Page 154 of Kaden & Keegan
Chapter Twenty-Four
Bristol expected to feel out of placeat Curtis and Lorrie’s. She was used to being here on most of her Sunday evenings for dinner, playing with the kids, hanging out with the wives, laughing and joking, getting her adult-time fix while getting some face time with the little ones outside of the daycare.
Tonight she hadn’t been certain how they would treat her, not only because she was with Kaden and Keegan but also because she’d been absent from these meals for so long now. But she should’ve known it would be business as usual.
No one seemed to notice the fact that Kaden had walked her in the door, hand in hand. Or that Keegan had been on her other side, his arm around her shoulder.
For some reason, being with them was as natural as breathing. Even in public, as it turned out.
Probably had something to do with the fact she’d wasted so much time worrying about it, fretting over something she didn’t have control over. If someone didn’t like how she lived her life, well, they could shove it where the sun didn’t shine. Bristol wanted to be that strong, independent girl that Rex had known when she was younger. She deserved to be that girl. And Kaden and Keegan deserved to have that woman at their side, not some withering flower.
Yes, she’d been incredibly nervous to see Gerald and Sue Ellen, her future in-laws. She’d met them before, of course, but never as Kaden and Keegan’s fiancée. Sue Ellen greeted her with a huge hug and a “welcome to the family” whispered in her ear. It brought tears to Bristol’s eyes, but she fought them back as best she could.
But the hardest part was when she came face-to-face with Wesley, Quinn, and Jared.
Her future brothers-in-law tried to act stern in the beginning, but they must’ve sensed her nerves because they gave up quickly when their sister, Eve, joined in and stood shoulder to shoulder with Bristol.
“Stick with me, honey. I know how to keep ’em in line.”
That prompted some good-natured ribbing between the siblings, Kaden and Keegan joining in the fray. At that point, Bristol had escaped to the kitchen to see if she could help Lorrie with preparations.
“It’s about time,” Curtis said when he came over to congratulate them after Gerald proudly announced the news to the entire clan. “Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you.” Again, more tears threatened.
“Officially,” Lorrie amended. “Because you’ve always been a part of the family.”
Yep. Tears were powerless against Lorrie. They fell unbidden, stopped only when Curtis presented her with a handkerchief.
And that was how it went for a good half hour. Everyone was congratulating them, excitement filling the air when Kaden proudly announced their additional good news: they were having a baby. Kylie, Zoey, and Eve took it upon themselves to start planning the wedding, promising they would get with Bianca so Bristol’s matron of honor could lead the charge.
After dinner, the kids were rambunctious as usual, even those who hadn’t had a nap. The only one who seemed somewhat somber and quiet was Kate. She knew Kate would come around when she was ready. Her parents were doing everything they could, and Bristol was praying for the best. Tonight, Bristol had planned to simply greet Kate and maybe give her a hug, but the little girl had other plans.
“Miss Bristol? Would it be okay if maybe I helped babysit the baby when…” Her brows furrowed. “Is it a boy or a girl?”
“We don’t know yet,” she admitted.
“Well, it doesn’t matter. I like boy and girl babies. Do you think I could maybe help babysit?”
“Of course you can. Anytime your mom and daddies say it’s okay.”
She smiled and Bristol saw the little girl she’d known for so long behind the grin. Yes, Kate would definitely be making her way back. Sooner rather than later if they were all lucky.
Of course, the good times always came to an end. A lot of little ones to put to bed, parents who were hoping to catch up on some TV time or to go to bed themselves.
“We’re gonna head out,” Kylie said, stepping up to Bristol for a hug. “And don’t think you’re off the hook.”
“For?”
“We figured we’d give you a reprieve. Next Sunday we’ll be giving all three of you crap, so be prepared.”
“Well, thank you for sparing me tonight,” she said, realizing she was truly grateful but at the same time looking forward to being part of the family.
“No worries. Now be good. We’ll see you first thing in the mornin’.”
“I’ll be ready and waitin’.”
Before Travis, Kylie, and Gage could get their kiddos to file out the door, Kaden and Keegan were urging Bristol that way, too. She managed to get in a goodbye to Gerald and Sue Ellen, then Curtis and Lorrie, but that was about all she got before Keegan had her by the hand and was practically dragging her to his truck.
