“What the hell is happening here?” Maeve leans on the island counter.
Ryan eyes Aiden, laughing. “I think it’s pretty clear. Our baby brother went and settled down.”
Maeve shakes her head, clearly exasperated. “Rosalie, what have you done to my brother?” She turns to me. “And when did you learn to cook?”
“She’s put a spell on me for sure.” I take the last dish from the oven, and don’t even bother removing the potholders from my hands before wrapping my arms around Rosalie. She leans her back against my chest, allowing me to hold her close.
“Oh, my God.” Aiden chuckles. “That’s so cheesy, bro.”
“I think it’s sweet,” Sarah says, standing beside him.
“You should know, he’s been holding out on you all.” Rosalie motions to my siblings. “He’s an excellent cook.”
“This domestic vibe suits you,” Val says.
“I think so, too.” I squeeze Rosalie before releasing her.
“Don’t let this one get away,” Ryan teases.
Before I can answer, Rosalie says, “I’m not going anywhere.”
“When do we get to plan the wedding?” Maeve practically bounces as she turns to Rosalie. “I’ve always wanted us to be family! And I get another sister!”
“My friend, I love you.” Rosalie rests her hands on my sister’s shoulders. “Slow down. We just started dating. We’re not engaged.”
“Not yet,” I murmur, and everyone in the room laughs. Rosalie shoots me a warning glare.
“Don’t encourage her.”
I’m not opposed to the idea. I’d ask Rosalie to marry me right now if I thought she’d say yes. But I’m in no rush. All that matters is we’re together. In my heart, I know we’ll figure it out. There’s no one else in this world who makes me feel the way she does, and I’ll never take that for granted.
“Okay, everyone. Food’s ready. Come make a plate. There’s plenty of seating outside. Drinks for the kids are in the cooler out there. Adult beverages are here.” I motion to one end of the counter. “Don’t be shy. Help yourselves.”
“You don’t have to ask me twice.” My nephew Zach appears from the sofa, joining his little sister to start the line.
“I need a drink,” Rosalie states.
“I got you.” I head for the end of the counter and pour her a glass of wine.
Conversation fills the room, and more guests arrive. I hang back, waiting for everyone else to serve themselves until eventually the crowd thins.
Rainer steps into line, balancing a plate in one hand and a child in the other.
“Let me help you with that.” I take the plate from him. “Want something to drink?”
“A beer would be great. Thanks, man.”
“Of course.” I always thought it was a little crazy how Rainer stepped up when my sister’s first husband stepped out. I hold a great deal of respect for him. Now, I get it, though. When you love someone, you love the people most important to them too. It’s not a hardship. It’s what you do when it comes to family.
I follow him to a table where Rosalie is sitting with Maeve, Jamie, Asher, and Bernadette. There’s an empty seat next to my sister, and I place the food down for Rainer, along with his beverage.
“You aren’t mad, though?” Rosalie asks Maeve.
My sister shakes her head, confusion crinkling her brow.
“Why would I be mad?”
“Because you were pretty mad when you . . .” Rosalie looks around and lowers her voice. “When you found out we spent that week together.”
