Hold Me Fast (McCullough Mountain Book 7)

  “He’s coming back tomorrow. The house is so quiet without him.” She laughed. “I never thought I’d say that, but with the new computer Hunter’s always doing something quietly and I’m stuck talking to the house plants. Hey, would you want to come over for some wine tonight? I could ask Sammy and the other girls to come too.”

  “Umm…” That sounded nice, but wine would be out of the question. “Sure. Are you inviting Maureen and the aunts?”

  “No, I was thinking just us sisters.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  Becca smiled. “Okay! Then I better get some grapes and cheese while I’m here.”

  When Ashlynn checked her out and provided ample wet naps to clean off the boys’ melon stained cheeks, she asked, “Do you want me to bring anything?”

  “Just yourself. Unless there’s something specific you’re in the mood for.”

  “Okay. I’ll see you around seven?”

  “Let’s do eight, so I can get Hunter in bed.”

  “I’ll see you then.”

  Apparently she was in the mood for Cajun pasta salad and salt and vinegar chips, which sounded delightful to her, but when she arrived at Becca’s she got some strange looks from the others. The only one who seemed unfazed was Sheilagh, but she, of course, knew where such cravings stemmed from.

  “This was a great idea,” Kate said as she refilled her glass of wine.

  Sheilagh frowned at her sister. “Hittin’ the sauce a little heavy tonight, aren’t you Kate?”

  “Please. Ant’s on homework duty, Skylar’s watching the others, Hanna’s making dinner, and I have my pregnant sister to drive me home safely. I feel like I just won the lottery. Cheers.”

  Ashlynn laughed when Sheilagh saluted the toast with her middle finger.

  The front door opened and Mallory came in carrying an expensive bottle of vodka and a bag of limes. “Let’s do this! I’m off the clock until Sammy takes me home.”

  Sammy came in behind her carrying a small dish. “I brought pie.”

  “Ooh, pie!” Ashlynn and Sheilagh said at once and Ashlynn blushed at how eager she was for the dessert. Key lime, pumpkin, coconut cream, it didn’t matter. She was about to maul her sister-in-law for a slice.

  “Can I get you a glass of wine, Sammy?”

  “No thanks. I’m driving Philly home tonight.”

  “You could have one. It’s early.”

  Sammy blushed and Kate said, “Oh. My. God. You’re pregnant!”

  What was with these people, did they have pregnant radars embedded in their skulls at birth? Sammy laughed, a blush stealing over her freckled cheeks and giving away her secret, and everyone cheered.

  “How far along?” Sheilagh yelled, hoisting herself up to hug her sister-in-law.

  “About eight weeks. I’m not supposed to tell anyone yet. Colin wanted to wait a little longer.”

  Ashlynn smiled as everyone’s voices pitched high with excitement as they fawned over Samantha. Their children would be about the same age. She wanted so badly to tell them, but Kelly still didn’t want the others to know yet.

  Sensing Sheilagh’s eyes on her, she turned. Her sister-in-law tipped her head as if saying ‘why not tell them’? Ashlynn brushed the potato chip dust off her fingers and stood.

  Everyone turned and she said, “I’m so happy for you and Colin, Sammy. It’s so nice Lula and Liam will have a new baby in the house. It’s also nice he or she’ll have a cousin the same age.” Her hand went to the front of her overalls and everyone screamed.

  “You’re pregnant too?” Kate gasped.

  Ashlynn turned and aimed a finger at her. “Do not tell your mother. This is just between us girls!”

  “Fine, but she’s going to find out sooner or later. She can sniff a pregnancy out from a mile away.”

  “She already figured it out, but I lied and told her Ash wasn’t pregnant,” Sheilagh said with an air of cleverness.

  “Oh my God,” Becca said, slowly shaking her head. “I have to tell you all something.” They turned and she held up her glass. “This is juice. I’m pregnant too.”

  “What?” They collectively gasped.

  She nodded, a look of nervous joy on her face. “We were only trying for a few months. I didn’t expect it to happen so fast. Braydon’s thrilled, of course. I’m a little nervous, but so far everything’s been good. I’m eleven weeks.”

  “This is nuts!” Sammy said, hugging Becca.

  As they all congratulated each other Kate laughed. “There is no way you’re hiding all this from Mum!”

  Mallory stepped back, hugging her martini. “Stay the hell away from me. I don’t want to catch whatever’s going around. My uterus is happily vacant for the moment and I plan to keep it that way for at least a year.”

  Ashlynn held her smile but wanted to frown. Something in Mallory’s eyes told her that wasn’t entirely true.

  “You don’t want to have babies with us?” Becca frowned.

  “Damn it, I do!” Kate slurred, tipping the last drop of wine from the bottle. “Maybe since I’m all liquored up I can take advantage of Ant tonight.”

  “Five is enough,” Sheilagh said. “You’re definitely drunk.”

  Kate plopped beside her sister and rested her head on her shoulder. “Mum had seven. I could have more.”

  “Drink your drink.” Sheilagh patted her head as Kate laid her ear on her protruding belly.

  The evening derailed into total baby talk. Mallory was adamant about being anti-pregnant at the moment, but by the end of the night she admitted how incredible it was that they were all going to have children at the same time—and that part of her wanted to be included in their joy. What she didn’t understand was why Mallory—someone who always had an easy time conceiving—made this seem so unlikely.

  Their children would all be in the same grade together. There would be so many close-knit bonds from such a phenomenon. Four pregnancies all at once.

  Maureen was going to be in her glory when she found out. Sheilagh, Colin, Kelly, Luke, and Braydon were all going to have a baby. This was one of those moments that Ashlynn adored being part of such a large, loving family. And with all this love the McCullough clan would just continue to grow larger and larger with every generation.

  Her hormones got the best of her and she started to sniffle. “I love you guys.”

  “What?” Sammy turned and tsked. “We love you too, Ash. Don’t cry.”

  “I’m sorry.” She wiped her eyes. “I’m just so surprised by all this and it’s such incredible news. I mean, first Sheilagh. How crazy is that, making a baby from Tristan’s sperm and her egg?”

  “I have to say, I found the act of conception a little underwhelming in the end,” Sheilagh joked. “After years of fantasizing about the man, I’m now carrying his baby and he never even made me come.” She shook her head and tsked. “Utterly disappointing.”

  They laughed. “I don’t think you’d like his orgasm tactics, Shei,” Kate joked and they laughed.

  “Then me and Kelly,” Ashlynn continued, knowing she wouldn’t stop crying until she said her piece. “We went through so much trying to have Nate. This one is a total shock and we’re still processing it.”

  Sammy smiled and squeezed her hand. “You’re blessed.”

  “We all are. Now you and Colin and Becca and Braydon—things like this don’t happen.”

  “Locusts,” Mallory commented, obviously punch drunk at this point. “You don’t see anything for years then bam, they’re everywhere. I’m telling you, I couldn’t even share a toilet seat with Finn for a while without getting pregnant.”

  Kate cleared her throat. “You were only pregnant twice, Mallory. I think you’re being a little dramatic.”

  “Twins, Kate! Twins!” She pointed with her martini, taking in the entire room. “Any of you housing doubles up in there? I didn’t think so. Until you do and you know what it is to have doctors pulling people out of you like they’re picking up a large order at a drive through
window, I don’t want to hear a single word. Twins.”

  “Jesus, woman, don’t anger it,” Sheilagh mumbled to her sister as she stole the bag of chips.

  After Mallory’s little outburst, things sort of quieted down. Sammy took the drunkards home because Sheilagh wanted to leave early on account of being tired. Ashlynn ended up calling Kelly and telling him that she’d be home in the morning. She felt bad leaving Becca all alone and really was enjoying their time together once everyone else left.

  Becca was sweet and quieter than the rest, which made her less overwhelming to Ashlynn. They stayed up until midnight discussing various fears and things they were anticipating. She told Becca the story about how Nate came to be since it happened before she was part of the family and Becca told Ashlynn all about her first marriage and the joys that trumped the fears regarding Hunter.

  There was so much she hadn’t considered when it came to being a parent to a child with autism. Becca was incredibly strong and Ashlynn found her to be an inspiration for all mothers.

  She supposed every parent had his or her own worries to shoulder to some extent. Ashlynn hadn’t realized autism ran in families, but they all loved Hunter so much, his differences didn’t seem like any reason to hesitate for more children. He was a great kid, and though he could be trying at times—what child wasn’t? Becca no longer let worry cloud her judgment. She was thrilled to be pregnant again and Ashlynn was thrilled for her.

  Ashlynn had worries too. Nate’s birth had been premature and terrifying. There really was no way to explain how it felt to have a baby and not be able to take him home from the hospital. It took a solid year for him to catch up on the percentile charts, but catching up by some statistical standard did nothing to curb their worry as parents. She wasn’t sure if that sort of parental worrying ever shut off.

  Holding her belly protectively, she sighed. “I’m really glad you married Braydon, Becca.”

  She smiled. “I’m really glad he asked. I never knew love like ours existed outside of romance novels.”

  “I’ve never read a romance novel.”

  Becca snorted. “That doesn’t surprise me.”

  “Have you?”

  “Not for many years. I don’t really have the time. But I love a good love story.”

  “Maureen gave me a book she said her church group’s been reading. Maybe I should read that.”

  Becca chuckled. “That woman. She makes you crazy, but you can’t help but love her.”

  “She’s incredible. I think their anniversary’s going to be amazing.”

  “I’m not doing that dance now.”

  Ashlynn faced her. “Really? Do you think we can all get out of it?”

  “I know Sammy told Colin he’s on his own.”

  She scoffed. “Then I’m not doing it either.” She laughed. “Mallory’s going to be pissed.”

  “Might be enough to make her rethink her whole stance on pregnancy.”

  Ashlynn laughed. “What if no one does it once all the women all drop out?”

  “No way, they’re doing it. Luke’s adamant they do this for their parents and Finn loves any excuse to act like a jackass.”

  “Well, after seeing how good Kelly looks in a kilt, I’d have to confess I’m sort of looking forward to it.”

  Becca chuckled. “They are some sexy Irishmen.”

  “You aren’t kidding.” Together they sighed, shutting their eyes, and imagining some of the finer qualities of the McCullough men.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Frank, not a small man, shuffled uncomfortably from foot to foot as he and Luke waited in the tailor’s dressing room.

  “You all right, Dad?”

  “I don’t see what’s wrong with my old jacket. I’ve worn it for all my sons’ weddings. Why shouldn’t it suit for my anniversary?”

  His son chuckled. “Get into the spirit and stop being a baby.”

  Frank grumbled and folded his arms over his chest. “Seems like an awful big fuss—”

  “Okay, let’s have it,” Luke interrupted. “You’re a simple man of simple means and all this fuss isn’t necessary, right? Did you ever think Mum would like seeing you in a new jacket with your plaid?”

  His mouth opened and he paused. Maureen didn’t care about fancy details like that. Did she? “You’re mother likes me just fine as I am.”

  “Dad.”

  He huffed. “Fine. But I know your mother better than you, you little shit.” His son unfolded from the petite chair he was occupying and stood at his full height. Frank rolled his eyes. “Sit your arse dawn, you moron. I could drop you like an elm if the mood struck.”

  There was a pregnant moment of glaring at one another, which quickly shifted and ended with them both laughing. Luke palmed his shoulder and squeezed. “Show her this is important to you and get the new jacket, Dad. She’ll notice. I promise.”

  His son’s words, although lighthearted, gave him pause. “This is important to me.”

  Luke caught his eye. “I know it is.”

  He shook his head. “I love your mother very much, Luke. I may not always say it or show it, but that woman is the breath of this family and my soul.”

  Luke’s smile was slow and genuine. “You should write that into your vows.”

  “I have to write vows?” He twisted uncomfortably and ran a frustrated hand through his hair. “Jesus, this is getting out of hand.”

  “Sheilagh and Kate will help you.”

  That was a great idea. Maybe he could offer them a trade and they could—

  “They are not writing them for you, Dad. I said help.”

  “Damn it.”

  The tailor finally appeared. He was a short man about two decades past the age of retirement and his glasses were too big for his face. “Mr. McCullough, I haven’t had you in my shop in quite some time. I hear you have quite the celebration coming up.”

  “Yes,” Frank muttered, wanting to get this over with.

  “And will you be requiring a full tux?”

  “Just the jacket. Mine’s gotten…tight.”

  The tailor chuckled and grabbed a tape measurer. “Happens to the best of us. Arms out.”

  He endured the fitting as Luke supervised—like he needed a chaperone. As the man took his measurements, he thought about his son’s words and the implication that this wasn’t important to him. Of course it was. Every anniversary was important. His kids might not realize it, but Maureen did, didn’t she?

  When they left the tailor and returned to Luke’s truck, Frank said, “Swing by Ashlynn’s store. I want to grab some things.”

  Luke nodded and drove in that direction. When they reached the farmer’s market, he felt silly and told Luke to wait in the car. Of course he didn’t listen. While his son stopped to say hello to Ashlynn, Frank grabbed one of the dainty baskets by the front and went about his purpose.

  Trying to be discreet, he selected some camouflaging items like grapes, a bag of peaches, and a pineapple. Finally, once the basket was getting heavy, he nonchalantly snatched a bouquet of roses and casually placed them on top.

  “Oh, Frank, are these for Maureen?” Ashlynn purred as she rung his order.

  His face heated. He refused to look at his son. “I know she likes the pink ones.”

  His daughter-in-law smirked and patted his hand. “Then she’ll love these. That’s very sweet of you.”

  “I just came for the grapes,” he lied.

  Her smile grew tighter as if she were trying to hide her amusement. “Of course you did.”

  When they reached the truck, Luke was grinning like he’d just found money. “Knock it off,” Frank grumbled as he climbed inside.

  Luke laughed.

  As they pulled up at the big house his son still wore a stupid smirk. “Did you want me to help you carry in your bag?”

  Glaring at him, Frank snapped, “I’m not a bloody invalid. Go home.”

  He carried the bag into the kitchen and left it on the counter. Maureen was skinn
ing cucumbers at the table as he placed a kiss on her cheek.

  “Did you have a good time with Luke, love?”

  “That boy’s a pain in my arse,” he grumbled.

  “Oh, aren’t they all?” She noted the paper sack from the market. “Did you go to the market? I’d already gone.”

  “I just picked up a few things.”

  She frowned and he slipped away to the den. As he settled into his chair and picked up the remote, ready for a nice nap and some background noise, she reappeared—holding the flowers.

  “What the hell is this, Francis McCullough?”

  Startled she’d receive his gift with an attitude, he said, “They’re flowers.”

  “And why are they in your bag?”

  Rolling his eyes, he said, “I got them for you, woman. Thank you is usually the thing to say when a man gives you favors.”

  “Oh, no you don’t. These roses are no favor to me. What did you do?”

  He balked. “I didn’t do anything—”

  “The last time you bought me flowers when it wasn’t Mother’s Day or Easter it was because I caught you lookin’ at Georgia Spiegel’s knockers. Were you lookin’ at her tits again?”

  He threw his hands in the air. “No! I was just doing something nice for you, you lunatic.”

  She glared at the flowers and back at him. “You’re lying. Who were you eyein’ up? Was it that new blonde woman we saw at church on Sunday? The loose looking one?”

  “The new preschool teacher?”

  “That’s the one! That trollop.”

  Shaking his head, he stood. Maybe a walk was what he needed. “You’re out of your mind,” he mumbled.

  “Where do you think you’re going?”

  “I’m going for a walk.”

  “Not without givin’ me an explanation, you’re not!”

  He turned and faced her. With all the patience he could muster, he said, “Maureen, I was not lookin’ at anyone’s tits, nor was I eyeing up the new preschool teacher. We stopped by the market and Ashlynn had them on sale—”

  “Liar! I was there this morning and the roses were not on sale. The tulips were. I know, because I said, ‘Oh, how lovely your tulips are, Ashlynn’, expectin’ she’d offer me some on the house—gave birth to her pain in the arse husband and all—but no. She didn’t make the offer. Is that what this is? Did Ashlynn feel bad about givin’ her mother-in-law the old shaft?” She nodded as though that made perfect sense, her tone lightening. “I’ll give her a call and thank her.”