McKenzie Cousins Box Set 2

My father, Lucien, and his brothers, Michael and Sebastian, still keep up-to-date with what’s going on at the office, which is why they’re also sitting around the large conference table.

Papers are scattered while I sit in my seat woolgathering, as my mother would say. My concentration has been all over the place and I can’t settle on any one project, which is unlike me. I’m never indecisive.

My mind is constantly on what Rachel is doing. I wonder until it drives me crazy. I need to get more of a life, but I have no idea how to do that. My heart has settled on Rachel, and I know that I won’t ever be truly happy with someone else.

Suddenly, I feel the silence around me and slowly glance around the room—all eyes are on me.

“What?” I ask, frowning.

All eyes turn toward my father who stares at me and shakes his head, a worried expression on his features. He clears his throat, but it’s my sister Olivia, who says, “Snap out of it Alexander.” Clicking her fingers in my face.

Opening my mouth, nothing comes out.

“Let’s get back to business,” Dad says and I sigh in relief.

I glance at Olivia and reaching out, squeeze her hand. She’s angry with me because she knows what’s going on. In fact I’m fairly sure the whole family is aware what’s going on between Rachel and I.

“The office here is closing for four days during Charlotte’s wedding, although we’ll all have our office phones forwarded to our cells during that time,” Michael says as I force myself to concentrate.

“Dad,” I say, “are you and Mom still traveling to the hotel with me from the airport?” I glance at Olivia. “Are you driving or do you need a lift?”

“We’ll still drive up with you.” Dad grins. “Your mother is looking forward to a road trip with our two children.”

“Urgh,” Olivia groans. “I guess that means I’m going with you as well.”

I laugh and so does Olivia. She loves spending family time together, which I guess we all do.

“Joshua is meeting us at the airport in Boston and insists on driving Lily and I.” Uncle Michael smiles. “Lily is slightly disappointed that Charlotte is making her own way there with Tanner. She understands though.”

“Carla keeps hinting to Madison that it’s about time she finds a ‘nice young man’, much to her chagrin,” Uncle Sebastian says. “I actually think my wife is more interested in having a grandchild than a daughter who is married.” He shudders. “Madison is my baby girl, I can’t imagine her married or a mother.”

“Or what she’d have to do if she got married and have a baby,” Uncle Michael teases.

Uncle Sebastian goes white and narrows his eyes at his brother. “I don’t want to imagine my daughter with a horny assed man, thank you for that.”

“If you two have finished, I can’t wait for Alexander or Olivia to get married and start popping out babies,” Dad says to my horror.

Olivia starts laughing. “I’d love to see Alex popping out babies.”

Dad rolls his eyes. “Let me rephrase, I can’t wait for Alex to marry and for his wife to pop out grandchildren.” He grins at Olivia. “Of course you could be first.”

Now I laugh at the shock on my sister’s face. “Nice one.”

Olivia glares in my direction.

I warn, “Do not go there.”

She snaps her mouth closed.

Michael chuckles and shakes his head. “So we’re sorted with work and for the wedding. Correct?”

“Yes boss.” I salute.

Michael gives me the finger.

Grinning, I gather up my things and ask, “Are Dylan, Jaxon, Rachel, and Paige traveling to the hotel together?”

I notice Dad’s attention from the corner of my eyes while I hold Uncle Sebastian’s gaze.