Page 33 of Anchored

Something about that throaty voice saying my name on a groan has me shifting uncomfortably. My family’s due any minute. I can’t be sporting an erection for my fake fiancée when I hug my mother. Maple comes into the kitchen ten minutes later to check on the rolls she made from scratch and are now baking in the oven. When she’s done, I snatch the oven mitt off her hand and toss it on the counter. I pull her into my arms and smile down at her.

“You’re going to make my sister’s day really nice. Thank you, Maple.” I dip my head and kiss her, wanting just a quick peck, but things between us heat instantly. Her hands fist my shirt at my waist as my tongue flicks against her lips.

The knock at the door threatens to beat the door down.

We break apart breathless. “That would be my sister.”

“Open up, Holtie Moltie!”

I cringe at the even worse nickname while Maple cracks up. I tug her back to my side and force her to be right there with me as I answer the door. Jess is on my doorstep, fist raised like she intends to keep banging on my door. Baby Posy is asleep in a carrier strapped to her chest, used to her mother’s loud nature. Mom and Dad are behind Jess, Mom holding a pink bakery box and Dad checking his phone, probably looking for a golf score update from his buddies.

“Happy birthday, Jessie Messy!” I let go of Maple just long enough to hug my sister and plant a kiss on the top of Posy’s bald head. “Everyone, this is Maple. Maple, this is my family.”

Maple beams, reaching out to hug Jess, who looks bewildered. Over Maple’s shoulder she gives me a lethal look. Jess is never happy if she’s not the first person in the know when it comes to my life.

“So, it’s true?” Mom asks, hand on her chest, bakery box wobbling. I reach out and grab it from her before she ruins Jess’s annual carrot cake. Maple shakes Mom’s hand and then reaches for Dad. He looks befuddled, but shakes her hand too. Mom’s lips are pinched. Never a good sign.

I pull Maple back into me, wrapping my arm around her waist. “Yes, it’s true. Maple and I are getting married.”

Maple rests her head on my shoulder and puts her hand on my chest. “He’s such a good man. I knew from the moment I met him twenty years ago that one day he’d be mine.”

Well, shit, I kind of like the way that sounds, even if it’s a lie. We step back and let them into the cabin, each of them lobbing questions at us all the way from where did we meet to how long we’ve been dating and does Maple snore at night. That one was from Jess. Maple and I tag team, each answering the questions with ease while we set out chips and a veggie tray on the coffee table in the living room.

“Where’s Stephen?” I ask Jess, cutting in on the interrogation.

She shoves a chip in her mouth, swaying side to side so Posy doesn’t wake from her nap just yet. “He’s working late. Said he’ll come by later.”

“Working late on your birthday?” Mom asks exactly what I was thinking.

Jess waves her hand in the air. “You know business owners.” She turns to Maple. “Stephen owns Anchor’s Up Brewery. He started it three years ago and it just sucks up all his time.”

“Worth it though. His latest craft brew is amazing,” I interject, remembering the delicious IPA he came up with this year.

Maple whirls around, rubbing her hand up and down my arm seductively, really playing up the devoted fiancée role. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like her hands on me. “Holt! You broke your diet enough to drink a beer?”

Jess cackles, which wakes up Posy. My poor little niece lets out a whimper. I reach for her and Jess lets me take her.

“I know, sweetie. Your mama is so loud and annoying. Come to Uncle Holt.” I nestle her into my neck and sway around the living room with her. She settles down, her pudgy little fist in her mouth, drool coating her hand. “Are you growing teeth?”

Jess groans. “Please don’t remind me. I swear, breastfeeding is over the second those teeth pop out. My nipples can’t take it.”

Dad grimaces. “Jess. We just met Maple. Let’s not talk about your nipples.”

Jess laughs, plopping down next to Maple and throwing her arm over her shoulder. “So, tell me about your plans for kids. You and Holt want to have a few babies?”

Maple’s cheeks flush. So much for her confidence in handling my family. She didn’t count on my sister and her invasive questions.

“That’s a conversation for us to have later, Jess,” I say, right as Maple answers.

“I’d love to have at least two, yes.”

My heart swells, which surprises me. Macy and I didn’t have babies on our radar when we were married, and I certainly don’t have them in mind now that I’m a confirmed bachelor. But suddenly the idea of holding my own baby in my arms—mine and Maple’s—sounds like heaven.

Mom jumps in before Jess can say anything else to put Maple on the spot. She’s been unusually quiet this whole time, studying Maple from below her eyelashes. “So, go over this with me again. You met when you were kids and suddenly now as thirty-year-olds you’re getting married? You don’t even live here, do you?”

Maple sits up straighter on the couch. I head over to her, sitting on the arm of the couch, with Posy. “Yes. I came to Anchor Lake every summer to stay with Grandma Gracie. When I was twelve and Holt was…”

“Fourteen,” I add in.

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