Page 35 of Wild Mistake
“Have fun!”I call after Gabe and Parker as they follow Riley Wilder in the direction of the old barn. It does my heart good to see both boys excited about something taking place in this town, until I think back on the old barn parties Aiden and his older brothers used to throw. “Should I be worried?”
“Nah.” Aiden smiles, offering his arm for me to hold as we walk toward the main house. “I don’t think these youngins know what it means to be delinquents. They’d rather play video games than smuggle beer.”
“Thank God for that.”
“I’m glad you came tonight.”
“Me too.” I hide my smile from him, butterflies taking up residence in my belly. “Thanks for the invite.”
“I hope you still feel that way after we go inside.” He pauses with his hand on the door knob. “You know how my family can be.”
“Awesome?”
“Obnoxious. Boisterous. Intrusive.” He winks and opens the door. “But awesome works too.”
I laugh as I step inside the house, but no one notices because they’re all laughing and shouting too. Music pipes through a speaker in the kitchen and there’s quite the spread of food on the back counter. I haven’t stepped foot in this house in almost two decades. The layout is the same, but the décor and furniture are new. The giant television in the living area plays the live celebration from New York City.
“What can I get you to drink?”
“Beer is good. I’m not picky.”
“Perfect.” Aiden leaves my side to fetch us drinks, but I’m not alone for long.
“Sarah!” Maeve spots me from across the room and rushes over, a baby on her hip. “You made it!”
“I did!”
“Where are the boys? They came too, right?”
“Riley took them over to the old barn.”
“Oh, good!” She leans in conspiratorially. “Unfortunately, my littles are too young for that so we have to party with babies and toddlers.”
“Who is this?” I stroke the curls back from her baby’s face.
“This is Collin.” Maeve smiles proudly. “He’ll be a year on April second.”
“He’s precious. I miss when mine were small enough to carry.”
“You want to borrow him?” she asks, but doesn’t wait for my response as she hands over the baby. “He’s all yours.”
“Oh, okay.” I instantly melt when his chubby hands wrap around me and he rests his head on my shoulder. “Oh, my goodness,” I muse. “I think I’m in love.”
“Careful,” Maeve warns. “Baby fever is dangerous.”
“Oh, no worries there. I have teenagers. The universe can’t trick me again. I’ll get my fix from holding yours.”
“You’re welcome to come over any time.” She narrows her eyes. “I mean that.”
Aiden returns, handing me a glass beer bottle. “Maeve roping you into free babysitting?”
“Oh, stop.” Maeve shoves his arm, then steals his beer. “I’m not that desperate.” She tips back the bottle and drains half of it.
He laughs, shaking his head. “I guess I’ll go get myself another one.”
“Thanks, big bro!” she calls after his retreating form and shoots me a wink. “He’s the best.”
I want to agree with her, but instead I take a sip of my own beer.
