Your Irresistible Love (The Bennett Family 1)

“You’re going to be a great mom one day.”

His words stir something inside me. I don’t know if it’s because I’m holding a baby in my lap, but my desire to have a family hits me hard. I’ve always wanted a large family, but over the past couple of years and unfortunate experiences, I put those dreams on hold. Truth is I didn’t see myself starting a family with my past boyfriends. I guess deep down I knew none of them was the one.

Yet as I look at Sebastian explaining the rules of soccer to Adrian as if he expects the toddler will play the next round with them, my heart constricts. This feels too real, beautiful, and perfect. How will I go back to empty afternoons and weekends?

“Can’t imagine how your mom managed with all of you,” I comment as Mrs. Bennett announces the grill is ready.

“I’ll go shower real quick,” he informs me. I hug baby Adrian tighter and stare after Sebastian as he enters the house, lost in thought.

“Ava.”

I snap my head up, startled to discover Alice standing right in front of me. “Sorry, I wasn’t listening.”

“What were you thinking about? You looked sad.”

Okay, so apparently Alice is the no-bullshit sibling. Something in her attitude demands honesty.

“That I’ll have to leave in a few weeks. I don’t feel ready to leave all this behind.”

“Then don’t.” Alice shrugs, as if the matter’s settled.

“I wish it were that simple.”

“Oh puh-lease. Where’s the fun in simple?”

I smile, remembering she practiced soccer in secret just to be allowed to be part of the older group. Alice is determined and competitive.

Unexpectedly, she takes baby Adrian from my arms, returns him to his mother, and tells me, “I challenge you to kick balls until you score a goal.”

“Alice, we’ll be here until the end of time.”

“I am patient.” She says this so nonchalantly I can’t help but laugh. I join her on the field. She defends the post, while I kick the hell out of the ball. Obviously, I manage to kick my own feet twice, falling to my knees. But after a lot of tries, I finally score a goal.

“I scored. I can’t believe this.” I jump up and down despite my aching knees.

“How does that feel?” Alice asks.

“Like I’m the baddest badass and invincible.”

“Good. Was getting here simple?”

I narrow my eyes. “No.”

“Point made.” She saunters to the grill area without another look back.

Yep. My assessment was spot on. She is the no-bullshit sister. I like her. I join the grill party, only to discover there’s no food left. Groaning, I slump in a chair. With the adrenaline leaving me, I’m more aware of the pain in my knees.

“Here, I saved some steak for you before everything was gone,” Sebastian says, handing me a plate and kissing my forehead. “Alice did the impossible. She deserves a medal.”

“You watched the entire time?” I eat with quick bites.

“Yes. Thought of coming to rescue you, then decided to just watch.”

“Very funny. My knees hurt.” Pulling up my dress, I wince. Both knees are bloody. I raise my legs, inspecting the damage. “Holy crap.”

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To my astonishment, Sebastian laughs. “City girl. You never went hiking or stuff, did you?”