“My goodness, I’m so happy to see you!” Donna exclaimed in my ear.
My back was currently being crushed by this tiny woman I had no clue was a secret powerhouse.
I tentatively brought my free arm up and hugged her back. “Good to see you too, Mrs. Brooks.”
She jerked back but still held on to me. “Oh my word, how many times have I told you to call me Donna? Mrs. Brooks is my mother in law.”
Her jovial attitude was contagious. I smiled at her. “Donna. Thank you for having me. I brought deviled eggs to go with lunch.”
She looked down at the platter I was holding. “Oh yes! Come come, we’ll put them in the kitchen.”
As quickly as she was there, she disappeared into a room off the dining room and I was standing there left to follow. I always loved it in here. Much like the home I put an offer on, it was decorated in a very country chic manner. The smells, colors, and people that filled it made it welcoming. I heard voices coming from the kitchen. I walked forward and was greeted by Keegan, Donna, Dodger, Paul, Camden, and a young girl I’d never met before.
They all stopped conversation and smiled at me when they saw me come into view.
“Yay, you made it!” Keegan squealed.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in.” Camden huffed.
I never understood that stupid saying. I would have flipped him the bird but childishly stuck my tongue out instead. He grinned.
“Macie, so glad you could come.” Paul approached me and pulled me in for a much calmer hug than Donna had given. “How have you been dear?”
“I’ve been well, thank you,” I answered politely.
“Enough, Dad,” Dodger said, as he took ahold of my hand and pulled me to his side. Everyone’s eyes shifted as they saw our grasped hands. Keegan probably would have screamed with delight if she could, but I could tell she was holding back. “Hi.”
I felt awkward showing him affection. Especially when the last time his family saw us, we were at each other’s throats. Not to mention they probably had no clue that we were back together. Although technically we weren’t. Not until he said he would abide by my stipulations. I may have been a massive bitch for forcing him into firing an employee simply to make my comfort level steady. But no way was I going to allow that woman to continue being around my guy every single day, tempting him with her nasty ass meat flaps, and sushi dates. I’d rather kill her and risk getting put in prison for the rest of my life. I pulled my hand away from his letting it fall to my side. Whoa, these pregnancy hormones bring out the extra crazy.
I cleared my throat. “I’m sorry, we haven’t met.”
The quiet girl made eye contact. “Me? I’m Hadley. I’m from down the road.”
“Macie Rosewood, it’s nice to meet you.”
She gave me a bashful smile.
“Wow, where are my manners?” Donna interjected. “Hadley is a friend of Wrigley’s. She just came home for a short visit and then she will be heading back to school. She attends LSU. Hadley stopped by to drop off some of her momma’s famous homemade jelly. I convinced her to stay and eat.””
“Oh yeah? I love it there. Have you been to the café in town? They serve beignets.”
“No, I haven’t actually. I’ll be sure to try it out before I leave.”
“Hadley is getting her degree in business. Is that correct?”
Her foot shifted. “Mhmm.”
“Is Wrigley back home?” I asked curiously.
“No. He has some finals he’s studying for. He should be coming home two weeks before Christmas.” Donna replied. “The house is too quiet without any of my boys here.”
I bet it was. A house full of males would probably bring the decibel level up. Wonder what she did with herself now that they were all gone. Actually, I wonder if her and Paul would continue living here since they don’t really need the space for just the two of them. I swallowed. Well, not unless grandchildren came along and filled the house again. Which was why I came today. Dodger was going to let his parents know.
Clapping her hands, Donna said, “All right y’all, time to dish up. I’ve put silverware and paper plates down here if you would like to start at this end.” She was standing at the end of the kitchen island.
My stomach growled. Looking at all of the food, I couldn’t believe my appetite was back to normal, if not worse. My first trimester was a few days away from ending, and any morning sickness had disappeared. Between the salad, casserole, deviled eggs, and banana pudding, I was certain I was going to get my fill today. Keegan gladly stepped up and started filling her plate first. Everyone followed suit behind her. I tried to hold off being one of the first to get my food. I could tell my fat ass was planning on overloading my plate like it was a Thanksgiving Day meal.
We all had come to sit in the dining room, just as I remembered we always did. The Brooks family was one of the few families that I was aware of that still sat family style around a table and enjoyed each other’s company. Most people grabbed food and plopped in front of a television and conversing was unheard of. Besides their baseball games they did when they were all together, this was absolutely my favorite part of this family.
“So, Camden, how is that little rugrat of yours?” Paul asked.
I coughed loudly. Dodger reached up and slapped my back.
“Sorry . . . wrong pipe,” I said, embarrassed.
Keegan shot me a look. I gave a subtle shake of my head.
“That little shit chews everything under the sun.” Camden brought the attention back to himself. “I don’t even know why we bother with dog toys. He’s just as content with a dirty sock or a pair of Keegan’s underwear.”
Jesus, they were talking about the dog. I had kids on the brain. Simmer down, Macie.
“Just a few bumps in the road. I don’t know how anybody could be mad at him for long. That handsome little face of his, I could eat it up.” Keegan gushed.
“They were good socks,” Camden grumbled.
“And I said I’d buy you a new pair.”
“Not the point, Keeg.”
“Argue another time, you two,” Paul stated. “What about you, Macie? We haven’t seen you in a while. How are things? Your mom and dad getting along okay?”
I smiled at him. “They are, thank you. Everyone has been staying busy. The hospital occupies my time.”
“You and Keegan still working the same shifts?”
“No, actually we don’t see each other nearly as much as I’d like. The head of the department wanted all of us to see what it was like to work with different crews to make sure we were a ‘well rounded bunch.’” I quoted. “I honestly don’t see what the point is. Sure we all have our personalities, but none of that matters when a woman is giving birth, and a doctor is barking orders. Only people that matter are the two of them.”
“Understandable,” he said with acknowledgement. “Pretty important job that you all have. The doctors wouldn’t be able to function without you nurses.”
“True that.” Dodger piped up.
I elbowed him in the ribs. He needed to shut up.
“How is everyone’s lunch?”