Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 72126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
When we walked up, Dagger and several of the other brothers were standing around the grill, drinking a beer. Memphis was at the grill. His face was serious with concentration as he turned the ribs. Rusty hovered nearby, pretending to give his brother pointers, even though Memphis was ignoring every word.
Goose was sitting in a chair next to Seven. His feet were propped up on the cooler, and there was a plate of half-eaten ribs already in his lap. He gave us all a warm smile as he said, “I was wondering if you guys were gonna show.”
“Looks like we got here just in time.”
“Yeah, you better grab a plate before the food gets gone.”
“Hold your damn horses,” Memphis complained. “These lack a good ten minutes. Maybe more.”
“They’re fine.” Goose held up his plate. “These were just right... falling off the bone and seasoned to perfection.”
“Ten more minutes, and they would’ve changed your life.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.”
As usual, the atmosphere was light and full of easy laughter and good-natured teasing. It was just what we needed. Sutton grabbed me a drink, and it wasn’t long before he got caught up in a conversation with Memphis and Rusty.
I had no interest in listening to them talk about Rusty’s faulty carburetor, so I was relieved when I spotted Kay waving at me. She was sitting at one of the picnic tables with Jenna and Antonia. It had been weeks since I’d last seen them, and I couldn’t wait to go over and say hello. I leaned over to Sutton and whispered, “I’ll be right back.”
I walked over to their table. Like me, Jenna and Antonia were wearing jeans and sweatshirts, and Kay was wearing something similar. But with her hair done, perfect makeup, and matching jewelry, she looked like she was ready to hit the town. She smiled as she scooted over and said, “Long time no see.”
“I know. It’s been too long.” I took my place next to her, then turned to Jenna and Antonia. “How have you guys been?”
“Good. Just busy,” Jenna answered. “Luna’s started a gymnastics class, and it seems like we are constantly on the run.”
“Oh, gymnastics sounds fun!”
“She’s certainly enjoying it. Grim, on the other hand, isn’t all that thrilled about her doing somersaults all through the house.”
“Oh, I can imagine.”
“It’s been pretty quiet around our place.” There was a sadness in Antonia’s eyes, and I had no idea why it was there. I hoped she would give some kind of clue, but all she said was, “And I don’t see that changing any time soon... Well, not for another four to five months.”
“Four to five months?” Jenna’s mouth dropped. “Wait! Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“We’re pregnant.” Antonia smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “It sounds so corny when people say that. I’m the one who’s pregnant... I guess it’s better to say we’re expecting.”
“That’s amazing news!”
“You both must be so excited.”
“We are.”
“I am beyond thrilled!” Kay exclaimed. “I’m going to be a grandmother!”
“That’s so great.”
“It is. It really is.” Antonia’s voice cracked as she added, “The timing isn’t the best, but we’re happy. Really, really happy.”
“I know it’s hard, but we’re here for you.” Kay reached over and placed her hand on Antonia’s.
Jenna was quick to say, “And there’s always a chance he’ll be back before the baby’s born.”
“Maybe, but I don’t want to get my hopes up.”
I had no idea who they were talking about, but it was clear that Antonia was upset that they were gone. They continued to talk for a minute, and I used the opportunity to glance over at Sutton. He was standing next to Dagger, and he was laughing at something one of the guys had said. He was completely at ease, and the tension he so often carried was nowhere to be found. The sight of him made me smile.
Jenna must’ve noticed me looking because she leaned in with a smirk. “I know that look.”
“What look?”
“That one.” She giggled. “It’s the same one I had when I fell for Grim, and Antonia had it when she fell for Memphis. Seems the love bug is catching.”
“The love bug?” I shook my head and laughed. “I don’t know about all that.”
“I do, and I’m telling ya. I’ve been there.” Jenna gave me a wink. “And once you fall for one of these boys, there’s no going back.”
And just like that, Jenna told me all about how Grim had taken her and Luna in and saved them from living on the streets and how he’d rescued Luna from some crazy guy that was connected to her brother.
And then, Antonia told me all about her and Memphis and explained how they’d met when Kay and Carmine got married. They’d fought their feelings for over a year, but things took a turn when Memphis was in a horrible accident.