She gasped in outrage and bit my lip playfully, moaning as I yanked her back to my chest. “You’re too good to resist,” I whispered.
She wrapped herself around me. “I know.”
The meal was spectacular. I ate three helpings, and Ronan declared me to be part Callaghan. I laughed at his teasing, surprised to realize how much I was enjoying myself. I couldn’t recall doing so—ever. I helped with cleanup, grinning at how everyone pitched in so it was done quickly. Leftovers were covered for snacks later, and everyone found a place to relax. I talked to Ava’s brother Paul about his environmental passion. To Jeremy about his interior specialty. I noticed how families seemed to congregate together to eat and relax, and I was able to piece together groupings easier. The way they all got along fascinated me. I had never experienced anything like it. They seemed to have genuine affection for one another. The older mixed with the younger, laughing and talking. Beth’s brother Evan had a special relationship with Ronan and Aiden, never straying far from either of them. Lucy was like a magnet to Liam’s side, and I was shocked to find out she was adopted and not his biologically. She resembled him closely.
They were all real, decent people. Not an asshole in the bunch. They were friendly, kind, and warm.
Until the games started.
Then all gloves came off, and suddenly, I understood Ava’s competitiveness.
Croquet, horseshoes, wiffle ball, pool volleyball—all were taken seriously. And everyone, aside from Sandy and Jordan, joined in. The grandparents kept score, called fouls, and tried to keep everyone in line.
They failed.
I had never laughed so hard in my life. Misdirected croquet balls, hip checks that sent the horseshoe flying anywhere but the stake, cannonballs and dunking during the volleyball—nothing was sacred.
And I loved every moment.
Later as darkness fell, fire pits were lit, hot dogs were brought out to roast, and all the ingredients for s’mores appeared. Mounds of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers were piled in bowls. I had been certain I wouldn’t eat again, but I managed some of the still-delicious leftovers plus three hot dogs and at least half a dozen marshmallows. I settled back against the lounger and sipped some ice water, strangely content once Ava joined me, resting her back pressed to my chest. It seemed as soon as she was close, I wanted her closer. Her family knew we were more than friends, but no one had gotten in my face about it, and somehow that made me even more relaxed.
I pressed a fast kiss to her head. “Good day?” I murmured.
“The best,” she confirmed. She found my hand in the darkness and squeezed it. “Thank you.”
I squeezed back. “I had a great day.” I chuckled. “So did Cash. He’s passed out over there with the kids.” I shook my head. “He’s going to find me boring company after today.”
“He can come back anytime. You can too.”
I felt the stirrings of something. Panic, worry, sadness—something. I took a sip of my water, trying to find the right words to say.
“I just meant if you want a swim or something. It’s always open,” she added. “After a long day of working on the house, it might feel good.”
“Thanks.”
I was conflicted. These people were nothing like I thought they would be. They were warm, open, and friendly. Not once did they mention my property or buying it. A few had spoken of my grandfather but only in the kindest of terms. I was beginning to wonder if he had been wrong. If what Natasha had told me was simply malicious gossip and not fact.
“Do you, ah, know Natasha Mayor?” I asked Ava.
She snorted. “Yeah, we all do.”
“I assume you don’t like her?”
She shrugged. “I don’t really know her well. She had a thing for Liam in high school. Lied and told people they were together, even though Liam barely spoke to her. She wasn’t very nice in high school, and he wasn’t interested. She didn’t like it when he set the record straight. She’s been bitter since that day. I don’t think she has much good to say about us. Any of us.”
I shut my eyes in shame. I had listened to her and made a judgment before meeting Ava’s family.
“Why?”
“I met her at the lawyer’s office. She seemed a little angry.”
“She’s been angry for years. Ignore whatever gossip she’s spouting these days.”
That was good advice. From this day on, I would make up my own mind about the BAM family.
Ronan strolled by, grinning down at us. He sat on the chair beside me. “You ready for me to come help with the house?” He opened his arms. “You got a whole crew with experience here.”
“No, I’m good, thanks.”
He didn’t push it, sitting back and crossing his leg. “You change your mind, let me know.”