Chapter Fifteen ~ Brendan
“Brady tells us that you’re seeing that woman you said wasn’t your girlfriend last time you were over.”
I shot a glare at my brother, who simply shrugged, then gave my attention back to Victoria. I’d stopped in at O’Malley Brothers, the painting business where Brock, Brady, and Victoria all worked. Brock ran the business, with Brady as his second in command. Victoria was in charge of interior design, and often worked with clients hand and hand with my brothers. It was a business that started out small, and that Brock had grown out of hard work and determination.
I’d always thought Brady loved working there and planned to stay, but after our last conversation, I was no longer sure. I hadn’t heard anything about him joining the police force again, and was pretty sure he hadn’t said anything to Brock or Victoria yet, although he’d obviously been running his mouth about my relationship.
Douche.
“Yeah…”
“That’s all you have to say? Yeah?” Brock asked as he leaned against Brady’s desk in the front office, hands folded across his chest. “You haven’t dated anyone in … ever … What’s this anomaly like?”
“She’s not an anomaly, she’s a gorgeous, successful, pretty freaking terrific, woman.”
“Oh, I like that!” Victoria said, resting her face against her palm and getting a dreamy expression on her face.
I suppressed my eye roll and stated, “This is why I didn’t say anything. I didn’t want things to get blown out of proportion. We are still in the beginning stages, and I don’t want anything to screw it up. I really like Bronagh, but I’m worried that I’ll do something to fuck things up.”
“Language,” Victoria said. It had become her habit to try and get us to watch our mouths, so Declan didn’t eventually pick up any bad words.
“Why do you think that?” Brock asked with a scowl, as if he were mad at me for doubting myself.
“Because, as you pointed out moments ago, I’ve never been in a serious relationship. It’s unchartered territory for me. Bronagh’s older, she’d been married, she runs her own business … she’s pretty much out of my league. I’m just waiting for her to realize it and kick me to the curb.”
“She’s divorced?” Brock asked, then asked, “What?” when Victoria leaned over and punched him in the arm.
“Don’t be so judgmental,” she admonished.
“It’s just a damn question,” he grumbled, rubbing his arm as if her delicate hand could damage his massive bicep.
“Yes, she’s divorced,” I said, my tone relaying that he was broaching dangerous territory.
“How old is this Bronagh?” he countered.
“Thirty-five.”
His eyes widened a bit, but before he could voice his concerns, I voiced mine.
“This is why I didn’t rush to tell you. Yes, she’s older than me. Yes, she’s experienced more than I am. Yes, I’m worried that she’s going to realize I’m just a young punk who hadn’t done anything with his life yet, and wonder what she’s doing wasting her time … then she’ll bail.”
Brock and Brady shared a look. I knew they were surprised that I’d shared so much. I’d never been one to talk about my feelings, preferring instead to express them in my lyrics. But, it felt good to get my fears out in the open. I knew I could trust my family.
“Oh, Bren, no…” Victoria said, walking toward me, her face full of concern. “You’re not a young punk. You’re a man who’s driven, creative, and brave. She’s lucky that you’re willing to give her a chance.”
“You haven’t met her yet,” I argued. “You’ll see how amazing she is once you do.”
“I know how amazing you are…” she countered, causing my heart to shift uncomfortably.
“What if I screw it up?”
“Just look at me and Brock,” Victoria said, pointing at my brother, who just grunted. “Did you ever think the two of us would not only date, but get married and have babies together?”
“Well, no, but…” I stopped, focused on her words and asked, “Babies?”
Victoria bit her lip, as if trying to conceal her expression, but her joy was too big to be contained.
“We’re pregnant!” she squealed as she jumped up and down.
I pulled her into a hug and looked over at my shoulder at Brock, who was grinning as if he were the first man to ever impregnate a woman.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Brady managed even though he was receiving a bear hug from our brother.
“We were just waiting until we had the two of you together. I’m only two months along, so we want to wait a while before we tell everyone,” Victoria said as she pulled away, beaming.
“Your secret is safe with us,” Brady replied.
“Now, you have to promise to bring her to the barbecue this weekend, I have to met her,” she said, squeezing my hand.
“All right, but you guys have to go easy. Give her some space and time. The age thing is a big issue for her. I know she’ll be nervous to meet you guys and worry about what you think, but when you add the whole group to the mix, she’ll be even more intimidated.”
“We’ll be gentle,” Brock promised as he pulled Victoria in and cradled her against him.
Chapter Sixteen ~ Bronagh
I don’t know how I let him talk me in to coming here…
I looked around the backyard. The sun was shining and reflecting off the pool, and there were people everywhere. Beautiful, laughing people, with babies and small children. There was a lot of chatter filling up the gorgeously landscaped backyard, and it was obvious that not only did these people know each other very well, but there was a lot of love in this group.
I felt like a sore thumb, an outsider, as I sat under the shade of a tree, sipping my margarita and trying to take it all in.
A statuesque redhead had her arm around a gorgeous sandy-haired man with a mischievous grin. She was laughing at something that Brendan’s older brother, Brock, who I’d met briefly when we arrived, said.
Brock was the opposite of Brendan. Tall, bearded, and intimidating as hell, until you noticed the way he cradled his son gently in his arms. His wife, Victoria, was the picture of perfection, with her dark hair slicked back in a ponytail, her black shorts perfectly tailored, and paired with an obviously expensive blouse, as she walked up to the trio carrying a tray of meat for the grill, and traded her husband the tray for the baby.
My eyes drifted to where Brendan was talking with two men. One, his brother Brady, who I hadn’t met yet, and the other a brown-haired guy who looked to be the youngest of the group.
A small smile played on my lips as I took advantage of my sunglasses to peruse the length of the man who’d wanted me to meet his family and friends. Wearing only swimming trunks, sunglasses, and flip-flops, he looked like a surfer instead of the rocker/chef that he was. His skin tanned quickly and gave him a nice golden glow, which only made his already killer body look that much better. That, coupled with his long hair and presently laid back attitude, made him nearly irresistible to me.
He really was the whole package.
Brendan had introduced me to the few people who were already here when we’d arrived. Shelly and her husband, who’s name I couldn’t remember, were a very sweet couple, but were busy trying to chase around their toddlers. Gaby, a baker!, was in the kitchen helping Victoria with the food, while her husband was pushing their little girl on the new swing set in the backyard. I’d offered to help them in the kitchen, which was really the only place that made me feel comfortable, especially in a strange place, but they’d insisted that I grab a margarita and mingle. Once outside, I’d feigned exhaustion from a late night working at the pub, and had settled into my seat, ushering Brendan off to go help greet the other guests who were arriving.
I’d managed to watch the goings on from my safe spot for about thirty minutes, and was beginning to feel guilty. Brendan hadn’t brought me along to be a wallflower, and everyone looked really nice, bu
t I couldn’t deny that being the oldest one at the party was making me feel a little uncomfortable.
“Hi,” a voice said from next to me, causing me to look up, startled. “I noticed you sitting alone and thought you might like a refill.” The girl was young and cute, with short spiky hair and a friendly smile.
She was holding out a fresh margarita, so I took it from her and said, “Thanks, I appreciate that.”
I gestured for her to sit down and join me. Her tank top featured a rock band and her skirt slid up precariously as she sat.
“I’m Bronagh.”
“Abby,” she said, then pointed out to our stunning hostess. “Victoria’s sister.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Abby; thanks for the drink.”
“Sure,” she replied, taking a healthy sip from her own glass.
“What do you do, Abby?” I asked, then grimaced. “Sorry, force of habit.”
“That’s okay,” she replied with a shrug. “I’m still trying to figure it all out. Currently, I’m a waitress.”
“You any good?” I asked, my business hat going on without a thought.
Abby eyed me and said, “I haven’t gotten any complaints, and I get really good tips.”
“I own a pub, Callaghan’s, and I’m always looking for good servers. If you’re ever in need of a change, let me know.”
Abby’s pixie-like face bloomed, and she said, “I love that place! Thanks, Bronagh, that’s really sweet. You know, I don’t always come to these things, but I’m glad I decided to come today.”
“Why wouldn’t you? It seems like a great group.”
“Well, you see him? The smokin’ hot one with the dreamy face and longish hair?” Warily, I followed her finger, knowing whom I was going to find. “We used to hook up … Then his brother married my sister, and sometimes it feels awkward, you know?”
I let out a long sigh when Brendan felt our stares and looked up. I couldn’t see his eyes, but it looked like his lips turned down when he realized who I was talking to. He said something to the guys, then turned and began walking in our direction.
“Man … he’s hot,” Abby said under her breath next to me, and I had to agree with the much-younger woman, he really was.
“Hey, Abby,” Brendan said in greeting when he stopped in front of us. “I see you’ve met my girlfriend, Bronagh.”
I could sense her confusion at his introduction, and I felt bad for not saying anything, but there really hadn’t been time; I’d been taken aback by her statement. I had no idea that I’d be running into someone from his past at a family gathering.
“Your girlfriend?” she asked, standing suddenly and looking down at me in confusion. Flustered she muttered, “It was nice to meet you, see you guys around,” then she turned and walked quickly toward the house.
“So, you guys used to hook up, huh?” I asked, keeping my tone even. I didn’t want to cause a fight, but wanted him to know that I knew, and that it had made me uncomfortable.
Brendan held out his hand, so I placed mine in his and allowed him to pull me up. He stepped closer and brought his lips to my ears so he could speak softly.
“Yes, I hooked up with her a few years ago. She was a groupie, nothing more, and it was before Brock and Victoria started dating. If it hadn’t been over already, it would have been once they did. I never saw her as anything long term, and I told her that. Now, we’re family.”
“I don’t think she thinks of you as family.”
“Well,” he responded. pulling back and pushing his glasses up on his head so I could see his eyes. “That’s all she is to me. She’s my sister-in law … aunt to my nephew … and that’s all she’ll ever be.”
I nodded, feeling better, but at the same time feeling bad for the sweet girl I’d just met. I understood her struggle.
“I’m sorry, if I’d know she was going to be here, I would have given you a head’s up.”
“Hey, Bren, can you take Dec for a minute?” Victoria asked, holding out the chubby little boy who was currently waving his hands and kicking his feet. “I need to run inside and get the tongs for Brock.”
“Sure thing, Tori,” he said with a grin for his nephew. “Come here, Big Man.”
Declan cooed as he settled into his uncle’s arms, and the tender look on Brendan’s face as he nuzzled the baby made my heart lurch, and my tummy tickle.
“You’re a natural with him,” I said, reaching a hand out gingerly to touch Declan’s soft little leg.
“He’s easy to be natural with. Such a happy baby, aren’t you, Big Man?” He said the last in a soft, baby voice, causing me to laugh. “I hope they are just as lucky the second time around.”
“Oh, are they expecting?” I asked.
Brendan looked around, as if to make sure no one was near and replied, “Yeah … shoot, I’m not supposed to say anything. They haven’t told anyone other than Brady and I yet.”
“I won’t say anything, promise,” I said, making an X over my heart with my finger. “How old is Declan?”
“Thanks, uh, about eight months or so. They want to have kids close to the same age, so they’ll grow up together. Plus, my brother’s kind of a caveman, so I’m sure he has visions of keeping Victoria barefoot and pregnant whenever possible,” he said with a chuckle, the look on his face telling me he was only half joking. “They were talking about having four or five, which is just crazy talk, but if it makes them happy, whatever. I can babysit and give them back, right?” he added with a grin, but something about his words niggled me.
“How many kids do you want?” I asked, suddenly afraid of his answer.
Brendan kissed Declan softly on the head, his green eyes looking at his sweet nephew as he answered matter of factly, “None.”
The tingling in my stomach subsided, and was immediately replaced with nausea and dread. It looked like Brendan and I had to have a serious talk.
Chapter Seventeen ~ Brendan
“God, Sasha and TJ crack me up,” I said as we walked into Bronagh’s place. I smiled as I remembered their reaction when they found out that Bronagh taught at the culinary school.
“So, you’re her student?” TJ asked with a grin.
“Yeah,” I’d answered, hugging Bronagh close to my body. The crowd was thinning out, and we were saying our goodbyes. It was the first chance I’d gotten to really talk to the couple.
“That is so hot,” Sasha said, running her hand along TJ’s chest. “A forbidden romance.” She turned and leaned closer into TJ and said playfully, “Can we play student/teacher later?”
I laughed when TJ turned to me and mouthed, Thank you. Then jumped guiltily when my sister-in-law’s voice came out of thin air.
“Sasha,” Victoria admonished as she walked by, catching Sasha’s question to her husband. “There are children present.”
Sasha just rolled her eyes good-naturedly and tossed her brilliant red locks over her shoulder.
“Please, Tori, these kids can barely make gurgling noises, let alone understand what I’m saying.”
Victoria conceded, but had still shot us all a warning look as she continued on past us.
“Yeah, everyone was really nice,” Bronagh answered, pulling me back to the present. She seemed off; in fact, had been very quiet most of the evening.
“Is everything okay?” I asked, concerned. “Did someone say something that upset you? Was it Abby?”
“No, everyone was great. I’m glad I had a chance to meet them.”
“Then what is it?” I asked, my throat closing nervously when she indicated that I should sit on the couch, while she sat in the chair across from me.
“We need to talk.”
Now, I may not have been in a relationship before, but I’d seen tons of movies, and I knew it was never a good thing when your girlfriend said she needed to talk. I began to rack my brain to try and figure out what could have upset her, so I could come up with a rebuttal and stop the fight before it started.
“Okay,” I managed, my min
d spinning, but unable to come up with any reason why she’d be angry with me.
“You said you didn’t want children…” she said, more like a prompt than a question.
“Ah, yeah, that’s right,” I replied, still unsure of why that would cause a problem.
“Why not?” she asked, pushing her hair off of her face and leaning in, like she needed to read my every movement when I answered. “Is it the job? The music? Do you just not want kids now … or ever?”
Sensing the importance of my answer, I laid it all out.
“I never really thought about it growing up, having kids and becoming a dad, but when I got older, I realized it wasn’t something that I wanted to do. To bring kids into this world, and then possibly leave them the way my parents did … Like I said before, I’ve been without my parents almost as long as I was with them. I don’t remember anything about the first five years of my life anyway. I barely remember the nine years after that. I remember my mom taking me to soccer practice, and that my dad used to love to try and make her laugh, but that’s about it. I can’t remember what they look like, or how being with them made me feel … All I have are a few pictures, and my brothers.”
“So, you’re saying you don’t want to have kids because you might die and leave them?” Bronagh asked, and I don’t know if she tried to come off as condescending, but that’s how I took it.
“It may not sound rational to you, but that’s how I feel. I don’t want to do to a kid what was done to Brock. He had his whole life ahead of him, and everything changed in an instant. That’s a lot of pressure for a kid.”
“But the chances of that happening…”
“Yeah, I know, I get it. It’s slim, but there are enough kids out there, that whether or not I have any doesn’t really tip the scales. I’m happy to be an uncle, and to live my life without children of my own.”
Bronagh had her head down, and when she lifted it, the look on her face caused my heart to stutter.
“Well, I’m not.”