3 Seconds (Time for Love 6)

Abby eyed me and said, “I haven’t gotten any complaints, and I get really good tips.”

“I own a pub, Callaghan’s, and I’m always looking for good servers. If you’re ever in need of a change, let me know.”

Abby’s pixie-like face bloomed, and she said, “I love that place! Thanks, Bronagh, that’s really sweet. You know, I don’t always come to these things, but I’m glad I decided to come today.”

“Why wouldn’t you? It seems like a great group.”

“Well, you see him? The smokin’ hot one with the dreamy face and longish hair?” Warily, I followed her finger, knowing whom I was going to find. “We used to hook up … Then his brother married my sister, and sometimes it feels awkward, you know?”

I let out a long sigh when Brendan felt our stares and looked up. I couldn’t see his eyes, but it looked like his lips turned down when he realized who I was talking to. He said something to the guys, then turned and began walking in our direction.

“Man … he’s hot,” Abby said under her breath next to me, and I had to agree with the much-younger woman, he really was.

“Hey, Abby,” Brendan said in greeting when he stopped in front of us. “I see you’ve met my girlfriend, Bronagh.”

I could sense her confusion at his introduction, and I felt bad for not saying anything, but there really hadn’t been time; I’d been taken aback by her statement. I had no idea that I’d be running into someone from his past at a family gathering.

“Your girlfriend?” she asked, standing suddenly and looking down at me in confusion. Flustered she muttered, “It was nice to meet you, see you guys around,” then she turned and walked quickly toward the house.

“So, you guys used to hook up, huh?” I asked, keeping my tone even. I didn’t want to cause a fight, but wanted him to know that I knew, and that it had made me uncomfortable.

Brendan held out his hand, so I placed mine in his and allowed him to pull me up. He stepped closer and brought his lips to my ears so he could speak softly.

“Yes, I hooked up with her a few years ago. She was a groupie, nothing more, and it was before Brock and Victoria started dating. If it hadn’t been over already, it would have been once they did. I never saw her as anything long term, and I told her that. Now, we’re family.”

“I don’t think she thinks of you as family.”

“Well,” he responded. pulling back and pushing his glasses up on his head so I could see his eyes. “That’s all she is to me. She’s my sister-in law … aunt to my nephew … and that’s all she’ll ever be.”

I nodded, feeling better, but at the same time feeling bad for the sweet girl I’d just met. I understood her struggle.

“I’m sorry, if I’d know she was going to be here, I would have given you a head’s up.”

“Hey, Bren, can you take Dec for a minute?” Victoria asked, holding out the chubby little boy who was currently waving his hands and kicking his feet. “I need to run inside and get the tongs for Brock.”

“Sure thing, Tori,” he said with a grin for his nephew. “Come here, Big Man.”

Declan cooed as he settled into his uncle’s arms, and the tender look on Brendan’s face as he nuzzled the baby made my heart lurch, and my tummy tickle.

“You’re a natural with him,” I said, reaching a hand out gingerly to touch Declan’s soft little leg.

“He’s easy to be natural with. Such a happy baby, aren’t you, Big Man?” He said the last in a soft, baby voice, causing me to laugh. “I hope they are just as lucky the second time around.”

“Oh, are they expecting?” I asked.

Brendan looked around, as if to make sure no one was near and replied, “Yeah … shoot, I’m not supposed to say anything. They haven’t told anyone other than Brady and I yet.”

“I won’t say anything, promise,” I said, making an X over my heart with my finger. “How old is Declan?”

“Thanks, uh, about eight months or so. They want to have kids close to the same age, so they’ll grow up together. Plus, my brother’s kind of a caveman, so I’m sure he has visions of keeping Victoria barefoot and pregnant whenever possible,” he said with a chuckle, the look on his face telling me he was only half joking. “They were talking about having four or five, which is just crazy talk, but if it makes them happy, whatever. I can babysit and give them back, right?” he added with a grin, but something about his words niggled me.

“How many kids do you want?” I asked, suddenly afraid of his answer.

Brendan kissed Declan softly on the head, his green eyes looking at his sweet nephew as he answered matter of factly, “None.”

The tingling in my stomach subsided, and was immediately replaced with nausea and dread. It looked like Brendan and I had to have a serious talk.

Chapter Seventeen ~ Brendan