Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
I chuckle at his sweetness.
“There she is.” He smiles down at me. “Trust me, Courtney. It’s all going to be fine. Dinner with my family is crazy and chaotic, and it’s a good time. You’re in for a treat.” He offers me a boyish grin, and I feel some of the tension fade away.
“We can leave if it’s too much?” I hate asking him to leave his family dinner, but I can admit that I feel better knowing I have an out if I need it.
“Absolutely.” His eyes show he’s not just telling me what I want to hear.
“Okay.”
“Okay.” He grabs the container and my hand and pulls me away from the door before pushing it shut with the arm that’s holding the Rice Krispies treats. “Let’s do this.”
With my hand locked in his, we make our way inside the building. As soon as we walk in, my eyes bounce around. I’ve heard about this part of the building, but I’ve never been here. It’s a huge open-floor plan with the longest table I’ve ever seen. There’s a big-screen TV, a pool table, and a kids' corner that any kid would be in awe of. A couple of sectional couches and recliners as well as padded rocking chairs are set up around the space. Then the kitchen. It’s massive, and whatever Mrs. Kincaid is cooking smells incredible.
“Hey, Mom.” Merrick guides me toward the kitchen island where his mother is chopping vegetables.
“My baby.” She smiles before her eyes find mine. “Hello, Courtney. Welcome to the chaos.” She laughs.
“Hello. Thank you for having me, and this isn’t chaos. This place is incredible.”
“Thank you. We have our Ramsey and Jordyn to thank for this space, but we’ve all added a few things since it’s been finished.”
“Merrick, show Courtney where the drinks are. We’re a ‘help yourself’ kind of family.” She smiles kindly.
“I’m okay for now. Can I help with anything?”
She shakes her head. “You’re a guest.”
“I’m a very nervous guest. I’d love to help to keep myself busy.”
She stops chopping and studies me for several seconds. “How are you with chopping vegetables for the salad?” she asks.
“I’m not a professional, but I’ll manage.”
“Well then, I’ll start making up the hamburger patties. We’re keeping it simple today. Burgers, hot dogs, and meats on the grill. Salad, baked beans, and mac and cheese for my grandbabies.”
“Sounds perfect.” I walk to the sink and wash my hands before taking the knife and chopping the rest of the cucumbers for the salad.
“Court made Rice Krispies treats,” Merrick says as he opens the container and snags another one.
“Hey!” I scold. “You’ve already had one. You’re going to ruin your dinner and you need to save some for the others.” I playfully glare at him. When he winks, I lose my stern face and giggle.
Giggle.
I’m not a giggler, I guess unless I’m with Merrick Kincaid.
He chuckles as he pulls out one of the stools at the island and shoves a huge bite into his mouth. “Where’s Dad?” he asks once he’s swallowed. Did he even chew?
“Oh, he’s on his way. I needed more salad dressing, so he ran to the store.”
“I could have stopped on my way here.”
“It’s fine. He doesn’t mind. I had everything here handled, and now that I have my sous-chef, even more so.” She bumps her hip into mine, which breaks me out of the trance I was in.
Was I really just standing here holding a knife, staring at her son? I drop my chin to my chest and go back to dicing the cucumbers for the salad.
Talk about mortifying.
Carol and I work side by side while Merrick and his dad, once he got back from the store, watch us—or supervise, as they like to call it. Once everything is prepped, we all grab a glass of lemonade and slowly, one by one, his brothers and their families arrive.
They’re all very welcoming, and the kids, my goodness, cuteness overload. I’ve seen pictures, and a few of them have come into the boutique while I was working, but having them all in one place, it’s a little overwhelming for a girl with one sibling.
There’s lots of laughter and good food. Not once have any of them made me feel unwelcome. I’m holding Ryan as he sleeps peacefully in my arms when I feel strong hands grip my hips.
“He’s out like a light,” Merrick says softly. His hot breath brushes against my cheek.
“He is. He was fussy, so I offered to walk him while Stella finished eating her dessert.”
“He likes you.”
“I like him,” I say, staring down at the sleeping baby.
“You okay?”
I glance at him over my shoulder. “I’m great. Your family is incredible, Merrick.”
“Told you,” he says, kissing my cheek.
“Thank you for everything.”
He squeezes my hips softly. “I’m not so bad, huh?” he teases.
“Meh,” I say, making him laugh, which startles Ryan in my arms. “Shhh,” I soothe as I sway. I feel Merrick sway with me, and I can’t help but close my eyes. I know it’s wrong. It’s so very wrong, but I imagine this moment is real. This is our son, and he’s my husband who’s holding on to me as if I’m precious to him as we sway together, soothing our child.