Page 5 of Unexpected Forever
Nate stretches his neck from side to side and bounces on his toes like a boxer, making a show of getting amped up. “Born ready.”
I can’t help but smile. Nate Gentry has a little funny side to him.
Once we walk in, it’s just as I figured it would be with my siblings and mother welcoming him with open arms and other guests wanting to shake his hand.
Nate takes it all in stride, smiling politely but continuing to move through the crowd. It’s clear he’s had practice.
I push through the swinging door, and Nate follows me into the kitchen off the main room. “Thank God, we got here before Aidan and Megan.” I wipe fake sweat off my brow. “Okay, my instructions are to keep you in here until Aidan gives me the signal. Then you can come out.” I rub my hands together with a grin. “I cannot wait to see her face when she sees you.”
Nate gives me a full smile and this time I swear my heart stops. I can see right away this particular smile is one he reserves for his sister.
Breathless from a smile? What is wrong with me?
I lean against the open swinging door so I can see when Aidan and Megan come in. But from the corner of my eye, I study the man roaming the commercial kitchen area.
With those broad shoulders, it’s easy to see him as a leader in everything he does. As a catcher, even his position in baseball leans to being the one in charge and taking care of his guys.
“Here they come!” someone whisper shouts, drawing my attention away from Nate.
I wave him over. “They’re here.”
When he comes up behind me, the heat of his body makes my skin flush. I close my eyes and try my best not to sway into him.
When the group in the room yells “Surprise!” my eyes fly open and I straighten my spine.
And my resolve.
I roll up on my tiptoes, trying to get a glimpse of Aidan and Megan, but I can’t see them for the taller people in front of me. Even in my three-inch heels, I barely skim five-six. “Damn it. I can’t see.”
“Aidan is looking this way and nodding. Is that our sign?”
“Shit! Yes. You’re up.”
I follow behind him as he moves through the crowd that parts like the sea parted for Moses. I know the minute Megan sees her brother because she lets out a big squeal followed by an “Oh my God!”
“Hi, Meg-pie,” Nate says as he walks faster toward her until they meet in the middle with her jumping into his strong arms. He spins her around before setting her on her feet and kissing the top of her head.
It’s a familiar gesture as my three brothers have done it to me and my sisters a million times. I swallow hard against the emotions clogging my throat.
Megan rushes over to me, arms outstretched. “Is this why you couldn’t come help me pick out a dress? You little traitor.” She hugs me and I squeeze her hard.
“I was sworn to secrecy.”
Aidan walks up beside me and drapes his arm over my shoulders. “Hey, you did good. On time and everything.”
“Well, if we’d been late, it would have been my fault,” Nate says, sliding his hands in the pockets of his slacks, his eyes on mine. “My flight was delayed so I cut it pretty close.”
“I still can’t believe you’re here,” Megan says, hugging her brother’s side. “It’s been four years too long. I’ve missed you.”
“Why don’t you guys go get some drinks and food? Catch up?” I ask, going into hostess mode.
When Megan and Nate walk away, Aidan puts an arm around my shoulders. “Thanks for helping me out, Charley. I mean it.”
“You know I love Megan too, and I want her to be happy.”
“Oh, you don’t have to worry. She’s plenty happy.” Aidan winks and I smack his hard stomach with the back of my hand.
“Ugh. Stop. I don’t even want to know about my brother and my best friend in that context. Gross.”
