Willow was only two weeks old, and yet the entire family felt the need to descend upon Portland to meet her. Uncle William and Aunt Monica had arrived with Megan’s parents two days ago, and then her cousins James and Ryder had flown in yesterday with their wives and kids. Summer and Ethan had offered to host the get-together, but Zach had insisted it was easier for him to do it so Willow could sleep in her own space and Gabriella wouldn’t have to stress about packing her up.
If there was one thing Megan was coming to realize about her cousin, it was that Zach liked being in control, and if that meant hosting a big family barbecue only two weeks after the birth of his first child, then so be it.
“Megan!”
Looking up, she smiled. “Hi, Uncle William! How are you?”
He was a little grayer than the last time she’d seen him, but his eyes always twinkled with mischief, and when he smiled, it was impossible not to smile with him.
“Splendid. Just splendid,” he said as he sat in the seat beside her on the massive deck. “This is one of my favorite ways to pass the time—celebrating another addition to the family.”
“It’s a wonderful thing.”
“That it is,” he agreed. “So, tell me how you’re liking working in Portland. I’m hearing great things about you.”
“Really?” she asked excitedly.
“Would I lie to you?”
Blushing at the praise, she began to tell him about all the things she’d done for Zach’s office since her arrival. One of the things she loved most about her uncle was how he had a working knowledge of every aspect of the business; there wasn’t a department he wasn’t familiar with, and he was also on top of computer trends and technology. He was one of the few members of her family she could talk to without worrying about whether she was boring him.
All around them people were talking about babies and families, and Megan was happily chatting about her job. It hit her about ten minutes into their conversation. Was this normal? Shouldn’t she be talking about Zach and Gabriella and Willow too? Deciding that she should, she instantly switched gears.
“It’s so nice how everyone was able to come in for this,” she said conversationally. “I know it means the world to Zach that the whole family wanted to celebrate with him.”
Her uncle studied her for a moment, and she could tell he was a little surprised by her immediate change of subject. But he went along with it anyway.
“I was a bit disappointed that my boys and their families couldn’t make it, but they promised they’d come for Willow’s christening,” he said with a smile. “It will be wonderful to have the entire family in one place. I believe the last time that happened was Zach and Gabriella’s wedding.” He seemed to beam with pride at the thought of it. “I have to say, they were my most challenging match to make, but I had faith that it would all work out.”
Megan laughed softly. Uncle William’s matchmaking skills and antics were well known in the family, and she had to wonder if he had any plans to start looking for potential spouses for her and her brothers. Christian and Carter weren’t here today, but maybe she should feel her uncle out so she could give them both a heads-up.
“You do have a gift,” she said with a sweet smile. “How many matches does that make for you? Five? Six?”
William nodded and seemed to relax a bit. “Well, there were my boys—Lucas, Jason, and Mac. Then there were your cousins—Ryder, James, Summer, and Zach. Although, if you ask Ryder and James, they’ll swear I had nothing to do with it. Summer and Zach were a little more appreciative.”
She couldn’t help but laugh at the imagery. “So what’s next? Planning any matches for the grandchildren yet?”
Her uncle gave her a curious look that transformed into a bit of a secretive smile. “Well now, they’re all a little young for that, but you never know. My oldest granddaughter, Lily, claims there’s a boy in her class she has a crush on. I may have to check him out for myself and see if there’s any potential there.”
While she knew he was kidding, she could still imagine him doing it and thought it was incredibly sweet.
Her uncle sighed. “I don’t know. I feel like everyone’s on to me now. You seem very happy with your young man, and your brothers are…well…let’s just say I know when to wave the white flag.”
“Wait…you mean you’re not going to try to find anyone for Carter or Christian?”
William shook his head. “I’m pretty certain Carter’s avoiding me. I’ve been to all of his restaurants, and he’s never around. And Christian?” This time his sigh was infinitely wearier. “That boy must have had something serious happen because he’s very withdrawn and almost hostile when it comes to social situations. Even if I wanted to try to find the perfect woman for him, I have no idea where to begin.”
“Never stopped you before,” she murmured, reaching for her glass of wine.
“So how are things with you and Alex?” he asked. “You know, the first time I met him I felt like he was part of the family.”
Smiling, Megan turned to try to find Alex in the crowd and spotted him talking to her mother and Aunt Monica. She chuckled at the wide-eyed expression on his face and had to wonder what they were talking to him about to put that look there. William followed her gaze and started to laugh.
“I don’t know what has been going on between your aunt and your mother lately, but they’ve been as thick as thieves with one another. And it seems like they’ve cornered poor Alex. Do we need to go and save him?” he asked with a wink.
She considered it for a moment but figured Alex could handle himself for a little while longer. For now, she was enjoying her conversation with her uncle. “I’m sure he’s fine. He’s been around our family enough to know how we can be.”
William nodded. “True.” But he turned and looked at the three of them again. “Still…he looks awfully serious, and I don’t think my wife has stopped talking for a full three minutes,” he said with a small laugh. “I can’t imagine what they’re talking about.”
Megan was kind of wondering the same thing.
“Whatever it is, I’m sure if he needs rescuing, he’ll let someone know,” William said.
Maybe, she thought. “So…you were mentioning Christian being hostile with social situations. I haven’t noticed. What have you heard?”
“Oh, it’s not what I’ve heard, it’s what I know! I’ve been out to San Diego many, many times, and your brother simply refuses to engage in anything social—he’ll go if it’s a small family event—but anything for the company, he refuses.” He gave her a serious look. “Ryder started up that office and had a tradition of company events—holiday parties, softball games, retreats—and Christian wants no part of them. Luckily other executives have stepped up, but it doesn’t exactly present a good image for the head of the company not to want to be around his employees.”
“That does seem odd,” she commented. “I wonder why—”
“Megan?”
From across the deck, she heard Alex call her name. Turning around, she saw him waving her over and could barely suppress a grin. She looked at her uncle. “I guess he needs saving.”
He laughed as he stood and then held out a hand to her to help her to her feet. “That’s probably not a bad thing. I’m curious as heck to hear what’s been going on over there, so if it’s all right, I’ll walk over with you.”
“I’d love that.”
Together they walked over to join Alex, and she saw the immediate relief on his face when she was there. He kissed her on the cheek and tucked her in close at his side.
“So what are we talking about, ladies?” William asked as he sat beside his wife and kissed her on the cheek too.
“Oh, we were asking Alex about his job and his family,” Monica said with a big smile. “I always worry this group will overwhelm people, but Alex seems at ease with all of us, and I was curious if he was fro
m a large family as well.”
William looked up at Alex. “And are you?”
Alex shook his head. “I have one sibling, and my parents each only have one sibling, so really…comparably…we’re a much smaller group.”
“And he’s close with them,” Megan’s mother said, sounding pleased.
Megan almost groaned. Her mother’s interest in Alex she could understand. After all, it had been a long time since Megan had been involved with anyone and even longer since she’d brought anyone around her family. Unfortunately, that made Alex someone to be observed like an animal at the zoo or something.
“Is your family close by?” Aunt Monica asked. “Are they here in Portland? Is this where you’re originally from?”
“I was born and raised here in Portland,” Alex responded, “and my family—my parents—currently live about twenty minutes away in Burlington.”
“How nice to have them so close by.”
“Mom…” Megan said, and even though she was smiling, she put a hint of warning in her voice.
“What?” her mother asked innocently. “I think it’s nice to have family close by. Not that I would know what it’s like, but I can imagine it would be wonderful—especially for Alex’s parents.”
She groaned and began to wonder how she could have felt so happy and carefree just moments ago.
Alex’s arm around her waist tightened slightly as if he was silently telling her he understood how she was feeling. “My folks travel a lot now,” he said to the group of them. “And honestly, we only see each other about once a month and sometimes not even that.”
Aunt Monica spoke before Megan’s mother could. “All of our boys still live close to home. They’re married now and have children, but it’s so nice to have them nearby. Plus, they all work with William, so we see them all the time.”
Megan’s mother sighed. “Whereas my children scattered all over the country, and I have no grandchildren of my own.” Then she looked directly at Alex and Megan and added, “Yet.”
“Mom!”
Aunt Monica patted her mother’s knee. “Now, now, Eliza…don’t start pressuring the two of them. When the time is right, it will happen.” Then she smiled up at Megan and Alex. “And the two of you look so happy together. It’s been a pleasure watching you all this time.”
“Um…thank you,” Megan murmured, unsure what her response should be.
“I remember seeing the two of you dancing at Zach and Gabriella’s wedding,” she went on, “and I saw the sparks back then.” She paused and smiled at Eliza. “And I know that, personally, I was thrilled when I heard you had finally moved here and started dating Alex. The two of you make such an attractive couple—just like I knew you would.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Megan saw Summer watching her with amusement. “Um…if you’ll excuse us, it looks like Summer needs us. We’ll talk to you later!” And with that, Megan took Alex’s hand and led him away. When they approached her cousin, Megan sagged with relief.
“Were you two getting the third degree?” Summer asked.
“Not so much me as Alex.”
He nodded. “I don’t know what kind of fascination your family has with me, but it’s been going on almost since the wedding.”
Both Megan and Summer stared at him in stunned silence.
“Um…I mean…they’re just overly curious about me, and they ask a lot of questions and—”
“Wait, what do you mean they’ve been fascinated with you since the wedding? When have you seen them?” Megan asked.
Before he could answer, Summer did. “I knew Aunt Monica and your mom talked to Alex when they were here after Amber was born, but I just thought they had some physical therapy stuff they wanted to talk to you about.”
He nodded again. “That’s how it seemed at first, but their interest quickly turned toward more interest in me—personally.”
“And what about before that? Amber’s only a few months old, and Zach and Gabriella have been married for two years,” Megan commented. “When else have you had conversations with them?”
“Yeah, Alex,” Summer said, crossing her arms and studying him. “When?”
“I, um…I don’t…” He looked nervously toward Megan’s aunts and uncle, and Megan saw them looking back in return.
“Oh, for the love of all,” she murmured. “Is this my uncle doing his matchmaking thing again?”
“I haven’t talked to your uncle,” Alex said. “This was primarily your mother and your Aunt Monica.”
“Well, that’s odd,” Summer said. “Maybe they’re just curious about you.”
“Maybe. But—”
“But what?” Megan asked.
“Everyone!” Zach called out. “Lunch is served!”
And Megan knew she was going to have to wait for her answer.
* * *
“Not so fast,” William said when his wife went to join the group to get some food. He held her hand before leading her to the far end of the deck where he knew no one would overhear them.
Monica looked nervously over her shoulder as Eliza walked away. She turned to her husband. “Honestly, William, I’m starving. And those steaks and burgers have had my mouth watering for the past thirty minutes.”
“And you’ll get to eat as soon as you tell me what’s going on,” he said with amusement.
She looked at him with all wide-eyed innocence. “I don’t know what you mean.”
But he knew his wife well. He knew when she thought she was being clever. “You were grilling poor Alex a few minutes ago and then talking babies in front of poor Megan. She looked like a deer caught in the headlights.”
She waved him off. “Oh, don’t be dramatic, William. You know how much Eliza wants to see her kids settled like ours. And it’s only natural to start making comments like that when you see a couple who is so perfect for each other.”
He quirked a brow at her. “Really? And you know they’re perfect for each other after only being around them this one time?”
She looked away briefly. “Well…like I said, I saw them at the wedding together and thought how good they looked together and—”
“Looks can be deceiving,” he commented. “For all you know, the two of them have absolutely nothing in common.”
Monica looked up at him, and he swore he saw a hint of triumph in her eyes. “That’s where you’re wrong—both of them have strong work ethics and are close to their families. They’re both fans of the same music and have similar tastes in food. And Megan—even though she’s never been one for the outdoors—has said how much she wished she got out more. Alex has been taking her on little adventures every weekend since she arrived here.”
He nodded approvingly. “And you learned all of this in the past few minutes?” It was almost too easy to get her to confess all, he thought.
“Of course not,” she said distractedly, watching everyone getting food. “Eliza and I have been watching them ever since the wedding.” Then she realized what she had said, and her hands flew to her mouth.
William leaned in and bent over until they were almost nose to nose. “Are you trying to take my place as the matchmaker in the family, Monica? You couldn’t possibly know this would be a good connection for Megan,” he said with amusement.
She gave him a smug smile. “That’s where you’re wrong. Eliza and I were very careful collecting our data. Seeing as how Megan is her daughter, it didn’t take much for her to know her interests and what she was looking for. A couple of carefully worded inquiries in some conversations, and she had a good idea of the kind of man Megan was looking for.”
“And what about Alex? How could you have possibly found information on him? The only time I remember you coming to Portland after the wedding was when Summer had the baby.”
Another smug smile. “That was easy. Zach is our godchild
, William, and I took a lot of interest in his recovery. Alex was on my radar long before I saw him dance with Megan. So I already had some insight into who he was. Every once in a while I would get an update from Janice on how Zach was doing, and let’s just say that maybe—occasionally—I’d call Alex and talk to him about it. Nothing behind Zach’s back.”
He had to hand it to his wife—she was crafty. Clearly she’d been paying attention to how he did things these past several years.
“Admit it, William. You’re impressed.”
Why deny it? Leaning in, he kissed her softly on the cheek. “That I am, my dear. That I am.”
“Who knows? Now that I’ve got this feather in my cap, I may see who I can fix up next!”
Wait…was she seriously thinking she could start matchmaking to the rest of the family? Not that there were many left, but…still.
He patted her on the shoulder. “You did a good thing, but…I’m still curious how you were going to handle this if Megan’s job hadn’t ended in New York. Opposite coasts is enough of a deterrent to keep people from being together.”
“That was a little trickier.”
“Monica,” he said in hushed tones, “you didn’t get that girl fired, did you?”
“Of course not!” she cried. “Honestly, William, that would be wrong on every level. I refuse to play God like that.”
“Then how—”
“Megan knew her contract was almost up and had been worrying about where she was going to work next. Eliza dropped a couple of hints with Joseph, who talked to Robert, who—”
“Talked to me,” William finished for her. Son of a gun. “So, really, I helped in this match.”
She gave him a stern look. “You can’t let me have this, can you?”
He shook his head, pleased. “I worked very hard to convince Zach to hire Megan.”
“You did not,” Monica argued. “Zach needed an IT person, and he has no issues working with family, considering his own sister works with him in his office along with his wife and all of his cousins throughout the corporation. So don’t even go there.”
With a hearty laugh, he hugged her close and kissed her soundly. “Fine. This one’s all on you.”
Until There Was Us Page 22
