Page 40 of Starry Skies, Stolen Kisses, and My Best Friend's Brother

“Ooh,” Abi says.“I’ve never pegged you for a violent one.Levi maybe, because he’s a marine.Ethan for sure.But not you.”

“I’m not eager to pick fights, but I can hold my own.For this guy though, I’d bring both Levi and Ethan with me.”Not that I’m sad he’s gone.I want Mae to be mine, but what Rick did is inexcusable.

Mae waves her hand.“It’s not a big deal.We’re over now, and that’s all that matters.I’m pretty sure he left in the middle of the night.Though if my dad got home before he left, he might already be dead.”

My hands clench the steering wheel even harder.“Something Keith and I can bond over.Killing your ex.”Not that either of us would risk jail time over that asshole, but we can definitely fantasize about it.

“It could work,” Abi says.“I’ll help you find a place to bury the body.The cops will never know.”

Mae sinks down in her seat and waves her hand out the window like she’s catching the air.“No one is killing anyone.But we can hope for an alien abduction.I’m done talking about this.Rick is ancient history.But thank you for your willingness to defend my honor.And if he dares to show back up, you can have at him.I’m ready to go eat some amazing food.”A small smile spreads across her face.

A big part of me is glad I’m the one making her smile.I wish her dad could see how happy I’d make her.

* * *

We have a blast at the caterer and eat so much.Mae takes off as soon as we get home because she has plans with her dad.I’m glad she’s spending time with him so that he doesn’t think I’m stealing her away.Though, it hasn’t even been thirty minutes, and I’m already missing her.

I should go back to my office, but instead I follow Abi to the kitchen of the main house.We meet Jacob on the way.The desire to hang out with my family is strong and new.I’m surprised to find everyone there.All of my brothers, my nephew, my parents, the three dogs, and Beverly from next door.She’s sitting next to Noah and fussing with his hair.I don’t know why he lets that old woman dote on him.

Ollie squirms out of Mom’s arms when Jacob comes in.“Daddy,” he squeals and leaps into his arms.My heart squeezes a little.I’ve never really wanted kids before, but now the desire to have one of those with Mae is strong.

Mom smiles.“How was the caterer?”

“Fantastic.They’ll do an awesome job.”

Mae loved all the vegan options, and I even liked a few of them.

“Where’s Mae?”

“Out with her dad.”

Mom loops her arm through mine and drops her voice to a whisper.“When are you two going on a date?”

“We’re just friends.”

She slaps my hand.“That’s nonsense.You two need to stop denying things and start moving on to giving me more grandbabies.”

I shake my head, but I’m more than ready to get started on that.

Dad points at the clock on the wall.“Terry, if we’re going to make our dinner reservations, we have to go now.”Both Bisbee and Gilbert stand and wag their tails eagerly at Dad.“You two have to stay.Sorry.I’m sure someone here will have a dinner they’ll share with you.”

Mom shakes a finger at all of us.“Don’t make a mess of my kitchen.”

There’s a chorus of “We won’t,” and, “You’ll never know.”

Once she leaves, a few of my other brothers bail, leaving me with Levi, Mark, Noah, Abi, and Beverly.

I sit across from them and squirm as Beverly narrows her eyes at me.This woman has always made me a little nervous.She’s been around for as long as I can remember, and I’m not exactly her favorite person.After she was so sweet to me at the flower farm, I thought maybe she’d forgotten my teenage antics.

“Is something wrong?”I ask.

“You seem different than you used to be.”

“It’s been a long time.”

She pats Noah’s hand.“See, this is why I like you.You stick around.”

I ignore the barb, but I realize I do have something to answer for.“Beverly, I owe you an apology.”

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