“She’s next door with Amberlee.”
I want to ask him more, but I restrain myself. I have a plan.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, she wasn’t done getting ready, so Maddy went in to hang out with her. Hopefully, she hurries her on up, because I’m starving.”
Angel’s ears perk up and I see the gleam in her eyes. I know the wheels in her head are already turning. She’s about to pounce on him like a lion on prey with her breakfast request.
“Uncle Ryan, I’m hungry too. You know what my belly wants?”
Ryan shoots his gaze at me and I just shrug. Nope, this is all on him. I’m just going to sit back and watch my princess work her magic to get what she wants.
“You are?” Ryan finally asks her. “And what is it you want to eat?”
“Waffles,” she says matter-of-factly. “And my belly doesn’t want anything but waffles.”
“Yeah, you know what, Daddy? I want waffles too.” RJ joins Angel, showing a united front to their common goal.
I cover my mouth with my hand, stifling my laugh. Ryan isn’t a fan of waffles, and I’m dying to see how he gets out of this predicament. I’d never want to go toe to toe against the dynamic duo.
Chapter 16
Amberlee
No matter how hardI try to keep my distance from Jeremiah, I fail. He remains present, like a thorn in my side. His intoxicating cologne envelops me, causing me to long for him even more.
The only way I survived sitting so close to him this morning, was because I found great amusement in watching Ryan eat waffles, knowing how he hates them so much. I blame that on my parents. It was their weekend meal of choice all the time, and Ryan had an issue with the texture. It took everything in me to hold back my laughter until it reached a point where I couldn’t anymore. My giggles earned a disapproving glare from Ryan.
Ryan seemed to be by my side all day as well. I have never loved having an overprotective brother as much as I do right now.
We are all now standing, watching the kids play in the bounce house. Easy conversation flows between us. Maddy and I are talking about when the babies get here when I see Jeremiah glance at me and then back at Ryan nervously. What is he up to?
“So Ryan, are you and Maddy still planning to watch the kids tonight so I can take Amberlee out for a night on the town.”
He gazes at my brother intently, his jaw clenched and eyes hard with steely determination.
I’m praying that my brother sticks to his overbearing personality and puts Jeremiah in his place.
“Depends, what are you planning to do?” He stands with his feet apart in a wide stance, arms crossed at his chest. His body is rigid as he exudes calm.
Jeremiah stands just as firm, but I can see the muscles in his jaw visibly tense. His face softens just before he lets out a short laugh.
“Well, it’s her vacation too, isn’t it? It seems all she’s done thus far is hang with us and the kids. Which is fine, but, I thought maybe she’d like some time with other adults and enjoy the nightlife.”
“And you think you’re the one to take her to do that?” My brother isn’t giving in and I can’t help but squeal internally, as I keep my face down, concealing my grin.
“I do.” Jeremiah’s Adam's apple bobs, his voice solid and firm.
“You know, Jeremiah, I think that’s an amazing idea. Ryan and I would love to watch Angel for you. She can spend the night, so you don’t have to wake her when the two of you come in.” Maddy beams as she interjects herself into the conversation and my heart sinks. Ryan’s going to cave and do as Maddy says.
“No, that’s okay.” I step forward, shaking my head. “I’m good.”
“Nonsense, Amberlee. You should go out and have some fun. You both deserve it.” Maddy winks and I swear if she wasn’t pregnant with my future nieces or nephews, I’d kill her right now.
“Then it’s settled. I can pick you up at eight and we can drop Angel off and head out.” Jeremiah grins like he just won the gold medal at the Olympics.
“Just keep an eye on her and don’t let any of these horny ass fuckers here mess with her,” Ryan warns as he slips his arm around Maddy.
