“Okay, so now that we’ve established you all know who she is, can we meet her?” an aggravated voice calls out from behind.
Finn blows out a breath, kisses me on the forehead, and turns us back to the sea of curious faces. Suddenly, I’m in the spotlight again.
My eyes land on the breathtaking brunette holding a baby. I know immediately, this is Raven. A man stands beside her, and I swallow the screech in my throat. Declan Collins is also holding a baby and smiling widely at me. Together, they look every bit of the superstar couple that was displayed across papers around the country. Suddenly, I’m starstruck and can’t find my voice.
“I’m Raven.” She walks up and extends a hand, giving me a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. I shake it feebly and try my best to form words. “And this is Elizabeth.” She bounces the tiny baby gently on her chest.
The baby gurgles, and I snap out of my daze. “Hi, I’m Presley.”
“Declan Collins,” he reaches out to take my hand next, “and this is James.”
I glance at the sleeping baby and smile. “They’re beautiful.”
“Thanks,” Raven beams and gives Declan an unmistakable look of pride and love.
“My turn.” A strawberry blond nudges through and grasps my hand. “I’m Abbi, and this is my husband, Jimi.” She points behind her at another striking man who is sizing me up.
“And I’m Harper, and this is my fiancé, Gabe,” the brunette behind Abbi says.
“Hi, everyone.” I give a shy wave.
My mind races. This is the crew… the people that mean so much to Finn.
Robbie and Ember…
Jimi and Abbi…
Gabe and Harper…
Raven and Declan…
Max…
Tripp…
“Don’t forget us! I’m Cruz, Ember’s cousin. This is my partner, Alex.” A man steps in front of me and grabs my shoulder gently. He rakes his eyes over my face and then breaks out in a mischievous grin. “And you are exquisite.”
The heat returns to my cheeks, and I bite my lip.
“Presley!” Evelyn calls my name as she walks out of the condo, followed by Tim, Jenna, and James.
I step around Cruz and rush to Evelyn, who wraps me in a gentle embrace. “Evelyn, it’s good to see you.”
“You too, honey. Quite the crew you just walked into, huh?”
“I don’t think I?
??ve ever been so surprised and unprepared. I’m going to strangle Finn!”
She giggles, and I step back to say hello to Tim. Once again, I feel heat on my back. I turn to see everyone’s eyes on me. Raven, Abbi, and Harper’s mouths are hanging open.
“You’ve met Evelyn?” Raven’s voice is terse with a touch of bitterness.
I nod, unsure why she’s upset. Then she turns to Finn with fire in her eyes. “Where the hell have you been hiding her?”
He shrugs and ignores her irritation, coming to me. “We’re in the truck with Ember and Max.”
“This isn’t exactly a few guys picking up your bikes.”