“I know, but I’ve already eaten, and I’m not doing anything else. Look.” I point to where Royce is sitting on a lounge chair feeding Roan. “I’ll go sit with Royce. It will be fine.”
“We’re not your responsibility, Marshall.” Her voice is a little defensive and dare I say sad? It’s almost as if she wants to be my responsibility but is afraid of what that might mean.
“I didn’t say that you were. I’m just helping out. We’re all just hanging. You never get a chance to get a break. Enjoy yourself.”
“How do you know?”
“Wren, you’re a single mom. I’m guessing that your time isn’t even in your vocabulary unless you’re working. Go. I’ll be right over there.” I point again to Royce and Roan. “Any special instructions?”
“No.”
“Come on, Maddie. Let’s fill that belly.”
“Take these,” Wren calls out.
Turning back, I take the thin blanket and bib from her hands, then head toward Royce. “Look, Maddie, it’s Roan. You two are the same age,” I tell her.
“You look good with a baby,” Royce says.
I’d smart off, but I know my older brother and he’s being completely serious. “One day, brother,” I tell him.
“You volunteer to feed her?”
“Yeah. Wren was still eating, and all the women are chatting up a storm.” I shrug. “I wasn’t doing anything else. I assume she doesn’t have many days to just sit and gossip and relax, so I’m helping out.”
“Gossip? You think the woman are gossiping?”
“Probably about me.” I laugh. “They’re all scheming for who to hook me up with, I’m sure. Heaven forbid I’m the last Riggins holdout to start a family.”
“It’s more than that, Marsh. It’s the magic of finding love and knowing that person will be with you by your side through all of life’s up and downs.”
“Well, when I find her, I’ll be sure to let you know.” There’s no point in arguing with him about this. I’ve been round and round with my dad and all four of my brothers about their “magic,” and no matter how many times I dispute their concept, it doesn’t do me a bit of good.
“I don’t think you’ll have to tell us. I think we’ll just know. Look at me. Everyone knew Sawyer was good for me and that we should be together, but I fought it.”
“That’s you. I’m not fighting anything. I’m not dating. There is no woman in my life who’s going to suddenly make me believe in this magic sh—stuff y’all are always rambling on about.”
He grins. “Just do me a favor, Marshall, when it hits you, when you realize you’ve found your magic, don’t run from it like I did. Embrace it. Embrace her. Trust me, little brother, your life will be a hell of a lot easier because of it.”
“How so?” I take the bait.
“I wasted time with Sawyer. I could have had this”—he nods down to his son, who is sleeping in his arms—“a hell of a lot sooner if I hadn’t been so stubborn.”
“It all worked out in the end.”
He nods. “It did. The same way it’s going to work out for you as well.”
“When I have to admit you to the nursing home for losing your mind, I’ll be sure to tell them it’s been going on for years,” I tease.
His grin grows wide. “You know, as the oldest, I’m always right.”
“Okay. Let’s go with that.” I move my attention to Madeline, who is now snoozing in my arms. She sucked down her bottle like a champ and then dozed off.
“Thank you,” Wren says, appearing next to me. “I can take her now.”
“She’s comfortable.”
“You need to be enjoying your day. Not babysitting.” She places her hands on her narrow hips.
“I am enjoying my day. I’m thinking about taking a nap with Maddie.”
“Marshall,” she sighs.
“Go take a ride on the boat.” I point to where my dad and Owen are getting ready to take the boat for a spin.
“I can’t just leave her here with you.”
“Yes, you can. I’ll look after her. I’m the only one she likes anyway besides you.”
“You don’t know that. You’ve not let anyone else try,” Royce chimes in.
“I did. Dad and Con both tried.”
Royce just smirks. “He’s responsible even though he sometimes doesn’t act like it,” he tells Wren.
“Thank you. I knew you were my favorite,” I reply.
“Hey, Wren,” Sawyer calls out. “Let’s go. Let the guys handle the littles for a while.”
I glance over to see Owen now has Carter as Layla, Aurora, Aspen, and Mom are already on the boat. “Go. We’re fine. You aren’t going far, and I have the number of every single person on that boat. If I need you, I’ll call you.”
“Are you sure?” she asks, chewing on her bottom lip.
“I’m sure. Now go. Have fun.”
She leans down and kisses Madeline on the forehand, and her scent wraps around me. Something vanilla and uniquely Wren. “Mommy loves you. Be good for Marshall.” She stands and looks over her shoulder at Sawyer, who is waiting patiently before turning her gaze back to me. “Thank you, Marshall.”