Page 22 of Tempting Miles
My sister’s glowing, standing there in a flowy teal-blue dress with cream embroidery—pregnancy looks good on her. I remember Ruin looking the same way with the twins.
“I’ve decided to keep dinner simple tonight. Since we’re a big bunch, it’s buffet-style. Go ahead—grab a plate and dig in.”
As usual, Ruin and Gio are first in line, fixing plates for the twins. Those two get hangry fast.
I fall in behind River, and I can’t help myself. “Damn, you made it out of the orchard for more than a piss break?”
All I get is a grunt. He’s too damn easy.
“At least I make time to see Mama and Granny almost every day. Not like some people, who are too busy riding invisible horses to show up for what matters.”
What is it with everyone lately? Am I missing something?
I might be the carefree one in the family, but even I have a heart. And the way they’re treating me? It ain’t right.
Before my mood can sour further, I reach the food ensemble Rain prepared for us. The smell of chicken tarragon hits me as I grab a plate and head to the table.
Xander stands and clinks his glass with a knife. “I just want to say how grateful I am for the way you’ve all welcomed me into the MacAllister clan. From the moment I set eyes on Rain, you’ve been nothing but amazing. And now… I’m even more grateful.”
His voice cracks, and Rain’s on her feet in a second. Xander gives her a shy smile and takes her hand, pressing kisses to her knuckles.
“Yeah, yeah. We know you two are disgustingly in love. But is that why we got invited to dinner?” Gio asks, arching a brow.
Ruin smacks his shoulder with her napkin, and a ripple of laughter goes around the table.
“You’re right, Gio. We are. Just like you and my sister,” Rain shoots back with a wicked grin.
Gio lets out an amused laugh, clearly entertained that Rain just called him out.
“The real reason we wanted everyone here tonight,” Xander says, glancing at Rain—
“—is because we have news,” Rain cuts in, practically bouncing on her toes.
“Xander and I are expecting,” she blurts out, and the room erupts.
Mama and Granny are crying, pulling Rain into their arms, hands already on her barely-there belly.
Ruin jumps up so fast her chair crashes to the floor, startling the twins.
Gio and River move quickly, lifting them from their high chairs, murmuring to calm them down.
And me? I just stand there, looking around like an idiot, trying to figure out where I’m supposed to be in all this.
I spot Xander just outside the whirlwind of women wrapped around his wife.
I make my way over and pull him into a hug. “I know you told me the other day, but… congrats, man.”
“Thanks, Miles.” He steps back, wiping under his eyes. “I thought loving Rain was the biggest thing I’d ever feel. But when she told me about the baby…” He lets out a quiet breath. “It’s like my heart stretched. Like it made room for more.”
I nod, a smile tugging at my mouth. Yeah. That about says it.
“It’s funny because I don’t think I’ve ever been in love. But I know exactly what you’re talking about,” I say. “I thoughtmy parents wouldn’t love me anymore when my siblings were born. Turns out, it just made everything bigger.”
I usually don’t like bringing up the past. It leaves me vulnerable and way too emotional. But today isn’t any day. Today, we’re celebrating Xander and Rain’s family expansion.
I shake my head. “I’m really happy for you all.”
Xander pats my back, grinning so hard it looks like he might split in half. Like there’s too much emotion jammed inside him to say anything coherent, but I get it. We both do.
