by Wendy Smith
“The oldest one is Ava—she’s Ginny and Owen’s. Then there’s Rose, who is Lily and Adam’s youngest, and then my two, Amelia and Logan,” Hayley says.
Nodding, I look back at her. “I’ve heard the names. It’s just putting faces to everyone.”
“Mia, you made your way back here.” James walks toward me, a big smile on his face.
“Corey found me. Hayley was just about to introduce me to everyone.”
Hayley slips an arm around my shoulder. “I’ve got her.”
“Grab a beer,” a blonde woman sitting opposite where Hayley sat says.
“Thanks, Lily.” James reaches for the chilly bin. “Want one, Mia?”
“That’d be great.”
Hayley steers me toward the table, pointing around. “Mia, this is Lily.”
The woman who spoke smiles warmly at me. “It’s so good to finally meet you.”
“You too.”
“And at this end of the table are Ginny and Constance.” She points to them both. I smile at the sight of them breastfeeding their babies.
“So, they must be Eli and Violet.” I point at the babies. Corey sits beside Constance.
“That’s right. Take a seat.” Ginny nods at a chair. “How was the drive?”
“Long, but it’s so nice to be out of the city.”
“Here you go, babe.” James places a Tui beer in front of me. “You met Corey. What about the others?”
I shake my head.
“Over by the barbecue, the one holding the tongs is Adam, and standing beside him is Drew. And I can’t see Owen.”
“He’s in the kitchen making us some dessert for after lunch,” Ginny says.
James sits in the chair next to me. He takes one of my hands in his and squeezes it.
“James has told me all about Owen’s baking. I can’t wait to try some.”
“Good. Because I made something extra special in your honour.”
I turn to look in the direction of the house as Owen makes his way toward us.
“I hope you like it.” He holds out his hand. “I’m Owen.”
“Mia.” I shake his hand. Everyone’s so friendly. I hate that I didn’t come here to meet them earlier.
“James’s secret lady. We were all beginning to think you were a figment of his imagination,” Owen says.
James laughs. “I don’t think I could conjure up anything as wonderful as Mia.”
“Wow. You really do have it bad, little brother.” Owen laughs. He walks around the table, and bends to give Ginny a tender kiss. She smiles up at him.
“Need me to do anything?” he asks.
She shakes her head. “Violet’s nearly asleep.”
“She does have that milk-drunk look about her.” He peeks over at Constance. “So does Eli. They make a great pair.”
Constance laughs. “I’m hoping he’s taking his cue from his cousin. He’s not usually this easy to get to sleep.” She turns to Corey, on the other side of her. “Let’s hope he emulates Violet tonight too.”
“Amen to that.” He holds out his arms, and Constance passes the baby over. His face tells a story. He’s a man completely besotted by his son. It makes my heart ache a little for what James and I can never have. Not that I’ll ever admit it.
“They’re such lovely babies.” I grin.
“They’re a lot quieter than usual. You arrived at a good time.” Constance laughs.
“We’re in for a lot of trouble once they can run around,” Ginny says.
“I’m sure they’ll just follow Ava. If we have her under control, the others will fall into line. Won’t you, little guy?” Corey takes Eli’s hand in his. His fist looks huge in comparison to the baby’s, and it makes me smile even more.
“I hope you guys are hungry. There’s a ton of food.” Adam approaches. He smiles at me. “Hi, you must be Mia. James has told us nothing about you.”
I laugh. “Well, he’s told me about you at least.”
“You’ve got us all at a disadvantage then.” Drew walks up behind Adam and sends James a pointed look. “This guy’s been keeping you all to himself.”
“Anyway, we’re just going to grab some trays to bring the cooked food to the table, and we’ll be ready to eat.” Adam passes me, brushing my shoulder with his hand. “It’s good to finally meet you.”
“You too,” I call as he disappears into the house.
“Where’s Dad?” James asks.
“He’s on his way,” Lily says. “I called him a couple of times earlier. He was in the garden and lost track of time, so he was showering and then coming over.”
James reaches for my hand and squeezes it. “You okay?”
I nod.
“Of course she is, James. We won’t break her.” Lily laughs.
“I’m just checking. I’m sure Mia was nervous about meeting all you lot at once.”
“What are you trying to say?” Lily asks
He shrugs. “Nothing. It’s just a change for her. Mia’s family isn’t that big.”
“Neither was ours, once upon a time.” Lily cocks her head.
“It was. We just weren’t very united.” Owen nudges her.
I love this. I love their closeness, and even though I might not get all their references to each other, I want to be a part of this. I’m not sure why I was so nervous. They know so little about me, but don’t press me for details.
James nudges me. “Here’s Dad.”
I turn. James’s father walks toward me, a huge smile on his face. Despite our differences, I miss my own father. It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other.
Standing, I smile as James’s dad opens his arms to me and hugs me tight. “I’m pleased to finally meet you, Mia. You make my son so happy.”
I can’t stop the grin on my face as he lets me go. James slots his fingers in mine. We should have come here a long time ago.
I just belong.
27
James
Today is going even better than I’d thought it would.
I knew my family would welcome Mia with open arms, but they’ve even exceeded my expectations.
The women are all in the living room now the meal is over. Mia and Lily are deep in conversation, and it’s such a wonderful sight.
Ginny and Constance sit together on the couch, holding each other’s babies. Dad sits with them. It’s funny how different my nieces and nephews are, yet they all come from the same gene pool. Already, Eli and Violet have very different personalities.
Ava tugs on my sleeve, and I smile at her. “Hey. What are you up to?”
She gives me a little wave, her cheeks flushing.
“Did you eat your dessert? Your dad makes amazing cakes.”
She nods. “And he made me a gingerbread man.”
“I hear you’re a gingerbread addict.”
She laughs as she runs back outside.
Corey comes out of the kitchen and hands me a beer. “Let’s leave them to it and go sit outside.”
I follow him out. Adam, Drew, and Owen have taken over the table, and we join them.
“Your lady’s nice. I don’t know why you kept her hidden for so long.” Corey takes a swig of his beer. “None of us care that she’s older than you.”
“That’s not the reason I didn’t tell you, guys. We haven’t told anyone.”
He frowns.
“She’s one of my lecturers at uni.”
His mouth falls open, and as I look around the table, I fight a laugh when my brothers all react the same.
“Dude. Have you declared the relationship?” Drew asks.
I shake my head.
“Why not? It’ll save you a whole world of hurt if you do.”
“It’s complicated. Her husband works at the uni too.”
His eyes widen. “She’s married?”
I shake my head. “Soon-to-be ex-husband. He’s a real dick, and he’s made things difficult enough for Mia as it is without knowing about me.”
Drew nods
. “That’s a shitty situation to be in.”
“It’s not been easy, that’s for sure. But we’re so close to getting out.”
“You could have told us. We wouldn’t have said anything,” Corey says.
I shrug. “It was just easier not to tell. The last thing I wanted was to burden anyone else with our secret.”
“So why are you telling us now?”
“Because I’m sick of hiding it from the people I love. And Mia feels ready to declare our relationship when we get back.”
“That could impact your studies,” Drew says. “The university might want to re-mark some of your work.”
I nod. “I know. But I’m confident it stands up, and even if there are issues, I’ve got Mia. I win either way.”
He grins. “As long as you’re okay.”
“I’ve just been in her class this year, not previous ones. Even if I have to do over, it’s not the end of the world.” I take a deep breath. “We were thinking about coming back here next year. Mia’s been asked to write a text book, and I can find a job. We could rent a place near the cove.”
“You’re always welcome at the garage. There’s plenty of work there,” Adam says.
I nod. “I hoped you might say that.”
He grins. “It’ll be good to have you around. I know I pushed you to go to uni in the first place, but we’ve all missed you.”
“Once the divorce is final, the house will be sold, and Mia gets half the proceeds. Then we can move here.”
Adam puts a finger to his chin. “I’ve been thinking a lot about something lately that might help.”
“What’s that?”
“The house Lily grew up in. It never sold, but if it was cleared, it’d be a good central location to build. It’d be cheap as to buy.”
“That’s a good idea,” Owen says. “In the meantime, you could use my flat too. By the time you two move here, we’ll be in the new house. We can lock off the entrance to the bakery to give you privacy.”
“Really?”
“You wouldn’t need to pay rent.” He shrugs. “I was going to leave it empty unless Mel wanted to use it. But you’re family, so help yourself. It’d mean you were close to the garage too.”
My heart swells. My brothers seem to work together to make things happen for me.
I just wonder what Mia will think about it all.
28
Mia
The Campbells are wonderful.
They’re a close-knit family, but it takes next to no time to feel like I fit in. Maybe it’s because James has told me so much about each of them.
I don’t talk a lot—the others more than make up for me. I’m enjoying just sitting and listening.
It makes me think of Mum and Dad. They didn’t like Garrett. They saw through him. But I was young and in love, and no one could have talked me out of our relationship.
I love watching the kids play. It’s clear that Ava is the leader, and the younger ones hang on to her every word.
“Ava’s so bossy.” Ginny laughs, and I shift my gaze to her.
“I was just thinking how she’s definitely in charge.” I smile.
“Max was the one who used to lead them around, but he’s much older and so over it,” Lily says. “He’s staying with a friend tonight, but if you’re still around tomorrow you’ll meet him.”
“Max is your oldest, right?”
She grimaces. “Fifteen going on twenty-five.”
“That must be fun.”
She nods. “At times. He’s just discovered girls.”
“Oh.” I laugh. “There’s trouble.”
Lily nods. “He’s a sweet boy. I’m sure he’ll be okay, but it still scares the hell out of me.”
“He’ll be fine,” Adam says, walking through the living room. “I met the love of my life at fourteen. Maybe he’ll be that lucky too.”
He walks to her chair and bends to give Lily a kiss. She cups his face, and for a second they seem to get lost in each other.
“Are you okay, Mia? Need another drink?” Adam asks, turning his head. “Is James taking care of you?”
“James always takes care of me.” I laugh. “He’s a sweet boy too.”
I turn and see James in the doorway. He shakes his head.
“Make sure you keep it that way,” Adam says.
After lunch, we drive to James’s father’s house.
It’s lovely. His home is off the road, surrounded by greenery. I sigh as James pulls into the back yard.
“You okay?” he asks.
“It’s just so beautiful here.”
“Now you see why I love this place so much.” He smiles. “Let’s get our bags inside, and I’ll show you around.”
Inside, the house is just as beautiful. The living room is littered with pictures of the different Campbell boys at various stages of their lives. Their parents were obviously very proud of them.
It makes me think of my parents’ house. When I stuck to their rules, Mum and Dad took so much pride in everything I did.
Until I met Garrett.
It took a while for me to regret not listening to them, but they were right. He was never the man for me. James is.
“This way.” James leads me up the hallway to a room at the very end.
He pushes open the door and we walk in. This room is very teenage boy. But I guess he was when he lived here.
Against one wall is a double bed. It’s smaller than I’m used to, but James and I spoon at night so we’ll fit. There are bookshelves with sport magazines, and I smile at a pile of scientific journals.
The posters on the wall make me laugh. James likes rock music. I already know that. What I’m not ready is for the members of AC/DC to be staring at me from every direction.
“I’ll take the posters down,” he says as if reading my mind.
I shrug. “They’re fine.”
“I haven’t been here for any real length of time since I left for uni. It’s probably time.”
On his desk is a photo of him with a woman I don’t recognise. When I pick it up, he runs over, snatching it from my hand.
“Shit. Sorry. I meant to get rid of that last time I was here.”
“Is that …”
He looks at the photo. “Ashley. I kept our relationship secret from Mum for ages because she was such a pain in the arse when it came to my brother’s girlfriends. It wasn’t until I came back from uni the first time that I put that photo on the desk.”
I nod. “After she approved?”
“Yes. My mum never thought anyone was good enough for her boys. She would have had kittens over our relationship when she was well. But the last time we spoke, she told me that she approved of us as long as I was happy.”
Despite myself, I laugh.
“But once she got to know you, she would have known how good you are for me anyway.” He throws the photo toward the bin, and it lands inside with a loud clang. “And I’d tell her just how much I love you.” He wraps his arms around me.
“Your family is great.”
“I thought it went well. They all like you.” James nuzzles my neck.
I pull away.
“What’s wrong?”
I let out a long breath. “Watching them with their children. That’s not going to be us, James. You know that, don’t you?”
He nods. “I’d never put pressure on you to have a child with me, Mia.”
“But do you want one?”
James shrugs. “I haven’t given it that much thought.”
“Maybe you should.”
He places his hands on my arms. “Babe. Nothing else matters but us. If I’m destined to be an uncle and not a father, then it is what it is. I don’t want anyone else, Mia.”
“I don’t want you missing out if it becomes important.” I search his expression, but all I see is the love in his eyes. “You’re all I want.”
“Then there’s no issue.” He smiles. “The way my brothers are breeding, there’ll be no end to niece
s and nephews to spend time with.”
I laugh. “I’m not sure if they’d appreciate you talking about them that way.”
“Probably not, but I’m glad you’re smiling. Did you enjoy today?”
I nod. “I really did. Everyone’s so lovely. I can see where you get it from.”
He flutters his eyelashes, and I giggle at the sight. “Is that right?”
“You’re such a flirt, James Campbell.”
“I try my best.”
29
James
Dad arrives home shortly afterward.
I can’t get over how relaxed he looks. I’m sure the time spent looking after Mum took its toll on his own health. “Hey, Dad.”
He rubs his stomach. “As much as I love my family, I’m glad we’re home. I think I need to rest for a week after eating all that.”
I laugh. “I know what you mean.”
He looks around. “Where’s Mia? How’s she settling in?” he asks.
“She’s in the shower. And she’s settling in really well. It’s good to be here.”
He beams. “It’s wonderful to have you home.”
“I guess this place is still weird without Mum.”
He tilts his head. “It’s very quiet.”
“I miss her. She was such a pain in the butt at times, but she loved us.”
He chuckles. “Yes, she did.” He sits in his chair. “I didn’t do right by her all the time, and I will always feel guilty about that, but there was also a lot of love.”
“You mean your affair with Lily’s mother?”
His mouth falls open. “How did you …?”
“Something Mum said once. It was vague, but I put two and two together.”
He licks his lips. “James, we were in a bad place. We moved here at your mother’s insistence, and I gave up a job I loved to do what she thought was the right thing for Corey. There was a period of time when we barely spoke to one another.”
“You don’t have to justify yourself to me, Dad. You two were still together even after we all left home, so there must have been love still there.”