The heat today is showing record temperatures so I’m guessing that their baby won’t be too happy being exposed to it. I’m not so sure I’m happy with it and I’m twenty-three.
“You asleep?” Michael whispers the question so I turn my head to face him.
“No. I’m wondering how your nephew will fare in this heat.”
“They’ll probably keep him in air conditioning as much as possible.” Pulling up into a parking spot directly outside, Michael asks, “Are you okay?” while intertwining our fingers together.
“I’m happy, Michael.” I offer him a soft smile. “So, I’d say that I was more than okay.”
“That’s good.” He kisses my knuckles.
We hear the sound of jet engines and watch as his sister’s plane lands at the small airport.
My stomach knots now that I’m minutes away from meeting Michael’s sister.
38
Michael
I feel the tremor in Brooke’s hand as I lead her into the airport. It’s only slight, but enough to tell me that she’s more nervous than she’s let on about meeting my sister and her husband.
Once we’re in the air conditioning and away from the doors, I tug her closer and wrap an arm around her shoulders. “There is nothing to worry about,” I whisper against the top of her head before I place a tender kiss there. “Sirena will love you, and she’ll be happy to see me happy. She’s been more worried about my single status than I have.” I kiss Brooke again and catch sight of Garrett wrestling with their two-month-old son over the top of Brooke's head.
My grin widens as I watch Sirena snuggle up to her husband and fretting son. “They’re here,” I tell Brooke, and wrap her hand with mine as I tug her closer to the new arrivals.
Sirena sees me first and rushes into my arms, her grip tight as she wraps her arms around my shoulders. I reluctantly let go of Brooke’s hand so that I can hold onto my sister.
Brooke laughs and steps back until her eyes land on Garrett, their luggage, and, of course, my nephew. I follow her movements as she moves closer to Garrett. They exchange a few words and then, to my astonishment, Garrett hands Elias over to her. He settles immediately.
I tap Sirena on the back and when she looks up, I nod my head toward her husband and Brooke.
“Oh,” she murmurs. “That’s the most settled he’s been in a couple of hours.”
“Perhaps he could tell that you and Garrett were tired.” I shrug and follow Sirena.
My sister grins. “So Michael, you’ve been holding out on me.” She wiggles her brows and Brooke chuckles, her smile is for me though as she meets my gaze.
“Sirena, Garrett, this is Brooke Jordan.” I grin and slip my arm around her shoulders. “She’s my girl, in case you wondered.”
Sirena rolls her eyes. “Honestly Michael, I’m not blind or stupid.” Winking she adds, “And anyone with eyes can see she’s yours.” She turns to Brooke. “Would you mind holding him while we get to the car. My ears are still ringing.”
“I don’t mind at all.” Brooke grins down at Elias who is wide-awake and staring back at her. “I love babies, and he’s just so cute.”
Sirena gives me the eyes, meaning don’t let her get away. I shake my head and, unable to stop touching Brooke, I wrap my arm around her waist while I say hello to my nephew, who only has eyes for my girl.
Sirena chuckles but my gaze lands on Garrett, who looks amused. My brother-in-law coughs, but doesn’t quite hide the smirk.
“Let’s get to the hotel so Sirena can try and sleep.”
“Mitchell offered the use of his car, so it’s parked directly outside. Let’s load it up.” I quickly kiss Brooke on the side of her face, and lead Garrett outside with the luggage.
“How was the flight?”
“Long.” He loads a suitcase into the trunk. “I forgot how tiring it is flying long distance.” He shakes his head and looks toward Sirena. “Elias wasn’t too bad, until he started a couple of hours ago. There was no stopping him.” He tosses another suitcase into the trunk, storing it away. “At least he made it known how strong his lungs are.”
“I’ve heard them before.” I chuckle.
“So,” Garrett says, leaning against the car, “is she the daughter Mitchell is trying to marry off?”