Page 70 of Maximum
CHAPTER 18
Family Meeting
Maximum
Living on Fleur’s farm there was always something to do. I enjoyed the physical work and the constant bustle of people and animals, but above all else, I enjoyed the woman who ran it all with a firm but loving hand.
One of the first things I did was upgrade her Internet connection and take over the office she hardly used anyway.
The more time I spent with Fleur, the more I loved to see the different sides of her. With the people who were here to learn from her, she was kind but to the point. When she was around the animals, there was a patient and almost angelic side to her. And then when it was just her and me together, her playful and passionate side came out.
For once in my life, I wasn’t busy looking ahead and making traveling plans. Waking up and falling asleep next to Fleur made me content to stay in Ireland.
Days became weeks that turned to months and before I knew it, we were driving to Dublin for a family barbeque, talking about the fact that we’d been together for a little over two months.
When we arrived at Liv’s and Charles’ house, everyone was already there, even Atlas and Jolene, who lived in Chicago but had rented a place close to Liv and Charles for the summer.
“How can you stay away from Chicago that long?” Fleur asked Atlas.
“Jolene’s work is flexible, as she can do most of her interviews and meetings online. I’ve postponed visiting the European branches for far too long. It seemed like a good opportunity to make Dublin our home for the summer and use it as a hub for me to fly out and meet with European branches a few days each week. Besides, it’s great for Charles, Lumi, and me to be close. We’re doing important work on future visions for the company.”
Jolene was following the conversation and from the way she smiled and nodded, I gathered that she was fine with the arrangement.
“Next time Atlas is gone, you and Rose should come and visit us at the farm; the countryside is lovely,” Fleur encouraged Jolene.
From the first time Atlas had introduced me to Jolene, I knew he’d hit the jackpot. She wasn’t the gold-digging trophy wife I’d feared he’d end up with. At first glance I’d found her a little plain and not as pretty as the women Atlas had gone out with before. But after spending an hour with Jolene, my brother’s love for her made complete sense. It was rare to meet someone as warm, wise, and kind as Jolene. She asked the best questions and made me feel safe with her in no time. My favorite quality about her was how she affected my brother. I couldn’t remember ever seeing Atlas as relaxed as he was around her. The pride in his eyes when she sent him a loving gaze had made me like her from the get-go. And now that Jolene lit up as if Fleur’s invitation to come and stay with us was a huge honor, I wanted to hug her. Jolene had such a special gift for making everyone feel seen and appreciated.
“Really? We’d love to. I’ve watched documentaries of you and the work you do. It’s fascinating, and I’m sure Rose would love to see all your animals.” Jolene’s voice softened as she looked down at her adorable toddler. “Wouldn’t you, sweetheart?”
Carrying a bottle of wine in her right hand, Liv came out through the large French doors, and called out to all of us. “You know how we love to cook for you guys when you come over?”
Damian, Lumi’s husband, was showing Noah how he could balance a bottle of beer on his head, but still answered. “Aye, and we love to eat your delicious food.”
“Well, this time I threw in the towel and had a professional do it. With all of you having partners and babies, it’s getting too large of a crowd.”
“River and I don’t have babies,” I pointed out with a smile.”
“Eww.” River wrinkled her nose. “That sounded very wrong. You’re handsome, Max, and I know we’re not blood related but I’m having my babies with Noah.”
The others laughed while I hurried to explain, “No, I didn’t mean it like that. I was referring to the fact that you don’t have a child yet, and neither do I.”
“Anyway, there’s sixteen of us already and I have a feeling that’s just the beginning,” Liv said with a broad smile. “Dinner will be ready in fifteen.”
“Saffron doesn’t have a child either,” Lumi pointed out.
Charles erupted in a number of facial tics. “Thank God.”
“We’re definitely having one more,” Jolene declared with her Rose on her hip.
“I don’t know about that,” Lumi was walking with her son in her arms, trying to get him to stop crying. “It’s hard work.”
“Do you need me to take him, my love?” Damian asked her from across the patio.
“No, it’s fine.”
Fleur stood next to me. “Can you hold my drink?”
I took the glass and watched her walk over to Lumi. “Do you mind if I touch Shane?”
