Page 7 of Starting Anew

The more Lynn thought about it, the more she liked it. “Thai. I think it fits.” She turned back to the computer and shifted in the chair. “Good, now that we have that figured out, I guess we’d better make some lunch.”

That decision made, she warmed up leftovers from the night before and settled down to watch some of her favorite shows on television to help pass the time.

That evening, as she followed the GPS directions to Nathan’s brother’s house, Lynn again wished there were some way she could get out of this whole arrangement. Unless little Mia screamed bloody murder at seeing Lynn tonight, there was little Lynn could do.

She rubbed one sweaty palm against her jeans before gripping the steering wheel with it and wiping the other palm.

On second thought, it was one dinner. How bad could it be? Okay, it was one dinner with the guy she’d secretly liked for months. But she’d kept those feelings to herself this long, what was one more night? Or even one more week or month? No one else had to know.

Her stomach clenched in response. No matter how convinced her mind was of that fact, her heart wasn’t so sure. She’d be lucky if she could eat a bite the way she felt right now.

Lynn followed the prompts from her phone as she entered a neighborhood and finally parked at the curb in front a one-story brick house. She double checked the address before grabbing the tray of brownies in the passenger seat. She stepped out of her car and walking up the paved path from the sidewalk to the red front door.

Please, God, at least let me have the right house.

She’d just raised a hand to knock when the door opened. Lynn looked up into Nathan’s piercing blue eyes and swallowed hard.

“Hey, you find the place okay?”

“I did.” Lynn waited until Nathan stood back. She went inside and paused while her eyes adjusted to the change in light.

“Everyone’s out back. Chess is grilling steaks—his specialty—and we should be set to eat before too long.” Nathan reached for her brownies. “I can take those and put them in the kitchen.”

“Sure.” She relinquished the baked goods. Part of her wanted to wish she’d baked something herself. But yeah, no. Store-bought brownies were as good as it got for her. When he returned, she glanced at the front door and almost wishing she could make a run for it. “I really don’t want to intrude…”

“Believe it or not, I remember how weird it was walking through my brother’s door back before I knew everyone last year. Trust me, if they could welcome me with open arms, you’ll be fine.” He winked at her. “Come on, let me introduce you.”

So he hadn’t known his brother before last year? Interesting.

He led the way through the house to the back door, and Lynn followed reluctantly. Don’t let any of them recognize me.

As they stepped into the large backyard, four sets of eyes watched her along with little Mia who was being held in a woman’s arms. It took the little one a few moments to realize who Lynn was before she grinned with delight and stretched her arms out.

Normally Lynn wouldn’t hesitate to take the baby, but she had no idea who was holding her. She knew that Nathan was a single dad, but what if Mia’s mom was still in the picture?

The woman stood from the bench of a picnic table she’d been sitting on and stretched out a hand. “Hi. You must be Lynn.” When Mia continued to reach for Lynn, the woman relinquished the baby. “I’m Brooke.”

Ah, Nathan’s future sister-in-law. Okay, that made Lynn feel a little better. She shook Brooke’s hand with a smile. “It’s nice to meet you.” She tickled Mia’s arm and got a giggle in response. “Hey, bug. I’ll bet it’s weird seeing me here, isn’t it?”

Other than that first confused look, Mia acted as though it was the most natural thing in the world to have Lynn there with everyone else. She seemed content to stay in Lynn’s arms, so Lynn settled the baby on her hip. “Your house is beautiful.” The backyard was shaded by several large trees.

Brooke grinned. “Thank you.” She nodded toward the tiny back porch. “Chess promised to build a larger deck before too long. Once he does, I’ll look forward to planting a bunch of flowers.” She snagged one of the guys and pulled him over. “Speaking of which, this is my fiancé, Chess.”

With the exception of some subtle similarities in facial features, Chess looked nothing like his brother. He smiled, his hazel eyes sparkling. “We’re happy to have you here, Lynn. We appreciate your taking care of that little munchkin during the wedding.”

So far, no one had shown any hint of recognition. Lynn’s shoulders relaxed a little. “I’m happy to.” She shifted some of the baby’s light hair out of her eyes and secured it behind her ear. “Congratulations to the both of you.”

Chess looped an arm around Brooke’s waist and kissed her soundly on the lips. Brooke looked at him lovingly as she tucked herself into his shoulder.

Nathan returned with the other two people there. “And this is Joel and Anna. Guys, this is Lynn.”

Lynn shook each of their hands. Between the wedding bands they both wore, and the way Joel was holding Anna’s hand in his, it was clear they were married.

It would seem Lynn and Nathan were the only single adults in the group. Nice.

Lynn cleared her throat, thankful for the distraction of Mia in her arms. “So everyone’s in the wedding party?”

Chess nodded. “Nathan’s my best man, and Anna is Brooke’s maid of honor.”

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