“We have a wonderful machine in here, called the air conditioner.” Cece jumped at Avery’s voice. “Got the jitters?”
“Obviously,” she retorted with a snap. She regretted it right away. “I’m sorry.”
He chuckled and hugged her. The manly scent of his soap and cologne calmed her jitters. When he stepped back, she looked him over. Black pants, white button-up shirt and a black vest. She wanted to climb in that vest with him and beg him to take her back to the bunk. Unfortunately, she knew, he might just very well do it, so she didn’t dare suggest.
“We aren’t heading out to face a firing squad,” Avery teased and she loved that he knew when to tease, when not to and when she just needed a hug. She loved Avery. Loved? Loved! How was it possible to even make that statement so soon?
Avery kissed the top of her head then leaned his chin against her and held her. She didn’t move. She wasn’t ready. Riley was her only family and she needed his support on this. It took everything she had to try and stay clear from Avery, but it wasn’t possible. They were meant to be together, soul mates. Everyone else in the world was going to be against them...she couldn’t have Riley in that category. She needed him.
“They’re going to think we were having a quickie,” he finally said after she wasn’t letting go.
Cece pulled away, mortified at the idea as the time was ticking by. She swatted his chest. “You McAdams are so horny, with your heads always in the gutter.” She shook her head. “I swear.” Followed by a roll of her eyes. The distraction lifted her sprits. “You know I walked in on your sister and my brother about to have sex on his kitchen counter the morning before I met Abby?”
“No?” Avery laughed. “Not a great first impression for Abby, but details her personality to a tee. I walked in on them about to have sex on Abby’s kitchen table.”
Cece gasped again, then laughed and it loosened her tense shoulders. “I guess we’ve all seen each other in the middle of...doing it...” She grinned at Avery. “That’s so weird, but the way. Okay...I’m ready,” she said, with a shy smile. Shy smile? More like an unsure, nervous smile. Cece Boyd nervous...who would have thought?
Abby and Riley were waiting beside the bus with Rob and Jones. Abby’s tight, pressed lips and wide brown eyes looked like she was trying her hardest to hold in her approval. Cece wouldn’t be surprised if the toes bouncing a tune in her black sandals didn’t rush her over to congratulate them.
Riley’s sour face, crossed thick arms, and zeroed in stare at them was keeping everyone in check...sort of. Rob and Jones weren’t working as hard to hold back their grins and the light in their eyes, but they certainly didn’t speak.
Cece almost cracked a smile at the circle of approval being rained on by Riley’s disapproval.
“What’s going on here?” Riley demanded when they stopped in front of them.
“Riley!” Abby and Cece scolded at the same time.
Avery tensed against Cece’s side.
Jones’ and Rob’s eyes darted between the two men, their shoulders squaring in preparation of this conversation going rogue.
Riley ignored the women’s warning. “What are your intentions with my sister?” he asked Avery.
Ouch. How the roles had reversed. Only two months ago it had been Avery asking Riley this exact question. Cece hadn’t been present for the conversation, however Abby was a chatterbox of stories.
Abby and Cece scolded Riley again.
“Isn’t it obvious?” Abby asked, and that got her a glare from Riley. Yup, he was going to pull out the protective brother card.
Avery squeezed Cece’s hand reassuringly. She stole a look at him, while Abby and Riley continued arguing. He didn’t look worried like she felt, but she knew by the way he hadn’t relaxed, he was concerned. He winked at her. Cece loved his winks and that he was promising to stand up for them...against Riley. That made her sad. She looked back at the two arguing more about them then they were.
“Well you’re asking stupid questions,” Abby snapped.
“They’re plausible,” Riley argued.
Abby laughed. “Are you serious? You’re going to throw that whole conversation back in Avery’s face? What are you ten?”
Riley stared at her, not bowing down.
Abby folded her arms, meeting his stare with one of her own. “It was a stupid conversation then and it’s a stupid conversation now,” she told him.
“At least I had the balls to answer it,” Riley said.
“I’m right here,” Avery reminded the two bickering about him.
This was ridiculous.
“I love you Riley, but honestly you can’t blame Avery for questioning you when we first started dating. I mean, you kind of hid a lot from us and we were just learning who you were. He was being protective.”
“Oh was he?” Riley turned to Avery. “My sister is not a lion that needs to be tamed.”
The two men shared a look that Cece didn’t catch at all. She wasn’t even sure what that meant, but this conversation had gone on long enough.
“I think Abby should be taming you!” Cece snipped at her brother, maybe not the best direction to put an end to their argument.
“You’re right, Cece is not a lion that needs taming. Neither was Abby, although she has her moments.”
“Avery, I’m on your side,” Abby reminded him.
Avery continued. “You two caught me off guard with the whole love dating thing and honestly I didn’t think it was going to last. Abby wasn’t the dating type. From what I heard about you Riley, you weren’t even the talking type. So yeah, when you all were saying you were dating I didn’t really believe it. But I was wrong. Look at you two, you are in love and until I met Cece I didn’t know what that felt like. How it could change someone, the way it changed the both of you.”
Love, love, love, came to Cece’s mind. She was head-over-heels, ridiculously fallen in love with Avery McAdams.
“Cece is a strong, independent, confident woman, with the softness of a lamb and there is nothing about her I would change. I plan to stand by her side and make her laugh when she’s feeling sad. Take care of her when she’s sick. Enjoy life with her every single day.” Avery glanced down at her. “I plan to love you unconditionally, Cece Boyd, through every single road bump that hits our path. There is nothing too big that we won’t break through.”
Love her unconditionally. Love her unconditionally!
“I love you, Babe,” he whispered lower, for only her.
Cece didn’t have time to react. She wanted to tell him back, and wrap her arms around his neck and press her lips against his, but Abby couldn’t hold back any longer. She crossed the distance and hugged Avery before Cece could, catching him by surprise and nearly knocking him over.
“Oh my gosh, that’s so romantic,” Abby squealed. “That was beautiful.” She patted Avery’s back supportively and then moved onto Cece. To Cece’s surprise, she didn’t have to tell her body to relax and was happy to hug Abby back.
Abby stepped back beside Riley. “Wasn’t that beautiful?” she asked him, slapping his stomach.
“He writes lyrics as a passion. I say it was lacking passion.” Riley turned and stormed off toward the gate.
Cece could envision Avery singing those words in a top of the charts hit song. Especially the, I love you, babe, part...over and over. It would definitely hit the top of her charts.
Abby shook her head. “Don’t worry about him. He’s just being protective of his baby sister.” Abby squeezed between them and looped her arm around each of their arms.
Cece wanted a private moment with Avery. This would be their only chance today. As they started toward the gate, she saw that wasn’t going to happen.
“You know it’s a little weird two sisters and two brothers dating each other. We could have a double wedding.”
That was rushing it.
“For a woman who has never enjoyed all this love stuff, you’re awfully full of it now,” Avery teased.
“It’s fate twin. Haven’t you heard since Gran dragged me to her attic, I believe in fate.”
Fate. Cece liked the sound of that.
As they approached the gate Abby announced they had a surprise.
Cece’s eyes fell on a group of men and women whose lit eyes at Avery told her exactly who they were: the McAdams.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“MARC CHARTERED A plane at the last minute, at Abby’s persistence of course,” Kate said, sending the youngest sister a grin.
Abby shrugged and patted Avery’s shoulder, hard. The woman had more strength than she knew for the size of her. “What can I say...I just needed to see it for myself.” Abby beamed at Avery and she was not referring to Inch Away playing on the stage. Avery would have slid her a look, if everyone wasn’t watching.
He was glad when Kate continued. “And we were all here in less than an hour,” Kate teased, knowing the bus ride had been over a day. If Kate knew what Abby was having a difficult time keeping to herself, Kate’s attention wouldn’t be on the plane, but rather every detail of his bus ride.
Marc Caliendo, Kate’s husband, and his family also owned a chain of resorts and had enough money to charter a plane. Avery was on his way to affording such luxuries, like Rusty. Rusty. He was beginning to hate that name popping into his head. At one time, he’d been an inspiration, now he was the man who hurt the woman Avery loved.
Cece. Avery loved Cece. He couldn’t believe he’d said it so soon...and in front of Abby and Riley to boot! It probably wasn’t the best time or place, but he wanted to straighten out his intentions with Cece to Riley, who looked like he was ready to pulverize him−Drew-style. Avery had expected his honesty to...what?...well, win Riley’s support, he supposed. That hadn’t worked at all.
The two of them had taken off to go check the stage where Inch Away would be playing. An excuse to discuss Avery, no doubt. How could Avery blame him? With the reality of Rusty’s behavior toward Cece, Avery would be concerned if he was the brother too. It was only two months ago, which felt like a lifetime ago, that Avery hadn’t trusted Riley and had been throwing cautionary stares at the very man condemning him now.
Almost Avery’s whole family was sitting around tables in the kiddie land section with plates full of crispy fries covered in ketchup. Including his dad. Kent McAdams who stood with his son-in-law at the inflatable castle where Kate and Marc’s six year old daughter, Rosemary was bouncing and laughing. The same brown curls as her mother flew around her with each thrust into the air. Sydney’s teenage daughter, Haylee had snuck in with Rosemary and was spreading her sweet laughter throughout the castle as well.
Avery looked back at the table full of support that had flown to hear him play. Kate dipped a crispy french-fry into ketchup before taking a bite with her crimson-colored lips. She’d dressed herself down today, from her regular designer, body fitting suits to a flared, pink skirt under a knitted cream tank. Similar to what Sydney would wear.
Their middle sister, Sydney sat beside her husband, Jake Stow, who owned the Cliff House back in Willow Valley. Avery’s band had played many nights on the stage in his brother-in-law’s bar. Jake was big, muscular, and had an edge to him like the motorcycle he drove. At the same time, he was quiet and observant. He’d been madly in love with Sydney since high school and had always a soft spot for the McAdams siblings. He was family long before they were officially married. The muscles of his arm wrapped around Sydney’s shoulder, bulging against his tattoos like a wrought iron gate guarding a delicate flower bed. Sydney’s shy, sweet persona took all forms from her kind smile, hushed voice, unconditional love to her floral and lace dress.
Abby sat beside Avery, at a good distance to nudge his side with her elbow, and steal his food.
He slapped her hand away as it reached for another french-fry, then asked, “How’s Peyton?” His sisters had each kept him updated, but he would rather hear it from them.
“Ticked as ever at having to miss this,” Abby said.
“But being cautious,” Sydney added. “Colt’s been amazing with her, making sure she stays in bed and has everything she needs.” Avery’s head couldn’t stop thinking about the conversation he’d had with Abby about his sister and Colt and their bed. Don’t do there. Ugh. Nasty.
“He’s worried,” Kate said. “It was understandable. That’s why Elaine stayed back. Colt can handle a lot, but the safety of Peyton and the babies has him wired to the limit.”
“And they still have a month to go,” Abby said, before popping another one of his fries into her mouth and reaching for another. Avery slapped her hand again and the playful sister-brother banter began.
“Quit slapping my hand,” Abby said.
“Go buy yourself more fries. I need these for energy on stage,” Avery said, popping one into his mouth.
Abby rolled her eyes. “Oh please. Whatever.” Her hand dove in for another one and he slapped it. “Seriously? I only want a few.”
“Seriously, go get your own.”
Abby retracted her hand. “You asked it for,” she warned and then announced, “Avery’s tapping Cece.”
A round of shocked gasps went around the table and everyone abandoned their french-fries...including Avery...that’s when Abby scooped in and grabbed the whole cardboard container full.
Avery glared at her, but it wasn’t about the french-fries. Where was the twin code they shared?
Abby twisted away from him, triumphantly crossing her legs, pressing her back against his side and eating his fries. “Riley and I walked in on them about to get it on in his bunk on the tour bus,” she continued, like it wasn’t enough that she’d announced they were tapping, then to visualize it for everyone. His twin was so thoughtful. At least she left out the part about Riley’s being ready to throw a punch.
“This is one hundred percent my cue to leave,” Jake said, rising and kissing Sydney’s head at the same time.
“Where’s the support bro?” He sent Jake an accusing look as he walked passed.
Jake chuckled and slapped his shoulder. “Sorry Avery, you’re on your own with this one.”
“You’re feeding me to the sharks here.”
“I know. They terrify the shit out of me,” Jake chuckled, joining Kent and the girls at the bouncy castle. Sometimes these women scared the shit out of him too.
When Avery looked back at the table, a circle of grinning, curious, wide-eyed, thin-lipped McAdams sisters stared back at him. Yes, they were terrifying. This conversation was terrifying.
“Thanks Abby,” he muttered and he felt a rumble of laughter against his side.
“Should we just jump in here?” Kate asked. “I kind of feel lost without Peyton here jumping right down your throat, while giving the rest of us some time to acknowledge.” She was only half joking. If Peyton were here, Avery would have already been forced to dodge twenty questions, easily.
Sydney slapped Kate playfully. “Oh stop it. It’s good Peyton’s not here because she would make it all about the sex and with Avery we know it’s not about that.”
Sydney’s description of Cece and Avery was precisely accurate. It was so much more than sexual. The sexual part was amazing, but he certainly didn’t want to discuss it with these three.
“I bet it was about sex when they first tapped at Riley’s house party,” Abby added, unhelpful as always.
That night flashed in Avery’s head. Abby had no idea what that night had involved wild, hot, lustful lovemaking. It wouldn’t have been so extraordinary without the connection between Avery and Cece. It was an unexplainable connection that neither could resist. Maybe his sisters would understand after all the ups and down with each of their relationships and now were all happily in love...including Avery.
“I love her,” Avery said.
That silenced all his sisters. Even Abby pushed off his back and spun around and he’d already said it in front of her.
“I’m madly, over the hill, down the valley, through the snowstorms in love
with Cece Boyd.”
Silence.
This was an odd moment and he wished one of his brother-in-laws were here to witness it.
Abby was the first to break the silence, not coming as a surprise to any of the McAdams siblings. “You’re such a musician drama queen.” Her insult didn’t shock either.
“You talk to ghosts.” Avery was referring to Gran and the dreams Abby had a couple months ago which led Abby to Gran’s attic and a box of letters that had changed everyone’s lives. From the letters, they had learned Gran had a twin sister, De’laine Braxton, who lived in Oakston. That week, Abby, Avery, Riley and Izzy had gone on a road trip to Oakston meeting Cece. That was the week of the house party. Abby hadn’t been a believer of fate back then, but she sure had been afterwards.
Abby punched his arm, a little harder than playful but he could handle it. “I know you guys haven’t spent much time with the Braxton’s because they live in Oakston...but I have. And just for the record, they don’t all think I’m crazy because Gran communicated with me through dreams that led me to the attic.”
“Not when you’re present,” Avery teased.
Another punch. Same spot. “Ouch.” He rubbed his arm.
“They are all convinced their grandparents haunt the De’laine Theater. First it was their grandfather and now it’s De’laine too.”
“They probably just say that to make you feel less crazy,” Avery offered.
Abby rose her fist again and this time Avery surrendered, holding his hands in the air. “Alright you win.”
Abby smiled, pleased with herself.
“Does Cece know how you feel?” Sydney asked, pulling them back to the topic of his love life.
“Yes.”
“Does she feel the same way?” Sydney asked.
Avery had sprung his love on Cece quick and without time to talk. He hadn’t got an, I love you from her. He hadn’t been searching for the words. When she was ready, just like her past, she would tell him. He would wait their whole lives if that’s what it took. A phrase only summed up what he already knew, the way they connected on so many levels together, that was love. She loved him.
Lakeshore Lyrics: The McAdams Sisters (By The Lake Series Book 5) Page 19
