Page 100 of Night Moves
He smiled at her. “I love how you can find the positive. I hope the longer I’m with you, the more that rubs off on me.”
Her smile widened, and she took hold of his hand. Her skin was soft and warm, and he wished they were heading somewhere private so he could hold her instead of into his family’s big and blustery gathering. He couldn’t seem to get enough of touching her and knowing she was right by his side.
How did he go from the footloose and fancy-free guy to this in the span of a few days?
He didn’t know, and he didn’t care. He was happy, and for the first time in his life, he felt a deep and abiding contentment that he’d been searching for and didn’t know it.
He let go of her hand to turn onto his parents’ street. Seeing the formal two-story house, he hoped the Gentry kids had been placed in a home like this with parents like his. He’d come to appreciate his parents and his siblings more, and he also hoped when the newness of all these feelings wore off that he wouldn’t lose that appreciation.
He pulled up to the beige house with black trim with five windows on the second story and four on the main floor and nestled in tall evergreen and maple trees. An addition had been built on the left side after Clay was born to up the number of bedrooms.
He parked behind other family vehicles.
Natalie removed her hand to unbuckle her seatbelt. “I knew there would be a lot of people here, but look at all of these cars.”
“Nervous?” he asked.
“Yes and no. I know the majority of people, but we haven’t been together since you and I became a thing.”
“They’re all good with it so don’t worry.” He slid out and hurried around to open her door. He circled his arm around her back and started up the brick walkway. He didn’t bother knocking but ushered Natalie in and stepped in behind her. His mom’s sixth sense was on alert, and she was in the hallway to greet them.
“Natalie.” His mom scooped her into a warm hug. “I’m so glad you came and that you’re going to be part of our family.”
“Now, Mom, you’re getting a little ahead of yourself there,” Drake said. “We’re not talking about the future yet.”
His mom released Natalie and hugged him. “I know. But I also know the look of contentment and love in your eyes, and you will be. Trust me.”
“You’re going to scare Natalie away,” he whispered.
His mom stepped back and waved his warning away. “If the full force of all your brothers didn’t cause her to run, nothing will.”
Natalie laughed. “She’s probably right.”
“I saw Reed’s vehicle out front,” Drake said, changing the subject before his mother said anything else. “So no baby yet, then.”
His mother frowned. “Now don’t go spoiling my day by bringing that up. And don’t bug your sister. She’s just as disappointed that she’s gone beyond her due date.”
“Elvis is a stubborn little guy, just like his mama.” Drake laughed.
“Takes one to know one.” His mother turned to Natalie. “Everyone’s on the deck. I’m just finishing up the potato salad, and the burgers are almost done. Have Drake introduce you to the people you don’t know, and we’ll eat soon.”
“Can I help?” Natalie asked.
“Thank you, but no. After the crazy week you’ve had, I want you to just sit back and enjoy yourself. Besides, I have my own little army to help tote things.” She looked up at Drake. “Isn’t that right, son?”
“Absolutely.” He gave his mother a smile and an extra hug.
She pulled back, her concerned gaze digging deep. “Two hugs in a matter of minutes. Is something wrong?”
“Nope. I just appreciate you is all.”
She swatted a hand at him. “Go on now. I don’t need fussing over.”
“But you do more often than we give it.”
She waved her hand again, seeming embarrassed. “Now go on out and introduce Natalie so I can get that potato salad ready.”
He took Natalie’s hand and headed down the hall and through the kitchen to two large French doors standing open. His siblings and significant others, plus Brendan’s nearly five-year-old step-daughter Karlie sat in plush chairs on the deck.
