Nobody answered. Everyone was too busy watching Clara as she walked up to Edward, whisper something in his ear, take his hand and lead him out of the room, away from the chaos.
“Well, I’ll be damned,” Mike muttered, staring at Amber in disbelief. He couldn’t help but be startled by Clara’s hypnotic effect on his father.
“What the hell was that all about?” Jason asked.
“Simple. He trusts her.” Amber smiled, obviously pleased with herself and the outcome.
Uncle Thomas cleared his throat. “Would one of you please tell me who that glorious woman was?” The older man stared after Clara, obviously entranced.
“Just an old friend of Edward’s,” Amber said in a clipped tone. One Mike had never heard from her before.
“I’ve never seen anyone like her,” Thomas said in an odd tone.
It was almost…love struck?
That’s when Mike realized what had Amber’s guard up. A feeling of déjà vu swept through him, even though he hadn’t lived through the brothers’ rivalry over a woman the first time.
“I must formally meet her.” Thomas took one step toward the front door Edward and Clara had left through seconds before.
“Two morons about to repeat the past,” Hank said more to himself than anyone in particular.
“Shut up, Dad,” Derek said to his father.
Mike glanced at Jason, shooting his cousin a stern glare. A silent push to intercept his father. But before Jason could act, Amber jumped in front of Thomas.
“Oh, no. You will not go near that woman. Don’t look at her, don’t introduce yourself, steer clear,” she ordered, hands on her hips in clear defense of Edward.
Mike stared at her, warmth in his chest, appreciation filling him.
“Young lady, you can’t possibly mean to tell me what to do,” Thomas said, sounding appalled.
“Oh, yes, she can, Uncle Thomas,” Mike said, backing up Amber.
Jason stepped forward. “Dad, you heard the family.”
“Family? She’s not—”
Mike groaned. “You didn’t tell him?” he asked his cousin.
Derek shook his head. “I didn’t tell either of them. Figured it was simpler to keep Amber here and out of trouble that way.”
“Tell us what?” Hank asked.
“Amber’s my wife,” Mike said. “And before either of you say one word about her, the curse, or anything else, remember, we’re discussing your stupidity,” he said, glaring at his uncle Thomas. “Not mine.”
“Gee, thanks!” Amber said.
Mike glanced her way, surprised to find her laughing.
“Enough is enough!” Jason stepped forward to confront his dad. “Either you want peace with your brother or you don’t. But if you go after that woman or any other that Uncle Edward is interested in, I won’t be around to see the mess you make of your life,” Jason said, obviously meaning every word.
Uncle Thomas blinked. “Of course, you’re right.” He ran a hand through his neat hair, his face turning red.
“Come on. The whole family is in one place for the first time in years. Let’s try to salvage what we can,” Derek suggested. He wrapped his arm around Gabrielle.
Mike paused in thought. The family was all together. That in itself was a miracle.
“You’re right. I don’t know what came over me, acting like that.” Suddenly unsteady, Thomas lowered himself into the nearest chair, looking older and shaken.