She startled. “You’re getting way ahead of yourself.”

“Just wanted you to know I was already thinking it. Making plans.”

“Oh,” she said again. But this time, the word was breathed out in wonder.

I stepped back and held out my hand. “Come with me.”

We walked on the beach, and I showed her the houses. “Bentley and Emmy. She was the waitress.” I indicated the other large house. “That’s my parents’ place. Aiden and Cami.”

“And that one?”

“Nan and Pops. Sandy was the assistant at BAM until she retired. Pops is her second husband. He worked there too.”

“I love how all the houses have a view of the water or the woods.”

“It was designed that way. Bentley and my dad had a whole vision for this place. When everyone is here, the place is hopping. None of us has huge yards—we share the land. There’s a pool and games area in the middle we all have access to.” I pointed to the Hub. “That large building is our gathering place. We celebrate holidays and special occasions there. We all use it the rest of the time like a recreation center. There’s a gym and a small indoor pool. A library. Lots of places to sit and read or visit. Tons of games.” I grinned at her. “Evan and Lucy would have a field day.”

“And your whole family lives here?”

“No. Some use their places like vacation homes. A few, like Bentley’s son, Thomas, or Maddox’s daughter, Shelby, don’t want a place. Thomas lives in BC, and Shelby has a condo in Toronto.” I pointed to a house close to the woods. “That’s the guest house. It has lots of bedrooms, so they can come stay whenever they want. Shelby usually stays with her parents, but Thomas likes his privacy when he visits. It’s used for other guests too.”

“And you all get along?”

“Yeah, we do.” I held her hand, stroking my fingers over her knuckles. “I grew up with all of them. We’re a huge, blended family. Everyone has their own lives, their own passions and pursuits. Some of us work together. We all have our little circles within the family, but we all also get along.”

“That is amazing. And unusual.”

“I know. I’m incredibly blessed.” I smiled down at her. “I know I am. Despite my actions to the contrary, I know that.”

She shrugged. “I can also see needing your own space.”

I nodded. “We give that to one another as well—at least, most of the time. We’re a family, and we squabble and bicker. But we do love one another.”

I tugged on her hand. “If you’re ready, I’ll show you more.” I met her gaze. “Brace yourself. We’ll be driving around in the golf cart, and we’re bound to run into my family. Are you ready for that?”

“Are you?” she asked.

“Yes,” I said with a smile. “I am so ready.”

“Then let’s go.”

* * *

I pointed out houses as I drove the cart slowly around the property, answering Beth’s questions as they came up. Liam was on his deck, drinking coffee. He waved, and I gave him the finger. Beth slapped my hand, and he laughed, making an obscene gesture back at me. I stopped by Gracie’s house as she came out, holding Kylie. She hugged Beth and met my gaze, her eyebrows lifted. I winked so she knew I wasn’t angry with her. I could never be angry with Gracie. Jaxson followed and shook Beth’s hand.

“Heard a lot about you, Beth. Looking forward to getting to know you more. Ronan says you’re one in a million.”

Beth blushed, which made me smile. She watched me holding Kylie with a strange look on her face. I only got Kylie for a few moments. She was too impatient these days to be held long, and she pointed to the beach, wanting to play on the sand. Laughing, Jaxson took her from me, heading to the sun-filled area. Gracie smiled. “The parents are in the Hub, having coffee.”

“All of them?” I asked.

“Yes. I was there a few moments ago to borrow some cream. They were sitting around, talking about next weekend.” Her gaze flitted to Beth then back to me. “Not sure if you want to avoid that today or not.”

She waved and hurried to join Jaxson and Kylie. Jaxson wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her in close. She looked tiny beside his towering height. Beth watched them with a smile. “What a lovely family.”

“They are.”

We continued our drive. I showed her Ava’s place, not surprised to see the blinds still drawn. “She likes to sleep late on Sundays,” I explained. I showed her the pool and outdoor area, and all the other houses.

“Your house isn’t beside Paul’s and Jeremy’s?” she asked. “I’m a little surprised, given what you told me.”

“That piece of land was always my favorite. I loved the bluff and the unobstructed view.” I paused. “Paul and Jeremy aren’t as big on Port Albany as I am. They each have half of that semi attached over there, by the woods. There was only room there for two houses. My mom knew how much I loved the other spot and that I wanted to live here more than they did.” I was quiet for a moment. “I guess that was the first time I picked what I wanted over what they wanted.”

Tags: Melanie Moreland Vested Interest - ABC Corp Romance
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