Page 25 of Unexpected Kisses

“Welcome to our family, Molly.” I almost squeal as I embrace her, careful not to crush her gorgeous dress. “I’m so happy to be able to call you my sister.” I lean in and kiss her cheek, her free hand wrapping around me, holding me close.

“I’m so blessed to have joined such a wonderful family. Thank you for always making me feel welcome.” We squeeze each other before I move away and let Max’s soccer friends have their turn to congratulate the pair.

My phone vibrates in my purse.

AJ:How are you feeling?

A smile touches my lips. Each evening, he’s messaged to check on me. He knows I won’t know if I’m pregnant yet, but he still checks on me. I can’t believe the guy’s still single, to be honest. He seems quite the catch.

Me:I’m feeling just fine

Me:Thank you for checking in with me but I won’t have news for another 8 days

AJ:I know but I like to check on you

AJ:How’s the wedding?

Me:Beautiful. My brother is so happy

The dots bounce, then stop. I wait and watch for a message but nothing comes, so I tuck my phone back in my purse. It vibrates as I sit while Max and Molly sign the legal documents with Mom and Martin as witnesses.

AJ:Have fun

Me:Thanks. Enjoy your weekend

AJ:Are you doing anything over the weekend?

Me:Not really. Family lunch on Sunday

AJ:Did you want to catch up?

I almost drop my phone when I read his message. I already like him too much. If I spend time with him outside of trying to get pregnant, I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep the distance I need to maintain between us. I’m already struggling and I haven’t spent all that much time with him.

AJ:We could go to the beach or something. Let me know

AJ:I’ll leave you alone to enjoy the wedding. Talk later

I blow out a breath. He generously gave me time to think it over.

“Is that the guy who’s helping you?” Em’s voice breaks into my thoughts.

I drag the phone to my chest to hide the screen, not that I need to, she already read the message. “Uh, yeah.”

She raises her eyebrows. “He wants to catch up, huh?” She nudges me. “The beach.” She wiggles her eyebrows and then spins around to Theo and the kids. “Who wants to go to the beach tomorrow?”

The kids cheer. “Yay. Me!”

She turns back to me, smiling. “Better text him back and invite him along.” She finishes with an innocent look and spins on her heel to return to Theo’s side. Damn Emma, stirring the pot.

“I’m not inviting him to the beach with the family.” I rest my hands on my hips, I glance down at the kids. “He’s just ayou-know-whatdonor.” I raise my brows at my sister.

She smiles at me. “If you say so. But I’d like to meet him. Invite him along.”

I move closer to her and lower my voice. “Only if you promise not to invite Mom and Dad. You know how she gets, and I don’t want to scare him off. I need his help. And you’re not allowed to say anything either.”

“I promise. Now text him. I want to lay eyes on him and make sure I get a good vibe.” Her jaw is set in that stubborn line she gets when she’s bound and determined to get her way.

I hold up my hands. “Okay, okay. I’ll invite him to the beach tomorrow.”

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