Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(164)

“Why do they need us?”

“I don’t know.” Jared shrugs.

Jared, Nathan and I are the last to show up at Maggie’s and Henry’s cottage around nine forty-five. Everyone is sitting around the room either on a bench, chair or the floor surrounding a blanket that has some food and beverages on it. I’m relieved when I see everyone else dressed more relaxed or in their pajamas too.

“Yay, you made it!” Maggie beams.

“Hey, what’s going on?” I question, hugging her.

“Henry and I wanted to toast to all of you,” she explains, handing me a wine flute.

“Joe and I should be the ones toasting,” I politely object.

“Not tonight,” she declares.

Henry waits for Maggie to get settled on his lap. “Maggie and I would like to thank all of you for your love and support. It means a lot to us and it has helped greatly with the short time frame we’ve imposed on everyone to help make the wedding happen so quickly,” Henry starts.

“Joe. Emma,” he pauses for a few seconds. “Maggie and I are beyond appreciative for this weekend you gave us here in Sedona. It’s been a gloriously relaxing and fun celebration which is exactly what we needed. Thank you.”

My heart melts a little at his gratitude and sincerity. I’m actually starting to like Henry. Not that he’s a bad guy or I didn’t like him before, it’s just that I’m actually starting to see him as an extension of Maggie, another member of our family.

Everyone raises their glasses, expecting Henry to signal the end of his toast, but he continues. “I toast to all of you who are not just friends, but who are our family.”

“To our family,” Maggie excitedly repeats.

“Family,” we all cheer before taking a sip of our wine.

All fourteen of us and Sadie hang out, eat and drink as we swap stories. Henry explains how he met Lee and Richard during college, and like Joe, they became like brothers. There are a lot of similarities between the four men. They are all good looking, confident, but not cocky, successful and easy to get along with guys. I learn that Lee is a lawyer and Richard works on Wall Street.

At some point, Jimmy and Allen convince everyone to play some kind of question game. The questions are rather funny as well as some of the answers until they become a little more bold and daring.

“Who’s most likely to get hitched next?” Allen inquires.

“Jared and Nathan,” I shout before anyone else comments.

Jared and Nathan both blush at the prediction. Score one for Emma on the roasting.

“Okay. Okay,” Jimmy starts. “Who after them?”

“Emma!” Maggie cheers.

My eyes narrow at her statement. “Not happening.”

“You can’t denounce Nǎinai’s blessing,” she retorts.

“What’s Nǎinai’s blessing?” Jimmy searches.

“Every New Year’s Nǎinai blesses the family and each family member . . .” Maggie grins.

“What did she bless?” Allen inquires, seeking clarification.

“Long story short, Nǎinai blessed Emma with a husband and children,” Amy explains, excited to share.

“Nǎinai’s never wrong,” Kim validates.

“Just because she was accurate with you two,” I point to Maggie and Jared. “Doesn’t mean that the same will happen with me. I’m not in a relationship, therefore, there’s no chance of me being the next one after you two to get hitched.”


“Yes, it will,” Jared interjects. “Deny or fight it all you want . . . but you will.”

“Nope! If anything, Jimmy and Allen are next in line,” I contest. “Remember, you’re still on thin ice.” My eyes fall upon Joe, catching him with a smirk.

“Maybe it’s Javier,” Maggie says with a wink.

I roar with laughter. “Maybe.”

“Who?” Jimmy searches.

“Emma’s hot hook up from last night,” Amy explains.

“He was hot,” Maggie adds.

“Details, Emma,” Allen yells.

I see curiosity building in the faces of all of the men, including Eric, Peter, Lee and Richard.

“Nope,” I object.

“Why not?” Jimmy pleas.

“Those two can tell you why,” I voice, pointing at Nathan and Jared.

Everyone looks at Jared and Nathan. Silence falls upon the room.

“Just give us a little,” Jimmy begs.

“He’s hot,” I share.

“That’s obvious,” Allen argues.

“Definitely hot,” Jimmy adds.

I snicker at Jimmy’s comment. If he and the rest of them only knew.

“Let’s just say . . .” I pause for effect. “I’d repeat last night with him again. Anytime. Anywhere.”

“So, who’s next to get into a relationship?” Amy continues with the next question a few seconds later after letting my statement sink in as if she was having visions of a night with Javier herself.

“Joe,” Jimmy answers rather quickly.

All eyes bounce between Jimmy and Joe.

“Why do you say Joe?” Nathan investigates.

“I’ve heard him on the phone at night with a girl . . .” Jimmy teases. “It’s been going on for like a month now.”