Are You Ready? (Everlasting Ink #3)

Chapter 4

CHAPTER

FOUR

Briar

The girls are finally asleep. It only took three books, and the promise that they could have their own small birthday cakes for their birthday in a few weeks. I tried to explain that small individual cakes are usually just for first birthdays, but they kept insisting, and it’s a small ask to make them happy.

I always get them both their own cake, anyway. It’s something my dad always did for Brogan and me. He said that just because we were twins didn’t mean we had to share a cake. My chest aches at the thought of my dad. I miss him so much.

“They finally out?” Brogan asks as I take a seat on the opposite end of the couch.

“Yeah, they want their own little cakes like Lilly had today. I think the exact request was, ‘We’re big girls, but we want little cakes.’” I don’t bother to hold in my laughter.

“Those two are something else.” Brogan grins. “So, how was it?”

“How was what?”

She gives me a look that tells me she knows I’m full of shit. “The party. Did you get to meet all the guys? ”

“I did.” I nod, not giving her anything.

“And?”

“And what? You should have come with me if you wanted to meet them so badly.” I know she was exhausted, and I don’t blame her for not coming, but it helps pull the heat from me to her. At least, that’s the hope.

“Are they as gorgeous as everyone claims?”

I should have known my distraction tactic wouldn’t work this time. “Everyone?”

“You know, Emerson and Monroe. Keep up, Briar,” she teases.

“They’re—yes. Yes, they are.” Flashes of Forrest filter through my mind. Gorgeous isn’t the first word I would think of when it comes to him. Sexy, alluring, kind, sweet, did I say sexy?

“What was that look?” Brogan points at my face.

“What look?”

“The one you just did there. It was all dreamy and—wait. You like one of them?” She sits up straighter and clasps her hands together. “Who? Which one? Tell me all the things, dear sister.”

“They’re all really nice guys.”

“Briar,” she groans.

“Fine. Forrest, Emerson’s brother, he was really good with the girls. He carried them to the kitchen and was sweet with them. In fact, they all were. Roman was as well when he answered the door, and Forrest and Lachlan helped me carry the girls out to the car when I left.”

“Forrest.” She reaches for her phone and taps at the screen.

“What are you doing?”

“Going to their website. All the guys have their pictures on there. I checked them out after girls’ night, but I can’t remember which one is Forrest.”

“Creeper much?” I tease.

“You, dear sister, have good taste,” she says, staring at the screen. “Honestly, they’re all fine as hell.”

“If you’ve already stalked them online, why interrogate me? ”

“Because in person is different than behind the lens of a camera.” She hands me her phone and I scroll the page that has a picture of each of the five guys.

“Not in this case.”

“The next time we’re invited, I’m going.”

“What if you have to work?” I counter.

“I’ll call off.”

“No, you won’t.” I chuckle. “Truly, they were all really nice and welcoming. They spoiled the girls just as much as they did Lilly, well, mostly Forrest, because they stuck to him like glue.”

“Sounds like everyone had a good time.”

“We did. Now, I’m going to bed. I hope the girls sleep in tomorrow, but that’s a dream. I know it’s not going to come true.”

“I took a thirty-minute nap, but I’m still wide awake. I think I’ll read a little more before calling it a night.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too.”

I head off down the hall to my room. The cabin we live in was our grandparents’. We used to spend summers here with our dad. It has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with a large living area and kitchen. The back porch is covered and gives a beautiful view of the lake on the property. When Brogan and I were little, it looked massive, and we always called it the river. My girls do the same now that we live here. It makes me smile every time, as it brings back memories of my childhood with my dad.

I peek into the bedroom the twins share. I offered them separate rooms, but they wanted to be together, which left the extra bedroom open for an office. It works out perfectly since I mostly work from home, aside from going in for meetings here and there. Those are few and far between. We’ve settled in nicely here in Ashby. It’s our home now, and I wouldn’t want to raise my daughters anywhere else.

I can’t believe it’s been a month already since our last girls' night. When Monroe called to tell me we were meeting again tonight, she also informed me her parents were ready, willing, and waiting for her to call to watch the girls. I still feel guilty, but the smiles on all of their faces as I pulled out of the driveway told me everything I needed to know. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison were thrilled to be spending time with my daughters.

I’ve been less anxious this time, only checking my phone every twenty minutes or so instead of every five to ten. It helps that Heather has been texting me pictures and updates. I’m so grateful to them, not just for giving me a break, but for the girls too. I know they need more than just me and their aunt in their lives. No matter how scary it is to trust, I need to do more of it, or we’re all going to turn into hermits.

“I’m pregnant!” Monroe blurts out.

Everyone at the table cheers and congratulates her. I could tell something has been on her mind all night. She’s been smiling like she just hit a billion-dollar jackpot, and she’s barely been able to sit still in her seat.

“How far along are you?” I ask her.

“Thirteen weeks.” She’s glowing with happiness.

“Explains the water,” Maggie says, nodding to where a bottle of water sits on the table in front of Monroe. The rest of us have margaritas in front of us.

Everyone looks at me and my bottle. I’m the only other one drinking water while everyone else has a margarita sitting in front of them. “Oh no.” I shake my head and hold my hands up in the air. I need to do all the things to let them know I’m not pregnant. “I have two tiny humans to get home to safely.”

“I told her I would be the designated driver tonight, but here we are,” Brogan says, lifting her margarita to her lips and taking a pull.

“I could have taken you all home,” Monroe says.

“Or the guys,” Emerson chimes in. “They offered to be DD, but I have preggers over here.” She places her hand on Monroe’s shoulder.

“That’s me.” Monroe flashes us a wide smile .

We spend a few minutes talking about pregnancy. Well, Monroe, Emerson, and I do. Maggie and Brogan chime in where they can, but having never been pregnant, it’s hard to understand fully until you experience it for yourself.

“So, I have to tell you about this book I just read,” Maggie says as she fans her face. “Let me tell you… hot! He’s this mafia guy and all he wants to do is knock her up because he needs an heir.” She goes on to tell us more about the plot, and I gotta admit, I plan on adding this to my Tbr as soon as I get home. I need the name of this book.

“I’m going to need the name of that book,” Brogan says, already pulling out her phone to make a note. It’s as if she read my mind.

“I’ll text it to all of you.”

“Our husbands are going to be sending you flowers,” Emerson jokes.

“Trust me, they’re going to be thanking me for sure.” Maggie wags her eyebrows.

Our food comes and we dive in, talking about books, our jobs, kids, pregnancies—everything really. The five of us have really hit it off, and even though this is only our second girls’ night, and it’s been a month since the last one, it feels like no time has passed at all.

“Oh, before I forget, we’re doing cake and ice cream at the house for the girls next weekend. You’re all more than welcome to come. I can’t believe they’re turning four.”

“Aw, they’re such cuties.” Monroe smiles.

“What can we bring?” Emerson asks.

“Nothing. It’s just Brogan and me and the girls.” I pause, trying to decide whether I should just pull off the Band-Aid and tell them that we really only have the four of us. “Our parents have passed. Our mom, when we were babies, was killed in a car accident, and our dad, we lost him to cancer, a few days after the girls were born.” My throat swells with emotion, but I choke it back. I don’t talk about this, mostly because up until now, it’s just me, my sister, and my twin daughters.

This time of year, close to the anniversary of his death, is always more painful. As days pass, it does get easier to live with the loss of him, but there are days, like the anniversary, that the pain is so real, I could swear it just happened.

“That’s… heartbreaking,” Emerson says, her own emotion showing, not only on her face but in her tone of voice.

“Can I….” Monroe’s voice trails off as she stands and walks around the table. She stands behind Brogan and me and wraps her arms around us in a hug. “I’m so sorry,” she whispers.

“Stop hogging them.” This comes from Emerson, who moves in to take Monroe’s place and hugs us as well.

“I need in on some of that,” Maggie says. She pushes back from the table, and her arms replace Emerson’s.

“You guys are—thank you,” Brogan says, wiping a tear from her eye. She waves her hand between us. “We don’t trust easily. Life has… knocked us down, but this little group, it means so much to us. To me.”

“Me too,” I add, wiping at my tears.

Everyone goes back to their seats, and we continue with our meals. There isn’t a single awkward moment after telling them the sad tale or how Brogan and I lost our parents. My heart swells. We fit here, with these ladies, and in this town. I just hope that there are more great things to come for us.

“We’ll be there,” Monroe says. “Next weekend.”

“The girls would love to see you,” I tell her.

“What are they into?” Maggie asks.

“Oh, no gifts. Just you.” I’m quick to reply.

Maggie looks at Brogan, who is sitting next to me. “You got my number. Fill me in later, will ya?” She winks dramatically, making us all crack up with laughter.

“They’re easy, anything really. They have trucks and cars to baby dolls and Barbie dolls. They’re happy little girls who will love your company, but they’ll love any gift you were to bring too.”

“Brogan!” I scold her with a laugh.

She shrugs. “Sorry, not sorry, baby sis.”

“Two minutes.” I hold up two fingers. “You are two minutes older than me! ”

“Two minutes or two seconds. You’re still my baby sister.” She sticks her tongue out at me.

I open my mouth to sass back at her, but I quickly close it when I see five gorgeous men walking our direction. “Um, ladies.” I sit up straighter in my seat and reach for my water. “I do believe girls' night is over.” Everyone turns to look at where I can’t seem to pull my gaze from.

“Baby girl,” Roman says, leaning over his wife to kiss her forehead upside down.

“What are you doing here?” she asks him.

I watch as Legend leans over and places his hand on Monroe’s belly as he kisses the corner of her mouth. What would it be like to be loved like that?

“Mom and Dad showed up and wanted some Lilly time, so I texted the guys to see if they wanted to come and grab a beer and a burger,” Roman explains.

I know I’m staring at the two couples, so I avert my gaze and my eyes collide with his.

Forrest.

He shoves his hands in his pockets and offers me a grin and a nod. He opens his mouth to speak, but Lachlan beats him to it.

“Ladies.” He winks. “Pleasure meeting you here.”

“Oh, boy, Lach is laying on the charm, or trying to.” Emerson giggles. “I better do introductions before he embarrasses himself further. This is Maggie and Brogan, and you gentlemen remember Briar. Ladies, this is my big brother, Forrest, and this is Lachlan and Maddox. They work at Everlasting Ink with Legend and Roman.” She points to her husband and Legend as she says their names.

“The pleasure is all ours,” Maddox says with a smirk before his eyes find mine. “Briar, good to see you again.”

“You too.”

“And me.” Lachlan slaps his hand to Maddox’s shoulder and winks at me.

I laugh at his antics before letting my eyes settle on Forrest. “Hey, Forrest.” I smile, keeping my voice even. His gorgeous green eyes, which are so much like his sister’s, hold me captive .

“Briar.” He nods.

Is it just me or is his voice husky? Whatever it is, it's sexy and has me shifting in my chair.

“We need a bigger table,” Maddox says.

“What?” Emerson and Monroe reply at the same time.

“Nope. No. Not happening.”

“This is girls’ night,” Monroe chimes in.

“I love ladies' night,” Lachlan retorts.

“Lachlan!” Emerson scolds. She turns in her chair to look over her shoulder at her husband. “Rome.” That’s all she says—his name—and he nods, before leaning down to press a gentle, or at least it looks gentle, kiss to her lips.

“We can push that table over,” Maggie speaks up. She’s looking at Lachlan, Maddox, and Forrest like they are her next meal.

“There’s room,” Brogan adds.

“Really?” Emerson asks, defeated.

“This won’t be our last girls’ night,” Monroe tells her. “They’re here. We might as well let them stay. You know they’re just going to be sitting here somewhere watching us, anyway.”

“Fine,” Emerson grumbles. Roman leans down and whispers something in her ear, making her smile.

The next thing I know, tables are being moved, and chairs are being added. I don’t know how it happens, but Forrest ends up sitting next to me, with Brogan on my other side. Lachlan is next to her, and Maddox is next to Maggie. Roman and Legend help their wives stand and pull them onto their laps.

“That’s better,” Legend says, kissing Monroe’s neck.

“Thanks for letting us join you. It would have been boring watching those two stare at their lady loves all night,” Lachlan tells us.

“You’re just jealous,” Roman tells him. “One day you’ll get it, and I can’t wait to watch it happen.”

“Forever isn’t for all of us,” Lachlan tells him. “Some of us still like variety. ”

“Oh, we have plenty of variety,” Emerson speaks up.

“Em!” Forrest groans. “Just no.”

Emerson giggles, while Roman seems to wrap his arms around her a little tighter. “You do want more nieces and nephews, right?” she asks her brother.

“I don’t want to hear about the process,” he groans. “Besides, hold off and let a guy catch up, huh?”

“Are you in the running?” she asks him.

“No, but one day.” He points his finger at her. “One day I will be.” He nods as if he’s certain it will happen.

To have that kind of confidence. “You want kids?” I blurt the question, despite the answer being obvious.

“Yes.” There isn’t a single ounce of hesitation in his answer.

“What about you?” I raise my eyes and point my question to Maddox.

He shrugs. “Yeah, one day.”

“You’re not getting any younger, Mad,” Legend reminds him.

“It will happen if and when it’s meant to happen.”

I lean over Brogan and focus on Lachlan. “And you?”

“I’m sure someday, but not right now.”

“Again, not getting any younger,” Legend reminds him.

“Bro, you act like we’re in our fifties. Since when is early thirties too old to have kids?”

“I’m just saying,” Legend replies, “you don’t know what you’re missing.”

“I second that,” Roman agrees.

“Fine, what about you?” Lachlan asks me. “More kids?”

“I’d love to have more, but I don’t know if that will even happen for me.”

He gives me a curious look, but that’s all I’m going to say about the matter. Now is not the time to drop more truth bombs on the group.

“And you?” he asks my sister.

“If it never happens for me, I have River and Rayne. ”

“But do you want them?” Maddox asks.

“Yeah, but I don’t know if that will even happen for me.” She repeats my answer, and we get curious looks.

“What about you?” Maddox asks Maggie.

“Definitely. As soon as I find a man who’s willing to stick around and be there for all of it, I’m in. I’ve only found losers who want sex and nothing more up to this point.”

“Assholes,” Maddox mutters.

“What about us?” Emerson asks.

“We already know the four of you are all about reproducing.” Lachlan laughs.

“We’re good at it,” Roman replies cockily. Legend raises his hand for Roman to give him a high-five. They slap hands, and we all laugh.

“Lilly is great,” I agree with him.

“So are your girls.”

“Thank you. I told the ladies earlier that we’re having cake and ice cream for the twins next weekend for their birthday. Nothing big, but Lilly is more than welcome.”

“Just Lilly?” Maddox places his hand over his heart. “I’m offended.” He juts out his bottom lip just like the twins do when they're pouting, but somehow, he manages to make it look hot.

“You’re welcome to come,” I tell him.

He nods. “What time? You know what, maybe I should get your number just in case I need directions?”

I feel Forrest stiffen next to me. I smile at Maddox. “All the ladies know how to reach me.”

“It’s like that, is it?” he asks, crossing his muscled, tattooed arms over his chest.

“Leave her alone,” Legend tells him.

Maddox winks at me, and I shake my head. There’s a smile on my face I couldn’t hide, even if I wanted to. I like these people.

Maybe they can be my people.