Page 7 of Upon an April Night

“In a heartbeat.” She winked and held a hand out to Max. “Hi, I’m Dréa.”

“Well, hello.” Max shook her hand and tilted his head toward Duncan. “You didn’t tell me you had a lady friend here.”

“I figured Mama already spread the word and that’s why everyone showed up today.”

Max chuckled. “I knew nothing.” He looked back at the beauty beside Duncan. “I’m Duncan’s cousin, Max. It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too, Max. I’m still trying to figure out who’s who around here. How are you related?”

“Our dads are brothers.”

“Okay, so on the McGregor side,” she said. “There are so many people to remember. Both of my parents were only children, so big families are new to me.”

“We’re not all that. Constantly talking and laughing, not to mention the hugs. I don’t know how any of us put up with each other,” Max teased.

Dréa pointed a finger at him. “You’re a funny one. I can already tell.”

“I’ve been known to crack a joke or two.”

Duncan snorted. “Sometimes they’re even funny.”

“Now who’s the comedian,” Max said.

Dréa laughed then tilted her head toward the kitchen. “I’m gonna see if they need any help.” She leaned in and planted a soft kiss on Duncan’s lips before departing.

Max shook his head as she walked away. “It must be serious for you to bring her home. Am I right?”

Duncan shrugged his shoulders and feigned innocence.

Max playfully punched Duncan’s arm. “I’m happy for you. About time you found someone nice.”

He knew Max meant nothing but the best, but the words someone nice didn’t sit right with him. It was what he had been waiting for—someone nice to spend his life with—and he’d found the nicest girl on the planet. So why did Max’s words bring with them a sudden urge to run in the opposite direction?

Max went to join everyone in the back yard, where several tables were set up as one long table so they could dine outside, and Duncan wandered into the kitchen to check on the ladies.

Nana and Mama were preparing the meal, and Dréa was assisting. She looked adorable walking around the kitchen in Mama’s oven mitts.

“You will love Mama’s spaghetti sauce. It’s heavenly.” He inhaled the scent, and his mouth watered.

Mama waved him off. “Oh, you.”

“It smells delicious, Mrs. McGregor,” Dréa said.

“Please call me Samantha.”

Dréa smiled at her.

“We’re here!” Duncan heard Shannon’s voice coming from the front door.

Mama set down the wooden spoon she’d been using to stir the sauce and moved toward her daughter’s voice.

Duncan grinned at Dréa, excited to see his sister. He quickly moved into the foyer and spotted Shannon hugging their mother. “Who’s we?” he asked as his gaze moved past Shannon and fell on Jamie.

He swallowed hard at the unexpected reaction his body had to her. Her burgundy floral dress brought out the streaks of magenta in her hair. It was a little longer than he remembered and hung just below her smooth pale shoulders. The color on her lips matched the dress, and the memory of kissing her suddenly hit him so hard, he swore he could still feel the softness of her lips and the warmth of her breath mingling with his.

“I didn’t know you were coming,” he managed just as Dréa came up behind him and slid her oven-mitt-covered hands around his waist.

“Hello,” Dréa greeted them.

---