She turned toward the kitchen, not wanting to disturb them. She heard Ivy giggle. And then, oh my God, Kit started to sing—a lullaby about meeting his baby and showing her the world, finding answers for all the questions he knew she’d have.
It was the sweetest thing Mandy had ever heard. And despite all of her best intentions, she found herself rooted in place to hear the rest of the song.
What a difference between her brother and Rocco. Rocco was avoiding her. He was rarely there at bedtime to put Zavi down for the night. He spent evenings in the gym. Exercise—or being physically exhausted—was key to his recovery, but he worked out so long and hard that she was usually asleep before he came to bed…if he even came to bed at all anymore.
They were living separate lives together.
It hurt.
And now, seeing how much Kit was in love with Ivy and his growing family was like rubbing salt in the wound.
Mandy forced herself to put one foot in front of the other and move out of earshot. In the kitchen, she set the kettle on the stove, then retrieved the box of chamomile tea and a jar of honey from the cupboard. She poured the hot water into her mug, hearing again the sweet lullaby her brother sang to his wife and baby. This time, she couldn’t stop the tears.
There was a commotion in the hall; Val and Angel were heading toward the garage, laughing about something that had happened at Winchester’s during a previous visit, which was where they were headed, she assumed. She kept super still, hoping they’d go on down the hall to the garage without seeing her. She wasn’t that lucky. They came into the kitchen, their laughter stopping as they caught sight of her. She wiped her cheeks, then smiled up at them.
“What’s this? Tears?” Val asked.
Mandy forced a laugh. “I’m pregnant. Of course tears.”
The two men exchanged a look, then Val came over and pulled her in for a hug. Worst mistake ever. It opened the door for straight-up sobbing—ugly, snorting, coughing crying. Mandy didn’t hold back. She was only so strong.
Val didn’t scold or tell her to stop. He just told her to get it all out. “Poor little ginger,” he said as he rocked her a little.
When the worst of it had passed, Angel pushed a wad of tissues toward her. Mandy blew her nose and wiped her face.
“Okay, now spill,” Angel ordered.
“There’s nothing to spill. Nothing’s wrong. I’m just overtired.” She nodded toward her tea. “I thought the tea would help.”
Val handed her mug to her. “It’s Rocco, isn’t it?”
Mandy’s breath left her. She folded her lips together, fighting another wave of tears. “No.” She shook her head. “It’s just me. Really.”
“Come sit down,” Val said, drawing her over to the kitchen table. “Angel will make us some tea, too. We’ll keep you company until you settle down.”
“I don’t like chamomile,” Angel grumbled.
“Then pick another tea.” Val gave him a meaningful glare.
Mandy laughed. “You guys don’t have to stay with me. Sounded like you were heading out.”
Val shrugged. “You’re more important than a beer at Winchester’s.”
Angel poured hot water into two mugs. He started digging through the boxes of teas to find one that apparently didn’t smell horrible. Mandy bit her lip to keep from laughing. He held up a box, showing Val the flavor. Val’s nostrils flared and he shook his head, but stopped as soon as he realized she was looking at him.
“You guys, have a beer or something. You don’t have to torture yourselves with tea.”
“Oh, thank God,” Angel said as he closed the tea cupboard and fetched two bottles from the fridge.
“Okay, let’s talk this out. What’s going on with Rocco?” Val asked.
“I don’t know. I honestly don’t. It seems we talk less and less.”
Val met Angel’s hard eyes. Mandy dropped her gaze to her mug. “Look, I don’t want you guys worrying about him or us. I’ll figure it out. It’ll be all right. We’ll be fine.”
Angel slumped into a seat at the table. “Why should you have to figure that out by yourself? How is that okay?”
“Angel”—her lips trembled—“it’s the only choice I have.”
“Fuck that.”
“We’ll talk to him,” Val offered.
“No. Really. It’s all okay.”
Val took her hand in his big one. The look he exchanged with Angel held no humor. “Look, little ginger,” he said, moving his gaze to her, “you aren’t alone. You got a whole bunch of brothers backing you up. And a wicked, badass sister, too. ”
Mandy smiled through fresh tears. “That makes me a very lucky person.” She sipped her tea. “I think I’m going to head back to bed.” The guys got up when she did. She kissed them both on the cheek. “Thank you,” she said, giving them a smile before she took her mug and left.
*
Mandy found Kit with Ivy and Kathy in the kitchen the next afternoon. She stole a sample of the crostini that Ivy was making for later. “Kit—do you have a minute?” she asked her brother.
“Sure thing. S’up?”
Mandy led him toward the patio door without answering.
“Everything okay?” he asked.