Page 203 of Waiting For A Girl Like You
“Let’s just say we’re good brothers,” Samuel added. “And we always keep our promises.”
“I don’t trust your dad,” Rowan whispered to Albie. “He’s kind of shady.”
Albie didn’t respond, only giving him another sweet sigh. Rowan traced a finger along his cheek, careful not to wake him. Kids had neverbeen on his radar, but thinking about having them with Annabeth had him not hating the idea.
The soft shuffle of Simone’s house shoes came from the hallway, and all the men went quiet when she entered the kitchen. Somehow, she was already more put-together than she had been minutes earlier.
“We’re ready,” she announced, surveying the room like a general preparing for battle. “Liam, tuck in your shirt. Xavier, get a jacket. Ben, you’re wearing two different shoes. Samuel, do something about that hair—it’s sticking up in the back. Selah, find better pants. Spider-Man is fine for your son, but not for you.”
As they all scrambled to obey, Simone turned to Will. “I’ve been instructed to make sure you have your glasses. I see that you do not. Please fix that.”
“Oh, yeah.” Will hurried off to the guest rooms to find his glasses and returned in seconds wearing them. “That is better.”
Simone turned next to Carter. “Thank you for setting up the chairs.”
“You’re welcome, ma’am.” Carter straightened under her approval. “I’m going to head out to make sure all the candles are lit.”
Carter slipped out the back kitchen door, slapping a hand on Liam’s shoulder as he left. Rowan didn’t know the exact history between them, but it was clear their families went way back.
Simone turned to him. “My grandson is swaddled tight and warm?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And you’re sure you’re fine holding him? Josie has Harper, I have Theo, Lenora’s with Xavier. If you’re not comfortable, we can switch things up.”
Rowan grinned down at Albie. “We’re friends now. I’ve got this.”
With a nod, Simone turned her attention to Holden. “Josie said you’re taking pictures?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Holden smiled around a bite of apple. “I’m your guy.”
“Well, then I guess we’re ready.” Simone clapped her hands together once. “Get into position. Ben, you’re with me. It’s time to bring the bride down.”
As everyone left to go either outside or upstairs, Samuel came over to check on Albie. “Let me see if he’s warm enough.” He fiddled with the baby blankets. “Wait until the last minute to bring him out. If it’s too cold, come back in. Or signal me, and I’ll take him.”
“We’re going to be fine.” Rowan scanned the kitchen for a diaper bag. “If he gets hungry, though… do I have like a bottle or something?”
“I’m the bottle,” Evie said, coming into the kitchen and looking radiant in a lavender halter dress. “And there’s a chair for me, right?”
“There is,” Samuel mumbled, having frozen when his wife walked in. “That color…uh, looks really good on you.”
Evie fluffed her long, wavy hair to fan out across her shoulders, smirking at her husband. “You’re staring at my boobs, Samuel.”
He was, and Samuel didn’t bother to deny it. “Sorry.”
“No, you’re not.”
“You’re right,” Samuel sighed, now openly staring. “I’m definitely not.”
Josie entered with Harper in tow, and Simone followed with Theo. “Let’s go, you two,” Josie ordered Samuel and Evie before turning to Rowan. “You sure you’re good with Albie?”
“If I’m not, I’ll hand him to one of you.”
Albie’s grandmothers, parents, and sisters hesitated for a second, but then the group must have collectively decided he was going to be fine with the newest Fairweather and left.
Lenora and Izzy came rushing through next, with Lenora pausing to check on Albie. “I can take him if you need me to?”
Rowan smiled. “I’ve got him.”
