Page 44 of Fourteen of a Kind

“You better tell her,” I said to Lily.

“Tell me what?”

Lily walked over and took hold of Riley’s hands. “I’m pregnant, but you can’t tell anyone. I’m announcing it tomorrow.”

“Oh my God.” Riley jumped up and down. “Congrats, cousin.” She hugged her.

“Thank you. Adrien and I are so excited.”

Later that evening, I grabbed a glass of wine and took it to the bonfire, where some of my family members had gathered.

“Hey, sweetheart.” My Uncle Conner grinned. “Sit next to your favorite uncle.” He patted the seat next to his.

“I heard you helped Adrien find a space for his art gallery,” I said to Shaun.

“I did. It’s a great space, and I think it’ll do well there.” He smiled.

“I don’t trust that guy,” Stefan said.

“Oh, come on, bro.” Sam sighed. “He seems nice.”

“You don’t even know him,” Stefan said. “He could be a serial killer for all we know.”

“He’s not, bro,” Simon said. “Grace and I did a full background check on him. He’s as clean as a whistle and comes from a good family. It would be in your best interest to accept the fact that he’s in love with your daughter. For fuck’s sake. He left his family and life behind in France to be with her.”

I looked over Shaun’s shoulder and saw Nora approaching us with some guy.

“Hey, fam.” She smiled. “I’d like you to meet Jack. Jack, these are my brothers: Sam, Shaun, Stefan, and Simon. And my cousins Ella, Conner, and Jackson.”

“Hey.” Jack gave a small wave and smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Simon stood up and flashed his gun. “It’s Detective Simon Kind.”

“Oh, my God. Stop it, Simon. Ignore him. We’re going out.” She kissed Simon’s cheek.

“Curfew, Nora,” Simon shouted as they walked away.

“I’m almost eighteen, brother!”

Simon sighed as he sat down.

“Good job, bro.” Sam grinned.

“Poor guy. Did you see the look on his face?” Shaun laughed.

“Epic.” Jackson laughed.

“Graham is coming to the barbecue tomorrow, and you all better behave.” I stood up and pointed at them. “Simon, don’t even think about wearing that gun tomorrow either. I mean it.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He winked.

On the way back to my house, my mom stepped out on the patio and asked me to come over.

“Hi, Mom.” I hugged her.

“Hi, sweetheart. Where are you off to?”

“I’m heading back to the house.”

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