Wow.
There is definitely an attractive gene buzzing through this family. And a gene for multiple births too. Two sets of twins stand gazing up at the house as though it's the first time they've seen it. Maybe the improvements I've made have improved its appearance, and that's what they've noticed. The windows were almost gray before I washed them down. And the boxes of flowers that now stand either side of the door have brought some color to the place.
One of them leans in to assist a woman from the vehicle. She's average height and pretty in a kind of ordinary way. I don't mean to think anything nasty, just that we're not so different, and that surprises me. How has this normal girl managed to hook four gorgeous men? I mean, even from a distance, I can see they are muscular beneath their clothes. And their faces are handsome, with strong bone structure and pretty eyes. Maybe she's awesome in bed. They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but I reckon that what's in his pants is a higher priority for most. Animals will choose to mate before they eat. Some even risk death. Humans aren't that different.
Someone grabs a stroller from the trunk, and Connie motions for another man to take her purse while she leans into the car for their son. There's a calm, organized feel about the way they respond to each other. I guess having five adults caring for one child makes it so much easier than normal.
Conscious that I'm staring, I decide now is the time to make my way nearer the door. I'm not family here, so I don't feel right going to greet them outside, but Colt and Sawyer leave the kitchen to join Cary and Cash outside.
There are friendly handshakes and smiles all around. Connie laughs in a light and lilting way as the baby puts his hand against her cheek and smiles. When Sawyer goes to touch him on the shoulder, he's immediately shy, burying his face in his mother's neck.
I've never been the kind of woman who coos over babies but seeing Brett's chubby cheeks, and playfulness makes me suddenly envious. This woman has four gorgeous men and the sweetest baby. She is truly blessed.
Cash puts his arm out to usher them toward the door, and for some reason, I wipe my hands on my jeans, nerves buzzing in my stomach. Connie is the first inside, and she smiles broadly when she sees me. "Hi!"
"I'm Mel," I say, then take a step back to make more room as the Banbury cousins start to pile in.
"I know." She winks. "Cash told Holden all about your cooking skills."
"He did?" Shaking my head, I look to Cash, who's entered the kitchen too late to hear what Connie said.
"And it smells delicious," she says, turning to take in the kitchen. "And isn't it pretty in here?"
"That's all Mel," Cary says, sounding almost proud.
"And who's this?" Connie makes a beeline for Big Boy, bending down to pat him. Big Boy struggles to his feet, giving one slow wag of his tale and plodding close enough to sniff baby Brett. He's not disconcerted at all when Brett pats his nose or when Connie ruffles his thick coat.
"That's Big Boy," Sawyer says. "He's an old and gentle giant."
Connie turns to the group. "I keep telling the boys that we need to get a dog, but they're wary of the puppy stage and worried about a rescue being dangerous with the baby."
"Maybe wait until he's a little older," Cash says. "We didn't get Big Boy until we were in our teens."
"Was that when your dad brought that farm in Paxon?" one of the cousins asks.
"Yeah," Scott says from the doorway. He's appeared again, out of thin air. "Dad bought us Big Boy to replace our mother."
A few seconds of cold silence billow outward, and I stare at him in shock. My mom always told me never to air dirty laundry in public. I guess Scott's momma didn't get a chance to pass on that life skill to her son.
"So, we're going to eat in the yard if that's okay?" Cash says, smiling more broadly than I've ever witnessed before and stretching his arm to the hallway door. Being forced to cover your brother's inappropriate behavior makes Cash very uncomfortable.
"That will be great," Connie says. "Come on, Brett. Let's go outside." At the door, she pauses. "Actually, Harris, can you take the baby? I'm going to help Mel."
"Sure." Harris, who's the twin with soft curly hair and eyes the shade of the sky, reaches out for Brett.
All the men trudge through the house, and I roll my eyes at the fact that we're in the twenty-first century, and men and women are still entrenched in the same roles. Well, in some ways, I guess. At least one of the nine men available is holding the baby.