down. “Red or white?”
Before I can answer, Asher cuts me off.
“She’ll have water. If she’s going to take pain meds later, she doesn’t need the alcohol.”
“You know, Ashbear, I can speak for myself. My ankle is injured, not my ability to speak.” I am sorely tempted to stick out my tongue. I don’t know where that urge comes from. Thankfully, it stays in my mouth.
“Sassy. I like her,” Aaric says as he places an enormous bowl of spaghetti and meatballs on the island.
“We usually eat in here,” Asher explains. “We don’t have the dining room finished yet.” Then he leans in, next to my ear, so only I can hear him. “Feeling brave, little Raindrop? Remember, you’re going to be going back to my cabin after this, and we’ll be all alone.”
His warm breath tickles my ear and sends a shiver down my spine. Good gravy. I shouldn’t like that idea so much.
Asher makes a plate and puts it in front of me. A glass of water is set right next to it. I’m not used to being waited on, but I guess this will be my new normal for a few days.
“Thank you so much for inviting me.”
“You’re welcome here anytime,” Andrew replies.
Conversation flows easily among all the brothers, mixed with a lot of teasing. Asher even joins in, which surprises me. Rebekah fits right in with all of them. I wonder what that would be like.
“Are you still hungry?” Asher asks and pulls me out of my head. I’ve been going there too much lately.
I didn’t even realize I’d finished. “No, I’m good. If I eat anymore, you won’t be able to lift me into the truck.”
Asher chuckles. “You’re as light as a feather. I think my pack weighs more than you do.”
