Page 39 of Over and Above

“We’ve all got your back, Maren.” Declan nodded, and an approving murmur swept through the kitchen. A few moments later, the room grew even more crowded with the arrival of Tony, Caleb, Caleb’s younger brother Scotty, who was visiting from college, and Caleb’s mother. I shooed folks toward the living room, where new baby talk continued.

“Are you doing a gender reveal? Baby shower?” Caleb perched next to Maren on the couch. “Tell me we get to give you presents.”

“Gender reveals are tacky.” Maren rolled her eyes before patting her belly.

“We’d rather be surprised,” Diesel added from her other side, dropping an arm around Maren’s shoulders. “But I’m all about the baby presents.”

Maren gave a long-suffering sigh, undoubtedly hating being the center of attention. “I suppose we can do a shower?—”

“Excellent.” Caleb leaned forward. “Gender-neutral shower? Any themes? Colors?”

“Are you moonlighting as a party planner now?” I teased Caleb while shooting Maren a supportive smile. No way was she getting out of the shower idea, but I’d try to ensure my fellow introvert didn’t get overwhelmed.

“Yep. Maren said we’re all honorary uncles, right? I take my role seriously.” Laughing, Caleb gestured at Scotty, who was sitting near John on the floor. “Especially since it may be years, if ever, before Scotty gives me niblings.”

“Never say never,” Scotty said good-naturedly, but next to him, John looked like a thundercloud had descended over the living room.

“Anyone need a drink refill?” John hauled himself off the floor. “I’ll go fetch the cider and some cups.”

“I’ll help.” Scotty hurried after him, and whatever was going on there was possibly more interesting than baby shower talk, but I knew better than to go after John myself.

“Well, that wasn’t awkward.” Waving a hand, Maren gave a crooked grin. “How about January? After Christmas but before my due date.”

“We can host the shower here,” I offered, desperate to be of use in some way.

“I’m still decorating.” Caleb wagged a finger in my direction. “And we’ll need games.”

“You’d better be ready for help with planning.” A familiar voice sounded from the front entryway and excited noises swept through the room as everyone whirled to greet our latest arrival.

“Rowan!” Maren’s eyes were suspiciously damp, and I expected mine were no better. “Oh my gosh, you came!”

“So, what brings the big famous actor home for Thanksgiving?” Diesel teased.

“Hey, even big famous actors need to eat.”

There were hugs all around, and I made sure to claim one before Rowan settled next to Maren on the couch. Caleb moved to the arm of my recliner where Tony sat. The house was full to the brim, and I could not have been happier. I couldn’t remember the latest time I’d grinned this widely or laughed this much. I caught Magnus’s gaze as he strode in from the kitchen, and he gave a subtle smile that seemed meant only for me as he came to stand next to me.

“Turkey is done and resting,” he reported. “You want to help me arrange the buffet according to Wren’s diagram?”

“I’d love to.” I meant it, savoring the few moments to work together without the crowd of company. Didn’t risk a kiss or even a touch, but our joint efforts to arrange the food were joyful, with more than a few of those private looks.Can it be like this every year?The question echoed yet again in my head.

The meal itself was delightful chaos, people eating in the living room, dining room, kitchen, and in the case of Wren, perched on the staircase, surveying the scene below. There was too much food, of course, but conversation and merriment continued to flow even as people started to depart after dessert.

“So, what’s the deal with Diesel’s dad?” Rowan sidled up next to me at the dessert table as I contemplated a piece of the brandy apple pie. However, as soon as Rowan asked the question, my desire to be reminded of the night before evaporated.

“What do you mean?” I bristled. What had he noticed?Damage control. Stay neutral.I schooled my expression. Rowan might be the actor, but I had more practice. “I told you, he’s renting the carriage house after his home was lost to a fire.”

“I meant is he single?” Rowan sighed like I was the densest person on earth. “He didn’t bring a date.”

“Rowan.” I put on my sternest tone. “He’s over forty. You are nineteen. God help us.”

“Maybe I just wanted to hear the lecture.” Rowan lightly duffed my shoulder. “Don’t worry, I haven’t found any silver fox sugar daddies in Hollywood either.”

“Thank God for small miracles.” I groaned, relief and irritation mingling, along with another emotion I couldn’t name brewing low in my guy.A date.Someday, our fling would run its course, and Diesel would bring a date to some future baby shower or family event, and I would?—

Nothing. I would do nothing because we weren’t even officially dating, and getting jealous over some future event that had yet to happen was beyond silly. Dramatic. And I wasn’t our reigning diva.

Oblivious to my distress, Rowan gave an artistic sigh. “Anyhoo, a bunch of drama club peeps heard I’m in town, so I’m gonna head out.”

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