At least, that’s what I’d told myself…
I knocked on the door, then laughed as the door swung open and Brendan threw his arms around me.
“How’s my second wife doing?” he joked as he pulled me into the house. “Ready to move in with me and Bronagh and become her sister-wife yet?”
When I started laughing he added, “You know, with the baby coming and all, we could really use the help.”
I slapped his chest playfully as Bronagh came up and wrapped her arm around his waist.
“What are you going to do when Ming takes you up on that offer, huh?” she asked him with a smile.
I looked him pointedly up and down and kept my face straight.
“Yeah, I don’t think you have the stamina to keep us both happy in bed.”
“Challenge accepted,” Brendan said with a grin, then let out an oomph when Bronagh elbowed him in the stomach.
“We talking threesomes?” TJ said as he joined our little huddle by the door.
“Apparently Ming’s a hell-cat in the sack,” Brendan replied, and this time I balled my fist and punched him in the stomach.
We were all laughing when our huddle split and I walked farther inside, only to stop in my tracks when I saw Brady standing next to Brock. A beer in his hand and his dark eyes locked on me.
I didn’t let that glare stop me, instead I moved right toward him and tip-toed up to kiss him on the cheek.
“Happy Birthday, Brady.”
His gaze followed me as I stood back on my flat feet and placed the long, heavy gift bag in his hand, then turned to give Brock a hug hello.
“Hey, Ming-a-ling, what have you been up to? I feel like we haven’t seen you in forever,” Brock said with a sweet smile. His was a mountain of a man. Tall and broad, with a full beard, longish hair, and the kindest face I’d ever seen.
I swear, I hated that nickname all through middle school, but when Brock said it, it was like being on the receiving end of a special hug. One that only he could give. It felt like acceptance.
“I know, Big Daddy,” I replied with a grin when his eyes narrowed at the name I used to tease him back with. “I’ve got a big case, and it’s been taking up all my time. In fact, I’m only here for a minute. I’ve got to get back to the grind.”
“You work too hard,” Victoria said as she walked up to us. The picture of elegance and poise, Victoria reminded me a lot of my mother. She and Brock were perfect opposites and their contrasts looked really good on both of them.
“I know, but I promise I’ll be here for the New Year’s Eve party.”
“We’re going to hold you to that,” Victoria said, then her expression turned unbearably sweet when Brock pulled her in tight and kissed her reverently on the forehead.
I nodded then moved across the room to where Shelly, Sasha, and Gaby were all sitting.
“Hey, guys, I have to get going, but I wanted to let you know that Cass and I are getting together to start planning the baby shower, and I’ll let you all know as soon as we have a date locked in.”
I turned back to make sure Bronagh was still on the other side of the house, smiling when I saw her and Brendan chatting with Brady, the three of them laughing together.
“Oh, yay!” Shelly said, looking young and fresh with her dark hair pulled back into a high tail. “Let me know if you need any help.”
“I will, thanks.”
I waved and said my “good-byes” as I headed for the door.
“Ming.”
I stopped with my hand on the doorknob, then turned to see Brady standing behind me, the drumstick chandelier I’d given him hanging from his hand.
Smiling shyly, I said, “It’s a chandelier, and those are all signed by different drummers. I thought about you as soon as I saw it.”