Page 73 of In this Moment

Chapter Eighteen

Just as Declan had warned her, the next day when they’d finally packed up and made their way down the mountain and to Ian’s house for a celebratory brunch, his family didn’t hold back with their questions.

Gwen was the first. She handed Evie a cup of coffee. “So what’s the deal? You were engaged and then you weren’t? Why did you break up? Why did he ask you to marry him again?”

She basically asked all of the questions everyone was thinking in five seconds and the only response Evie had was to laugh. “It’s kind of a funny story,” she said finally.

“You should tell them,” Declan’s mom, Maureen, said from her chair at the table.

Evie’s mouth dropped open. “Youknew?”

Declan’s arm came around her shoulder. “Mom guessed pretty earlyon.”

“I know my boys,” Maureen said. “I also knew there was more to it long before either of you did.” She winked atthem.

“Is anyone going to tell us?” Jade moaned. “Seriously, what is going onhere?”

“Okay, but then I want to know exactly how you pulled off the surprise last night.” They nodded and said they’d fill her in, so Evie put her coffee cup down and started talking. She explained how she’d felt backed into a corner and had out of desperation had asked Declan to help herout.

“Of course he said yes,” Chelsea said. “Anything for a cause.”

“And a beautiful woman,” Cal added.

Declan winked at his brother and pulled Evie closer. “That was it. I’m sure it’s no surprise to you guys that I thought Evie was pretty special.”

“But you said you weren’t going to ask her out,” Mitch said. “You said something about how you couldn’t.”

“Things change.” Declan kissed her forehead. “And mostly I smartened up and realized that if I didn’t open my heart a little, I was going to lose the best thing I’d ever had. And you are, sweetheart.” He kissed her again. “The. Best. Thing.” He punctuated each word with akiss.

“You guys are just too cute.” Milena sighed. “And now, there’s going to be another wedding in the family.” She looked up at Cal quickly. “But notours.”

“Not yet, baby.” He blew her a kiss. “But it’s coming. I just wanted to make it special. Everyone else around here jumps straight to engagements or marriage.” He looked pointedly at Mitch. “I thought it would be special to be different.”

“Whatever,” Chelsea piped up. “You’re all just too damn sweet, if you ask me. This whole family seems to have caught the love bug. It’s crazy.”

“What about you, Chels?” Cal asked. “Anyone special in your life rightnow?”

Chelsea snorted. “Not that any of you would know. You’ve all been a little preoccupied.”

“That wasn’t an answer.” Mitch wiggled his eyebrows. “Let us know who we need to check out. Ya know, see if he’s good enough for our little sister.”

Chelsea waved a hand. “Forget it. The last thing I need is you guys getting all up in Sc—” She cut herself off, but not before Declan picked up onit.

“Who’s that?” He grinned. “Scott? As in, Scott from Scott’sStop?”

“Seriously?” Milena squealed with delight. “He’s awesome. Are you guys dating?”

Chelsea’s face went bright red and she turnedaway.

“You are, aren’t you?” Milena wouldn’t let itgo.

“We better go have a chat with this Scott,” Cal said and Declan nodded his agreement.

“Make sure he’s treating our girl right.”

“Absolutely.”

Chelsea’s face grew redder and redder and Evie felt bad for the girl with so many protective older brothers. “We’re not dating,” she finally said. “I just…well, nevermind.”

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