As we come into view, he drops my hand, and I can’t help but feel disappointed. I shouldn’t. I’m a single mom who just released a ton of baggage at his feet tonight. He might have almost kissed me, but he didn’t follow through. Marshall doesn’t need a ready-made family. Not when he can have his own.
“We were about to send the search party,” Conrad calls out when he sees us.
“I told them you’d get hungry and head back.” Grant laughs.
“Does that mean you’re firing up the grill?” Marshall asks his brother.
“The ladies are already on it,” Owen tells him.
Marshall takes a seat at the picnic table and I sit next to him. His brothers and their wives and his parents eventually join us at the long table that I’m sure is custom made. We all eat, laugh, and they treat me as if I’m one of them. Marshall passes Madeline to his mom, who coos over her as if she were her own flesh and blood. I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to truly be a member of this wonderful family.
Chapter 11
Marshall
After opening the passenger door, I place the five large pizzas in the seat and close the door. When Grant called to tell me that my sisters-in-law were having a girls’ night, I volunteered to pick up the pizzas since I live in town. He and my brothers are going to get together with my nephews and hang out.
I’m excited to get some nephew time. I haven’t seen them since last weekend at the lake. Even then, I spent most of my time with Wren and Madeline. I’ve expended a lot of time thinking about her this week—more than I should. I even found myself driving past her place on my way home. I told myself it was to avoid traffic, which was a lie. I was hoping to, I don’t know, see her? Give her a ride to her place? Carry Madeline upstairs for her? Just do something to take a little bit of burden off her shoulders. I know it’s not my place, but after hearing her story last weekend, it’s all I’ve been able to think about.
Life is so unfair. She’s been through so much loss and heartache. And Madeline, the thought of that sweet baby girl never knowing her daddy, it gets me all up in my feels.
Then there was the almost kiss. The one that I pulled out of, only to find out that she would have let me. What the fuck do I do with that information? I’ll tell you what I’ve done. I’ve replayed that entire day over and over in my mind. I know she’s a single mom, and hooking up with her would be a dick move, but I still wanted to kiss her. If I’m being honest, I can see myself doing a whole hell of a lot more with her, but I kept myself in check. Here I am a week later and I have regrets. I shouldn’t, but I do.
Pulling into Grant’s driveway, I see that Owen, Royce, and Conrad are already here. That brings a smile to my face. My brothers are lost without their wives. Hopefully, I can distract my two oldest brothers long enough to steal some Uncle Marshall hugs from Roan and Carter.
Once I’m parked behind Owen, I grab what I need before rushing around to the passenger side to gather the pizzas. I don’t bother knocking when I get to the front door. That’s now how we roll. We’re all family and welcome at each other’s homes any time, night or day. Some might think that’s weird or rude, but that’s who we are. Pushing open the door, it’s on the tip of my tongue to call out that the favorite uncle has arrived, but I walk into utter chaos.
My brothers are talking over one another. Royce is holding Roan, who has his little lip jutted out like he’s about to lose his shit. Carter is gripping Owen’s shirt like he’s afraid he might disappear. Jase is walking the floor with Aria, holding his hand over her ear while the other is pressed to his chest.
My eyes dart to Conrad and Grant, and that’s when I see her and where the crying is coming from.
“Maddie,” I say her name out loud. Grant is trying to soothe her, but nothing seems to be helping. “What in the hell is going on?” As fast as my feet will carry me, I rush toward them. I place the pizzas on the table and take Madeline from Grant. “Shh, it’s okay,” I say soothingly. “What’s wrong, baby girl?” Madeline shudders in my arms as her cries begin to quiet at the sound of my voice.
I glance at my brothers. “What’s going on? Why was she crying and where’s Wren?”