After the Storm (KGI #8)(17)

Marlene let out a harrumph, but she smiled. “Well, at least you’re finally giving some thought to the future and settling down. This is the first time you’ve actually acknowledged that there will be a someday.”

Joe groaned and the others burst out laughing as a round of ribbing immediately ensued.

“We have some news too,” Sophie said in a soft voice.

Everyone looked their way, taking in Sophie’s soft glow and the joy in her eyes. Marlene caught her breath and put a hand to her mouth in anticipation.

Sam smiled lovingly at his wife and put his arm around her, squeezing her shoulders. There was no mistaking the joy in his brothers’ own eyes as he offered encouragement to Sophie.

“We’re going to have another baby,” Sophie announced. “In seven months.”

The room erupted in exclamations and congratulations, and a round of mad hugging ensued. Charlotte clapped her hands together and bounced excitedly in her seat.

“I’m going to have a sister!” she proclaimed.

“Or a brother,” Sam corrected, amusement glistening in his eyes.

Charlotte shook her head emphatically. “We already have boys. Aunt Rachel has two! I want a sister.”

Sophie laughed and hugged her daughter to her. “No matter what we have, you’ll love him or her. I promise.”

Charlotte didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t argue the point.

“Um, guys, there’s something Garrett and I want to share with y’all too,” Sarah said quietly from her place at the table.

All eyes went in her direction and she blushed madly, nearly diving behind Garrett’s broad shoulders. Garrett smiled indulgently and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her into the crook of his shoulder.

“We don’t want to steal anyone’s thunder,” Sarah continued hesitantly. “But in light of everything else, it seemed the perfect time.”

“Of course!” Marlene exclaimed.

There was an instant round of encouragement from the rest of the table. The knot in Donovan’s stomach increased as he took in the wealth of happiness present at the table. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out his other brother’s news, and it just solidified the longing in Donovan’s soul to have what his brothers had.

“We’re going to have a baby too,” Sarah said shyly. “Close to when Sophie and Sam have theirs. I went to the doctor Friday and he thinks I’m about six weeks along, so maybe right after Sophie has hers.”

“Oh, this is wonderful!” Marlene exclaimed, tears shining in her eyes.

She wiped at them as she rose and hurried around to enfold Sarah into her arms.

“Oh, my dear. You’ve made an old woman so very happy today. You all have. I can’t believe I’m going to be blessed with two more grandchildren!”

Another round of congratulations went up and more mad hugging ensued. Rusty glanced at Donovan, unease present in her eyes. He knew exactly what she was thinking. That she shouldn’t say anything to ruin the moment. But he shook his head and looked pointedly at her. His father needed to know. His family needed to know. Then they could brainstorm the situation after they knew everything there was to know. And Donovan could make it clear where he stood. That he planned to do whatever necessary to help Eve and her siblings.

The Kelly family as a united front was a daunting, overwhelming force of nature. One that Eve had no hope of resisting. They’d cover her up with so much love and understanding and support that she’d never have to worry about going hungry again. And in time, she’d know without a doubt that whatever it was she feared, that she didn’t have to fear it any longer. The Kellys—Donovan—would protect her. No matter what.

“This is better than Christmas,” Joe said with a grin. “Don’t think I’ve seen the family together and this happy since the first Christmas Rachel was back home with us.”

There were many responses to his proclamation. Ethan’s gaze, though happy, was momentarily shadowed by the re-minder of all he’d lost—and miraculously regained. Just a brief shadow, one that had been finally erased with time—and the knowledge that Rachel was back and that he wouldn’t lose her again.

“This family has been through a lot,” Frank said gravely. “But we’re Kellys, and above all Kellys prevail. We overcome. Nothing will ever get us down as long as we remain a strong, family unit.”

“Hooyah,” Ethan murmured, which immediately precipitated groans and good-natured ribbing from his non-Navy brothers.

“I hate to be the damper on so much good news,” Rusty began hesitantly.

The moment she spoke, every head turned her way. Marlene immediately glanced between Donovan and Rusty as if remembering that they’d arrived late, together. And that Donovan had told her they’d let her know what was going on later.

Donovan reached over to squeeze Rusty’s hand under the table. Just a reminder that he was here and that he had her back.

She glanced gratefully at him but continued on. She didn’t put it off on him. Didn’t say that she and Donovan had something to say. She put it out there herself. Took full responsibility. Donovan respected her for that. He was damn proud of her.

“I hired someone part time at the hardware store.”

There were raised eyebrows all around, and Frank immediately looked confused. But Donovan had to give his brothers credit. They didn’t immediately launch into a thousand questions, nor did they interrogate Rusty or ask her what the hell she’d been thinking.