Page 131 of Love Without Demands

“Would you stop calling me a wench,” I complained, hip-checking my future brother-in-law.

“Meh, probably not.”

We were at a fish and chips restaurant near the pier where the pirate ship had been docked. All our family and friends were with us to celebrate.

“That was the coolest proposal ever,” Artie said. “How the heck did you get a pirate ship to come to New York?” I’d been so flabbergasted to see my parents, and then with the whole proposal thing, I hadn’t even seen him and Nicolette in the crowd. But of course they were there.

“Actually, it was already scheduled to be here for the week,” Cruz explained. “I just contacted them and asked if I could hijack the proceedings for a bit today. When I told them how many tickets I was buying, they were more than happy to play along.” We looked around at the huge group of people mingling around the restaurant.

“It was fun. Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day,” Captain Hummingbird said. We’d learned his real name was Bruce, and he had a thick Jersey accent when he wasn’t playing the role of a rogue pirate.

“We appreciate it,” I told him. “You were fantastic.”

He took a dramatic bow and then wandered off to take pictures with the other partygoers, with Artie hot on his heels. I think my friend had a bit of a crush on the pirate.

“Champagne?” a server asked, walking by with a tray laden with tall flutes of sparkling liquid.

“Yes, please,” I said, taking a glass for Cruz and myself.

“Could you bring my wife a sparkling water?” Auburn asked the woman in a low voice, and she nodded. I eyed Gianna, who avoided my gaze.

The woman smiled and held out the tray toward Monty and Kass. “None for us,” he said. “Could we get a couple Sprites?”

She headed off, and I raised a hand, palm out. “Wait a minute. I’ve never seen you two pass up champagne.”

“Oh, well, I just… I decided I needed to drink more water,” Gia rambled.

Kassie’s brown eyes were wide and nervous. “And Monty and I decided we should start, you know, drinking more, ummm, Sprite,” she said lamely, looking at her husband who just smirked down at her.

Come to think of it, Monty and Auburn both looked a bit smug. Like…

“Are you two pregnant?” I hissed. They looked at me and then at each other in startled realization.

“Are you?” Kassie asked, and Gianna nodded.

“Are you?”

Kass’s cheeks flushed pink. “Yes.”

“Oh my god!” I squealed, doing a little happy dance. “I’m so excited for you both.”

Auburn pulled his wife closer and looked down at her like she was the sun, moon, and stars, all wrapped up in one. “We were going to tell everyone, but then Cruz told us about his plans, and we didn’t want to steal your thunder.”

“Same,” Kassie said as Monty rested a hand on her flat stomach.

I shook my head. “That was really thoughtful of you, but this only makes our day better.” Setting down my drink, I pulled both of my future sisters-in-law into a group hug, squeezing them tight as the men all did the hand slap, bro hug,congrats on having good swimmersthing. “I promise, we don’t mind if you want to tell everyone.”

When we broke apart, Cruz pulled my back against his front and kissed the top of my head. “Lehra’s right. The more people to love, the better.”

Emotion swam in Gianna’s green eyes as she looked around our little circle. “Our family just keeps growing, and I love it.”

Monty smirked over at my new fiancé. “You’re behind, little brother. You and Lehra better get to work.”

Cruz’s lips twisted to the side, and he eyed Monty speculatively before nodding. “You know what? I think you’re right.” Then he lifted me, tossed me unceremoniously over his shoulder, and smacked me right on the ass.

“What are you doing?” I squeaked.

He started striding toward the restaurant’s front door with me hanging upside down, much to the amusement of everyone in attendance. “We’re getting started. Now. I may be the youngest brother, but I guarantee my sperm game is on point. Your eggs won’t know what hit ’em.”

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