Total pages in book: 188
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
“Mom, let them breathe,” Matt called from the doorway, where the rest of the clan had gathered, jostling each other and grinning. “You’re going to suffocate them before they even get inside.”
“Let them in already.” Danny laughed behind Matt. “Maggie wants to meet everyone.”
“And you don’t?” his wife called from the doorway.
Shaking her head, his mom gestured toward the porch. “Let’s go inside. Don’t let Danny fool you. The whole clan has been dying to meet you.”
Seth sucked in a bracing breath and took Heavenly’s hand. Beck and Hudson fell in behind them as his mom led them inside.
He prayed this ruse went off without a hitch…or they were fucked.
They pressed in through the gauntlet of Coopers hovering around the doorway—hugs, kisses on the cheeks, backslaps, and good-natured ribbing before he’d even stepped in the foyer.
Inside, the house smelled like his childhood—his mom’s signature vanilla candles mixed with whatever she was cooking. He led Heavenly from the entryway into the large family room, Beck and Hudson trailing.
Within moments, they were surrounded by the controlled chaos of the Cooper family. Heavenly was already holding Anna and nodding at Maggie before they’d even been introduced. Everyone else stared at Hudson, whispering about the strength of the Cooper genes. Since he and his brothers all looked a lot alike? Yeah.
His son sent him a WTF side-eye, like he was completely overwhelmed. Same with Beck, who looked on with an expression that asked is this normal?
Seth tried not to laugh as Matt and Danny returned moments later with their luggage, setting the bags by the door.
He began introductions next. “Everyone, meet Heavenly, Hudson, and Beck.” He gestured first to his mother’s fiancé. “This is Carl.”
The strapping fifty-something man with the well-trimmed beard stepped forward with a firm handshake and a welcoming smile. “Nice to meet you all.”
“Congratulations on your upcoming wedding,” Heavenly murmured.
Carl wrapped his arm around Grace’s waist and winked. “I’m the lucky one. Naturally, I had to marry her before she came to her senses.”
Everyone laughed as Seth turned to his brothers. “This is Matt. And Danny.” After they offered handshakes and hugs with typical Cooper warmth, he slid a hand to his sister-in-law’s shoulder. “Danny’s wife, Maggie. And Heavenly, you already met their adorable daughter, Anna.” He tickled the baby girl’s chin, earning a gurgle. “And the twins, but you already know those knuckleheads.”
“I do,” Beck drawled. “Troublemakers through and through.”
“Aww, you’re just being nice,” Jack returned to more laughter as they shared fist bumps and bro hugs.
“Or honest,” Heavenly quipped, pretending to roll her eyes before she hugged them both fondly.
“How’s Zach?” Connor asked. “Haven’t talked to him in a while.”
“He’s doing well,” Beck replied. “Still adjusting to his new life, but he’s finding his footing.”
“Good to hear. Tell him we’re going to come visit him again for spring break.” Connor winked.
“You mean threaten,” Jack returned. “We put him through the wringer last summer. But he learned a thing or two.”
Beck snorted. “Yeah, about keggers and hookups, whether he was ready or not.”
“Valuable life skills, my friend,” Jack protested.
Everyone laughed, then Seth turned to Hudson. “This is the terrible twosome, Jack and Connor.”
“The college boys, right?” Hudson said with obvious excitement.
“That’s us.” Connor grinned. “If you want, we’ll show you around campus while you’re here.”
Hudson perked up. “Yeah? That would be cool!”
Seth winced and made a mental note to have a serious conversation with the twins about appropriate influences on his sixteen-year-old son. “And that’s everyone… Or is Gene coming?”
His mom shook her head. “He couldn’t make it tonight. Work called. You know how it is.”
“Oh, I do.” Seth turned to Beck and Heavenly. “I’ve told you about Gene, my dad’s former partner. Friend of the family.”
Beck nodded. “I remember.”
Heavenly’s eyes softened. She knew Gene had saved his life at sixteen. “I’m looking forward to meeting him.”
“You will.” Seth turned to see Maggie shaking hands with Hudson, remarking on how tall he was for his age.
When Anna started fussing, his sister-in-law plucked the girl from Heavenly’s arms. “I’ll take her. She’s hungry. Be right back.”
“She’s adorable,” Heavenly called to Maggie as she headed for the kitchen.
She grinned over her shoulder. “Thanks. Danny and I think so, too.”
With the introductions concluded, the family room buzzed with energy as everyone settled in their seats, voices overlapping in the familiar symphony of Cooper family dynamics. His mom exclaimed at least twice more how much Hudson resembled Seth.
Hudson handled all the attention with surprising poise. His mom had claimed the spot on the couch beside the boy, frequently ruffling his hair. On Hudson’s other side, Heavenly fielded questions with her natural sweetness, and Seth could see his mother was already impressed.
Beck sat across the room, deep in conversation with Danny and Carl, playing his role of platonic friend to perfection.
Relief wedged between Seth’s ribs as he watched Beck fit in. His easy confidence, sharp intelligence, and genuine warmth would win over everyone in time.