Embraced in Ink

by Carrie Ann Ryan

  Maybe she should. Perhaps she should think logically and make a list. But that wasn’t going to happen when it came to him. There was nothing logical about how she felt about Marcus because she had done so well hiding those feelings. She’d pushed down what she should have rather than what she wanted for so long, that she didn’t know how to put a title or a price on that nameless emotion that ran through her.

  “I don’t want to ruin everything,” she whispered.

  “It’s the two of us, Bristol. We can’t ruin it.”

  “I don’t know. I’m excellent at fucking things up.”

  “No, you’re not. You excel at everything you do. Including making sure others know that they’re not alone. You helped Arden figure out that she could be part of the Montgomerys right away.”

  Bristol snorted. “No, I invaded her house and told her I was going to be her friend, with or without Liam. I didn’t like the fact that she had hidden herself away because she was sick. Not that it was my right to make any of those calls, but I hated that she felt alone. And you know I have space for friends. And Arden seemed like a great person.”

  “And you’re a great person, too. You guys are friends, with or without Liam, like you said. And it’s because you’re an amazing woman. You reached out, even though it was a little stalkerish.”

  She groaned, closing her eyes tightly. “Not too stalkerish, right?”

  “I’m going to plead the fifth on that one and then move the conversation to Holland. Your other stalker victim.”

  “I am not a stalker. You are.”

  “That doesn’t even make sense.”

  “Perhaps. Still, I don’t know. I didn’t want Holland to be alone either. I mean, she ran out on her wedding because her fiancé was a douchebag.” She paused. “Thank you for not being a douchebag.”

  He kissed her again, softly, their tongues tangling. Her knees went weak. “I promise never to be that type of douchebag. I may, you know, be an asshole sometimes. But that can’t be helped.”

  She snorted. “Okay, whatever you say. However, I like Holland, too. And, yes, I did just show up at her house to make sure that she knew who to talk to beyond my brother and Lincoln. And maybe that could be weird to other people. I didn’t think so.”

  “That wasn’t too weird. Not in the grand scheme of things. You’re friends.”

  “And, my next project, I mean, person I’m going to make sure knows that they are welcome as part of the family is Madison.”

  Marcus’s brows furrowed. “You’re not going to play matchmaker, are you? Because Lincoln’s cousin doesn’t need a match. She could probably do that on her own.”

  Bristol raised a single brow. “Are you saying that because you think she’s hot?”

  He grinned, and she nearly growled.” Of course, I think she’s hot. Now, don’t get all weird about that. You and I have talked about the fact that we both think she’s hot.”

  “Perhaps. But now that we’re engaged, isn’t that weird?”

  “I don’t know. I always thought it was kind of cool that since we’re both bi, we’ve been able to check out the same people. But I suppose I could refrain from finding anyone attractive from here on out.”

  “Well, I do kind of like going over our celebrity crushes together. It always made me feel like we were best friends for a reason.”

  “We’re best friends for more reasons than our crush on Michael B. Jordan.”

  “And Jennifer Garner. We cannot forget the days of Alias.”

  Marcus grinned, shaking his head. “You’re right. We can never forget those days. Though I still don’t understand the red wig.”

  “You’re not supposed to. All you have to know is that it made her look pretty.”

  “Whatever you say. Now, we’re going to be late, but you have to promise me not to matchmake with Madison.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you don’t do matchmaking well. We both know this.”

  “That was one time, and I didn’t realize they were cousins.”

  “They had the same last name, and I’m pretty sure you met them both at a family barbecue that they invited the neighbors to.”

  “I thought one of them had to be a neighbor. I also cannot believe that we’re still having this conversation.”

  “I’m just saying,” he whispered.

  “Stop. I’m not going to matchmake. I’m going to friend-make.” She groaned. “Okay, that doesn’t make sense. Madison is slowly coming into my web.” She paused again, while Marcus’s eyes danced with laughter. “That is not what I meant either.”

  “Oh, I’m picturing you with this web of friends and acquaintances that you’re slowly bringing together, your little legs working as you weave.”

  “Shush. As I was saying, Madison’s family sucks, we all know that. And she’s finally hanging out with us a little more. So, I’m going to make sure she knows that she’s welcome to be one of us.”

  “I’m not going to repeat it for you. I don’t think you’re a cult.”

  “No, I wasn’t expecting you to. And we’re not a cult. We’re the Montgomerys.”

  “Your family motto?”

  She growled. “Now, really, we need to get going.”

  He paused before they moved. “Will Madison be there?”

  “Yes, because she’s coming with Lincoln.” She grinned prettily, batting her eyes.

  “You talked to Lincoln about it, didn’t you?”

  “No, I talked to Ethan because he was closer to me, and he talked to Lincoln.”

  “Oh, the web you weave.”

  “Ack. Stop,” she said, laughing. The drive to her parents’ house was relatively quick, and she still marveled at the fact that, somehow, she was able to live near most of her family in an age where not everyone was able to do that.

  “I’m so grateful that your family and mine all still live here. I mean, I know Liam and I moved around a bit, mostly because of work, but now we’re all here. You know?”

  Marcus reached out and pressed her knee again, and even though her stomach clenched, mostly at his nearness, she still relaxed, the familiar touch soothing.

  “I get it. I don’t know what I would do if I had to live far from my family. I’m spoiled that way.”

  “The fact that all three of your sisters got married and still moved near you is insane.”

  “Your family’s the same way. Hell, like ninety percent of your cousins even live in the state.”

  “I think it’s about a hundred percent right now. And one recently moved back.”

  “That’s pretty remarkable.”

  “We’re a close family.” She paused. “And not a cult.”

  “So you say. But here I am, about to get sworn in. Do I get a robe or something?”

  “No, you get ink seared into your flesh.”

  Marcus looked at her and then laughed as he parked in front of her parents’ house. “You’re right, the fact that your family has a tattoo that even those who get married in receive, tells me it’s closer to a cult than you think.”

  “Jerk.” She laughed as they got out of the car. Marcus slid his arm around her waist and kissed her firmly on her mouth, even as she laughed against him.

  “Still a cult,” he whispered.

  “There you guys are. I’m so glad you’re here.” Her mother clapped from the doorway, beaming. Okay, it seemed that they were going with the PDA and acting natural.

  Because this was natural, they were genuinely getting married. They were figuring out their future. And they were kissing, touching as if they always had. As if it had always been a part of their lives.

  The fact that she was still nervous and trying to contemplate what would happen next wasn’t something she would focus on tonight.

  “Come in. We’re doing appetizers right now.”

  Bristol frowned. “Are we the last here?” she asked.

  Her mother shrugged as she came up to them, giving Bristol a kiss on the cheek, and then going up onto her
toes as Marcus leaned down so she could do that to his cheek, as well.

  “Yes, but Aaron was early, mostly because I think he wanted to be first to beat you.”

  “Darn baby brother.”

  “You know he still thinks of himself as a big brother. I don’t know, must be that little-brother complex,” her mother said, laughing.

  “And yet, I’m the one with the middle-child complex?” Ethan asked as he came out to the front door.

  “Come on in. We’re eating bruschetta and Caprese salad.”

  “Oh, that sounds yummy, but I thought we were having roast with potatoes,” Bristol said. “I didn’t know you served those together.”

  Her mom smiled. “I was in the mood. However, they didn’t have the roast that I wanted at the store, so we’re doing roasted chicken stuffed with some lemons and fresh herbs. And of course, mashed potatoes, asparagus, Brussel sprouts, glazed carrots, and then scalloped potatoes on the side.”

  “I think I may just fall in love with you,” Marcus said, smiling widely. “Seriously, I’m starving.”

  “Then go eat bruschetta.” Her mother narrowed her eyes at Bristol. “Why aren’t you feeding this man? You know your duty.”

  Bristol resisted the urge to flip her mother off but did roll her eyes. “Yes, because I believe you when you say it’s my duty to make sure my man is fed.”

  “You called him your man. I’m so excited about this.” She kissed Bristol’s cheek again and then tugged Marcus off to the food.

  Her dad sidled up at that point, giving Bristol a big hug. “Ignore your mother. She likes poking at you. And you know I’m the one that made the appetizers.”

  “Is that why they don’t match dinner?”

  “Your mother was in the mood for a lot of tomatoes, even though it didn’t go with the rest of her theme. So, today, it’s simply food that we were in the mood for rather than a theme. We’re allowed to do that.”

  “And today was the day that you didn’t allow us to bring anything for dinner.”

  “No, but that’s because now that you’re all adults, we’ve switched it up so we have Montgomery dinners at all of your houses, as well, not only ours.”

  “Liam is next, right?”

  “And then Ethan’s family, and then you and Marcus. Aaron will bring up the rear.”

  “As always, the baby, the one that’s forgotten.”

  “Really?” Madison asked from the side, laughing. “You have inserted yourself in every conversation since I got here. I’m pretty sure nothing is forgotten with you,” she said.

  Bristol slapped her hands together. “Madison. You’re here. And you’re my new favorite person. We must put Aaron down. That is the one rule of being part of our cult—I mean, our clan.”

  “Told you it’s a cult,” Marcus said from the other side of the room, a little plate put together. He had another dish in his hand and held it up towards her. “Hungry?” he asked.

  She smiled and went over to him, taking her plate.

  “Thank you.”

  “Always.”

  “You know, I realized that you guys have always done this, but it’s kind of weird seeing it with that ring on your finger.”

  She looked over at Ethan. “What do you mean?” she asked, suddenly self-conscious. She played with her engagement ring with her thumb, twisting it around her finger.

  “I’m not saying anything bad,” Ethan said quickly, both of his lovers glaring at him. “I’m not.”

  “I think what he meant was that we are new to the idea of you and Marcus truly together and out in the open. One day, I’m sure you’ll tell us the story of how it all happened, but since you have given us the decency of not diving into every single personal aspect of our relationship, I’ll refrain from doing so now with yours.” Lincoln smiled as he said it, sounding ever the gentleman, and Bristol sank into Marcus’s side, a little relieved.

  “I didn’t say I would hold back,” Aaron added, and let out an oof when Madison elbowed him in the gut.

  “Stop it,” she whispered.

  “You don’t even know me, and now you’re injuring me? Lincoln, take your cousin.”

  “Madison, I permit you to do whatever you need to Aaron. Beat him up. He probably deserves it.”

  Madison smiled at her cousin. “Thank you. You know I do feel like I’m part of the family now.”

  “Yeah, me, too,” Aaron grumbled, and Bristol laughed, watching the others as they joked around.

  Liam and Arden came from the back room, looking a little tousled, and everyone did their best not to start laughing.

  “Sorry, we were just taking Jasper out.”

  The white Siberian Husky took that moment to walk up to all of them, needing pets. He didn’t beg for food, he was a very well-behaved dog, but she knew that at least Aaron was going to feed him some scraps.

  Bristol wouldn’t, mostly because she knew that the others would, and they didn’t want to overwhelm him. But she loved that dog. And if she were home enough, she’d get one of her own. But it wasn’t fair.

  Maybe she would get one now that Marcus would be home. And then she frowned, guilt and tension turning in her gut. What would happen when she went on tour? Would he go with her? No, he couldn’t. He had a full-time job, one he loved. But how would they do apart?

  And what would happen once they were married and had children? Would she stay home? Would he? She didn’t know the answer, and they were going to have to talk it out. But they were still in the beginning phases, and it didn’t matter what label they put on themselves, she didn’t know if they were ready.

  Marcus squeezed her shoulder and looked down at her.

  “What’s wrong?”

  She did her best to clear her face and shook her head. “Nothing. Overthinking.”

  “You know you’re not supposed to do that.”

  “I know. I can’t help it. Now, I’m going to eat some bruschetta, and then I’m going to pick on my baby brother. Because I can.”

  “I have a feeling Madison’s doing that for you.”

  “I knew she was my favorite,” she said quickly, pushing all thoughts of what could potentially be a disaster from her mind. Because she was so afraid of what might happen when they looked beneath the surface of this new part of themselves and realized that it didn’t work.

  What if it didn’t? And what if, with a single kiss, and a single promise, they had ruined everything they’d had forever?

  Chapter 12

  Now Marcus understood precisely what Bristol had been feeling a week prior when she had once again introduced him to the family.

  Not quite an introduction since he literally had a stocking at their house for Christmas. But it had been the first time he had gone with Bristol as her fiancé. Though he hadn’t had to deal with the interrogations, he still felt as if the questions might have come at any moment if he hadn’t been aware. In fact, everybody had been extraordinarily cautious about how they treated his relationship with Bristol.

  The whole event made him feel like the Montgomerys might have an inkling that things weren’t quite standard when it came to them.

  He had somehow survived that whole ordeal unscathed because he had a feeling everybody was waiting to see what would happen between the two of them.

  Maybe they were walking on eggshells as he and Bristol were.

  Tonight, however, wasn’t about them. No, it was about his family.

  He had no idea how bringing Bristol to dinner was going to work out, but he had to go into it with high hopes.

  Not that he was too worried about the idea that his family would treat her poorly. They never had in the past. His parents loved her like she was already their daughter. Bristol had always gotten along with his sisters as if she had been part of their family from the beginning.

  His siblings had bugged him relentlessly about his connection to Bristol over the years. They’d always wanted to know how the relationship had evolved over time, though Marcus couldn’t explain it him
self. His sisters had never been cruel or rude towards Bristol. Just like the Montgomerys had never been so towards him. Aaron might have been an ass a little bit a couple of weeks before while they were figuring out exactly how the relationship had started, but Marcus didn’t blame him. Oh, he was still going to keep the details to himself, but he didn’t blame Aaron for wanting to know. Marcus himself had grilled his sisters’ husbands. Mostly for show because he liked the guys. He hoped this would be the same thing. The other Montgomerys had shielded him from that, and he was grateful.

  Tonight, however, was all about the Stearn family.

  “I’m going to throw up.”

  Marcus looked over at Bristol as she fisted her hands on her knees in the passenger seat of his car. She had on gray slacks and a sweater cape thing that made him think of a flying squirrel. He had told her that once before, and she had glared at him and stalked out of the room. That had been a year ago, and she still wore the damn thing, so she must like it. He loved the way it looked on her, but he always thought about the squirrel.

  “Why are you going to throw up?”

  “First, I know that look. You’re thinking about the squirrel and my shirt. And that’s just rude. I look amazing in this top. It gives me an hourglass figure even while it’s a cape. Like it makes no sense, and yet I love it. And your sisters love this shirt. So, I figured I would wear it for good luck. Don’t talk about the squirrel.”

  He snorted, shaking his head. “How the hell could you know what I was thinking about without even truly looking at me?” he asked, and she shrugged.

  “You’re my best friend. I know things like that. Plus, you get that little smirk when you’re trying not to laugh at something you know annoys me. And since the only thing in this car that I know of that annoys you is my shirt, fuck you very much.”

  “So, if I was thinking about something else that makes me laugh, you’d try to hit me?”