She rolls her eyes. “You know very well I always make sure I’m covered when I feed him. Geez, Garrett would have a coronary if he knew I was flashing anyone.”
“You know,” I cringe, “I think we need to change the subject because it’s too damn weird sitting here while you talk about your boobs.”
“There’s nothing wrong with Sirena’s boobs,” Garrett comments, joining us. He kisses his wife on the top of her head before sitting next to her on the lounger.
“I believe I’m going to have visitors while I’m overseas,” I suggest, changing the subject with a glare in Sirena’s direction.
Garrett chuckles and lets me off the hook. “Considering all my travels, I’ve never been to Greece so I’m looking forward to it. We’ll be close as well. A friend has a hotel on the Island of Santorini so, once he gets back to me, I’ll let you know the dates.”
“Sounds good. I’m going to look forward to more of this.” Just as I finish speaking, Elias fills his diaper.
My sister grins. “He’s letting you know what to expect.”
Chuckling, I scramble to my feet. “I’m going to change him.”
“You are?”
“Give me a break. I’ve changed him numerous times before.” I grin at my nephew. “We have this.”
I feel my sister and Garrett watching me as I disappear inside with the little guy.
I navigate through the streets and focus on the road immediately ahead instead of the one where I board a plane for Santorini, and the w
ork awaiting me there. It’s going to be big for McKenzie Holdings and I’m excited and a little bit apprehensive. Dad will be able to set my worries aside, at least that’s what I’m hoping as I pull up outside the house where I grew up. No matter where I am, or where I go, this has always been home, even now that I have my own place. That’s how it is for my siblings as well. It’s home because this is where Mom and Dad are.
Climbing from the car, I spot Mom, Aunt Carla, and Aunt Rosie unloading shopping from Dad’s car. So I jog over and say, “What are my favorite ladies up to?”
“Oh, honey,” Mom gushes, and wraps her arms around me for a long, tight hug. “I’m going to miss you.” She sniffles against my shirt, clinging to me. Her reaction brings tears to my own eyes.
“Lily, he’s going to be back before you know it,” Aunt Carla soothes.
I finally get to greet two of my aunts. This is why I have such an amazing family and why we all get along so well. My siblings and cousin’s grew up in one large family, and I wouldn’t be without any of them. I’m so going to miss this while I’m gone.
“We’ve been shopping and now we’re going to cook. We’re hoping your Aunt Sabrina, and uncles, Lucien, Ramon and Noah, will join us later,” Rosie says, passing me some of the shopping. “Thanks Michael.”
“No worries.”
Trudging inside, I’m pretty sure she’d given me the heaviest of the bags, but I’m not really bothered. I head toward the kitchen and find my dad and two uncles, Sebastian, and Ruben, drinking coffee around the table.
“Why are you three not out there helping your wives with the heavy bags?” I moan as I dump the load onto the table.
They all jump up and head out the front door while I grin to myself. I knew they’d respond like that. They always do when it involves their wives. I want that one day. Someone to be so in love with me that they’ll do anything for me, just like I would her. I want a wife to share everything with, and not someone to wait on me as though I’m not just as responsible for the house or the food on the table. I want to share every damn thing.
As I start to empty the bags and sort the groceries, I sigh realizing that I’m lonely and want something I haven’t really thought about before.
Hearing a throat being cleared, I lift my gaze and see the others standing staring at me.
“Michael McKenzie, did you send our men outside to help us so you didn’t have to come back out?” Mom asks, but I see the smirk on her lips.
“Maybe.” I laugh. “They’re so predictable.”
She grins. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Pushing past Dad, she directs the men as to where to put the shopping and then Dad’s standing in front of me.
“Let’s go into my office and talk.”
I nod and follow him.
He closes the door once I’ve entered. “What’s on your mind, son?”