Page 30 of Brides and Brothers
Aiden cupped her shoulder with his hand. “Don’t overthink it. The rest of the boys should be up any minute. The twins have class at eight.”
“Twins? Oh, right. The ones from the diner. You’d better give me a quick rundown, or they’ll see right through me. What kind of sister-in-law can’t remember the names of her own brothers-in-law?”
“We’re used to people getting us mixed up and forgetting our names. It’s part of belonging to a big family. They won’t think any less of you if you need a while to find your place here.”
Camille glanced at the hall toward the bedrooms. “Hurry, before they come.”
“For starters, you already know Grant is in Iraq.” Weaving his hands together behind his head, Aiden said, “As for the others, you’ll usually see Benson first in the morning. Correction: you’ll see me first. But he’s the early riser and farmer in the family. He runs most of the machinery and manages the farmhands while I take care of the business end, along with my software business. Benson will be finishing his rounds about now and should be in any second for breakfast. Next in line of age are the twins: Cade and Daegan. Unlike the twins, Benson has dark hair like me.”
“Like your mother?” She had seen a picture of Aiden and his mom in the scrapbook.
He smiled. “Yes, like my mother. The twins are generally laid-back and happy, but they’re hard workers. Not much can bend them out of shape. They need a prod in the right direction now and then, but after that, they’re as good as gold.”
“And do they farm too?”
“Yes, but it’s seasonal work. After harvest, it’s mainly school and odd-jobs. The twins are both seniors in college, so next year might be interesting. And you met Flynn—he’s the second youngest.”
Camille counted on her fingers. “That leaves one brother unaccounted for.”
“That would be—”
“Easton.”
Camille looked up to see who had spoken. Easton was a younger, shorter, and slightly stockier version of Aiden.
Aiden motioned to his brother. “Camille, this is Easton.”
“Guilty,” Easton said with a bow, “but please, let me introduce myself. I think I can give you a far more correct version than Aiden could. I know Easton better than anyone.”
Camille grinned. His mannerisms reminded her of Aiden too.
“I’m a middle child, which means I’m largely forgotten at family functions. That aside, I’m the most socially normal of my brothers. I can say that because I actually socialize outside the city limits. Shocking, I know. I’m Aiden’s wannabe sidekick in the computer industry. Or, in layman’s terms, the repairman.”
“Repairman?” Camille shook her head. “I wonder why Amy didn’t give meyournumber.”
“Probably because she thought I was better-looking.” Aiden smirked.
Easton rolled his eyes. “It couldn’t have been that you were more mature.”
Aiden shook his head. “Never mind. Tell Camille something worth hearing.”
“I’m a senior in college, same as the twins,” Easton offered.
“Impressive,” Camille said.
He batted her compliment away. “I was a little more motivated and took night and online classes where possible.”
Aiden added, “You forgot to mention your obsession with football. It’s almost as great as these pancakes.” Camille looked at Aiden in time to see him point to a chair for Easton to sit down.
Easton rubbed his hands together. “There is no comparison. Pancakes win every time.” He grabbed the spatula and served himself a generous portion.
Camille was silently pleased when he topped his pancake with a large helping of her fluff.
“So, Camille,” Easton started as he took his seat. “You teach at the college?”
“Yes, but not on campus. I teach a few online courses. I need my doctorate before they’ll hire me full time.”
Easton made a face. “Does that mean Aiden will be the stay-at-home father while you dedicate your life to your teaching?”
