“Payback for what?” I look between everyone, instantly aware I’m the only one not in on the joke.
Juliette turns toward me. “Last summer, Nate and Leo thought it was a brilliant idea to bring Claudina here the very first weekend Harrison and I became official. It was also our first weekend away. Ever.” She widens her eyes dramatically at her brothers-in-law. “So we’re returning the favor and crashing your party. Sorry, Maddie. You’re collateral damage.”
I press my lips together, hiding my smirk as I watch steam practically pour out of Nate.
He spins toward Harrison. “I waited ten fucking years. Not the same thing.”
Harrison stands there, arms crossed, completely unimpressed. He could not care less about Nate’s outrage.
“In all honesty,” Juliette cuts in, rubbing her heavily pregnant stomach., “I thought it was a good excuse for us to hang out. I’m the odd one out here, and I’d love to get to know you better. Who knows when I’ll pop. Then I’ll be preoccupied for a while.”
“I’d really love that.” My smile is genuine. It hits me all at once. I’m not just back with the brothers. I’m gaining a sister.
She may not be the sister I imagined when joining the family, but I already have a feeling Juliette and I will get along perfectly.
The Davenport-Morales crew is the most loving, generous family I know, but breaking into their inner circle is nearly impossible. So the fact that Rosa and the rest of them have embraced Juliette, not just as Harrison’s wife but as Claud’s mom, tells me everything I need to know about her.
“Great,” Nate huffs.
“They’re here, and honestly, I love it.” I glance between the brothers. “I missed all of us together. It’s been ten years, as you love to remind everyone every thirty seconds, Nate.”
Leo barks out a laugh. “It’s true. He tells us constantly.”
“We’re going out to an early dinner?—”
“Good, I’m starving,” Seb cuts in, reminding me he’s lurking in the background.
While I make my way over to hug him, Nate’s still mumbling under his breath.
“Well, we’re having sushi,” Nate announces.
I frown. “We are?”
“No,” Seb says, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “I hate sushi. He’s lying, so we’ll stay home.”
I roll my eyes. “I thought Leo was the dramatic one.”
“Heyyy,” Leo protests.
“I want spaghetti!” Claud announces, twirling like a ballerina.
I smirk. There is absolutely no way Nate is saying no to her.
“Well, that settles it.” Juliette beams. “How long do you two need to get ready?”
I notice her outfit is very casual.
She’s in maternity jeans and an oversized, white, man-tailored shirt.
“If you don’t mind the smell of the ocean, I’ll just need five minutes to throw something else on.”
“Sounds good. We’ll warm up the cars,” Harrison adds, then kisses me on the top of my head in passing as they all walk outside.
28
Maddie
I linkmy fingers with Nate’s and squeeze as he leads us to the bedroom. “Don’t be grumpy.”
