Thats a deal.
15
Nope. Wait. He gave an imperious look her way before he got out and walked around to her side to open her door and give her a hand out.
Then he kept her hand and she didnt quite know what to do, so she let him.
The place was awash in kids and it made her smile.
Erin was out on the large lawn with them and she looked up, waving. Alexander looked to see what his mother was doing and caught sight of Raven, his little face lighting up.
She let go of Jonahs hand and bent to grab Alexander up into a hug when he came running her way.
Youre here, Auntie!
Of course I am. She kissed his cheeks, hugging him again.
I missed you. We have candy.
Dude, candy? Im really glad I came now. Would you like to meet a new friend?
Sure!
She turned to face Jonah. Alexander, this is my friend Jonah. Hes Levis big brother.
Yo, Jonah!
Jonah grinned; all that imperious masterful Dom stuff had melted away in the face of this little boy. Yo, Alexander. Raven told me all about you. I have to admit I ate some of your Goldfish. I promise to replace them before you come over again, though.
Alexander, in a very fine Brown imitation, narrowed his eyes for a moment before he stuck his hand out. Okay.
Erin approached, holding Poppy, who clapped when she saw Raven.
Hello, there, Jonah.
Poppy leaned out, toward Raven.
Hang on a minute, baby girl. Alexander is with Raven, then its your turn, all right?
Poppy frowned but seemed satisfied for the time being.
Dang, youre like the Pied Piper. Jonah winked and Alexander laughed.
Im glad you brought Jonah. Levi is around here somewhere. Mary and Damien got here a few minutes ago so Gillian is out back with them.
Alexander was done being held so Raven put him down and he tore off. Pop! Ben and Todd came around the corner. Daddy!
Yeah, poor kid, no one loves him. Erin turned back to Raven before she pulled her into a hug, Poppy still in her arms. Hello you. I called you twice yesterday.
I was really busy. Loooong day, and not now, Ill tell you later. Now give me that baby before she jumps from your arms.
Poppy squealed, tipping her head back, utterly confident that Raven wouldnt drop her. That meant everything to Raven.
Erin took up next to Raven. Lets go around to the back. Martine has her tricycle and is riding all over the place so watch your toes.
Jonah put an arm around her shoulders as they walked and Erin shot her a look, waggling her brows at the choker Poppy was eagerly trying to grab.
Not for you. Thats my pretty. Dont break it. Poppy frowned. I know, its super hard to be you.
Then she grinned, clapping her chubby little hands.
The jig is up, sweet girl. Auntie Raven knows your game. She kissed Poppys nose. Itll be our secret.
Out back, the vista overlooked the water in a sweeping and rather breathtaking view. Adrian had designed the house for Gillian as a wedding present. It made it more difficult to think he was an uptight asshole when he was so good to his wife and children.
Gillian turned, a huge smile on her face when she caught sight of Raven.
I have no idea why she likes me so much, she said in an undertone to Jonah, who snorted.
Because people can see past your crusty exterior and know theres a big heart in there.
Emotion swept through her like wildfire as she tried to hold it together.
Erin squeezed her arm, leaning close to speak quietly. You and I totally need to catch up. Dont even try to get away without it. Im glad youre here and Im glad you brought him. Also? Nice necklace.
Poppy loved Raven, but she adored her mother and at the sight of her, she reached out to Gillian, who caught her up with a smile. Hello, darling. Have you brought Raven to us? Nicely done. She gave Raven a quick hug and looked to Jonah. Hello you. Your brother is just over there. Theres cider of the mulled and child-friendly variety.
Jonah kissed her so quickly she didnt have the time to be stern. Instead she smooched him back, blushing.
Would you like a glass? He was so gentlemanly. She never knew how to deal with it, but it made her belly all fluttery.
She nodded.
Be back in a few then. Good to see you, Gillian.
The three women watched him amble over to the group of men Levi was part of.
Well now. Gillian clucked her tongue, amusement on her face.
Raven rolled her eyes.
So things are serious now. I knew youd been seeing him, but you brought a date to a family party. Thats special. I quite like that. Come over this week. Adrian is off to Los Angeles and hes taking Miles. Its just me and Poppy and wed love to have you for dinner and some gossip. Mary brought enough food to feed me for months.
Let me see what my week looks like. Brody is down a few people at the shop. Im helping out there and then I have an evening appointment on Thursday. Ill call you. I promise.
Levi looked him up and down as Jonah eased into a chair near the cider.
Wasnt expecting to see you.
My lady brought me along. I figured youd be here with yours.
Indeed. Couldnt stop her if I wanted to. Shes helping Miles with something or other. I just bring her and she squeals and giggles and runs off. Like Im going to complain?
Jonah snorted. Raven wasnt giggle-and-squeal material. But he sure did like that shed invited him along.
Ive got three messages from Mother. I went kayaking with Eli earlier and shed called there looking for me too. Hed wanted Raven along but shed had to work.
She called me a few times too. Im going to guess she got wind of what happened with Raven, Daisy, Mal and Gwen last night.
Brody, whod been sitting across from them with Adrian, leaned in. What happened?
If Jonah meant to make a relationship with Raven, he knew he had to deal with Brody as well.
He gave them a brief overview.
Brody sat back, shaking his head. Shes lucky Raven didnt pop her one. You know she does kickboxing, right? Four days a week. Shes really strong.
He didnt actually. He knew she worked out, but not more than that.
She tried very hard not to make a scene. But she defended Daisy. Daisy would take a bullet for her for that. Levi shrugged. So of course I would too.
Adrian didnt say much as Jonah had spoken. So what are you going to do? Seems to me Raven probably told you she wasnt the society type. Gillian loves her; I dont want to see her hurt.
Jonah took Adrian in. Its been handled. My mother and Raven had ahe paused, trying to remember how Raven put ita come-to-Jesus. My mother was rude. Raven put her in her place. I think this situation is going to be more about my brother and his wife and their marriage than Raven.
There were cracks before, but I think this might really be a point of no return for them. I dont know. Levi nodded. Anyway, were on Ravens side here. I promise you. Even if I wasnt on my own, Daisy would never let me touch her boobs again if I didnt back her up.
Both Brown brothers nodded, easing back.
He wouldnt tell her about this conversation. Shed be uncomfortable and thats not what she needed. He grabbed two mugs and stood. If youll excuse me, I promised Raven some cider.
Levi stood as well. Ill come along with you.
She smiled as she saw him approach and give her the cider. That hits the spot, thanks. Im just about to go in and help Alexander get his costume on. Ill be out in a few.
Whats he going to be?
Thats a surprise, Jonah. Sheesh. She turned to Levi. Hey, Levi.
Levi tipped his chin at her. Hey, Raven, nice to see you.
She went into the house after a quick kiss from Jonah and his brother gave him the eye. So youre not limping. Is that necklace the collar you mentioned?
Jonah nodded. Yesterday . . . last night . . . all of it. A lot of emotions. We talked for hours. It felt right this morning and it was.
Okay then. Shes okay then? I could tell how tense she was, though she was pretty good at dinner. I guess I just misjudged her, thinking she was sort of bitchy. But she protected Daisy and I owe her. You love her too, so I can admit I was wrong.
Oh, she can be bitchy. But people take one look and make up their minds. Shes a lot more than you see at first glance. She had a hard time, but shes resilient. Im ass over teakettle with that prickly woman. He shrugged. He usually shared most everything with his brother, but he knew how difficult it had been for her to trust him and he didnt ever want her to regret it.
I get it. If you need to talk about it more, you know I wont tell tales out of school.
Appreciate that.
Do you want me to do a background check on her? I mean, youre getting serious about this woman and you dont know much about her. It might be better to be safe than sorry. Youve got a trust fund and a big bank account. Attractive to some women. We know she hasnt been very constant in the past.
Of course it was then that Erin Brown came at them from the left. She must have been walking around the porch. Her eyes were on fire and he flinched at the rage in them.
She pushed him away from the steps and Levi hurried to catch up.
I cant believe you! She kept her voice down but the rage radiated off her in waves.
Jonah put his hands up. I was going to say no.
You are the first person shes let into her life this way other than me and Brody. Shes not some whore you fuck and throw away because youre worried shes going to steal from you. She never, ever took money from me, and I can guarantee Ive got more than you. You asshole.
He took her hands. Erin, I dont think that about her. I swear to you. I love Raven. Shes independent and strong and the last thing Id believe about her is that she was using me.
Levi put himself in the line of fire. Christ, it was all me. Im so sorry, Erin. I didnt mean it as an insult. I want to protect my brother. But it was my suggestion, not his. Im protective of him and my family.
Erin rounded on Levi and Jonah felt sorry for him. Protective? You mean how she was of your family last night? You think I havent heard how your sister-in-law acted? How your mother acted? You think youre so much better than her? Shes not constant? Fuck you. Shes in there helping my little boy change into his Halloween costume. One she made for him. He wanted to be the Doctor from Doctor Who. But the one with the scarf, Tom whats-his-name. She knows his name and he does too because she watches the show with him. No matter where shes been or what shes doing she will always be back here for his birthday. Dont you fucking talk to me about constant. That woman is my best friend and no one is more constant than she is.
Levi lost the tension in his spine and he shook his head. Im sorry. I was wrong. But its me, not Jonah. Dont hang him with something I did. He had nothing to do with it.
Erin? Raven called out from the back porch and Erin tossed such a look of malice over her shoulder that Levi flinched.
On my way. She turned and walked away without another word.
Holy shit. Do you think shes going to tell Raven? Oh my god, Im so sorry, Jonah. Jesus. I would never want to hurt her. I swear to you. After Charlotte . . . Im sorry.
Jonah felt sick, but he understood where Levi was coming from and he also knew his brother got how wrong hed been.
All I can do is hope she wont say anything. If for no other reason than to spare Ravens feelings.
Everything okay? Raven asked Erin when she came back from the yard.
Yes. Fine. Whats up? Erins smile was brittle at the edges.
Ive known you an assload of years, Erin. Whats wrong?
Erin sighed. Nothing. I was just thinking about stupid stuff that got me wound up. Im fine.
Raven looked her over carefully but let it go. If you say so. Im looking for the hat. Have you seen it?
Oh crap. I left it in the car. Ill be right back. She raced out the front and Raven went back to the room where the littlest ones were getting ready.
Your momma is going to get the hat and then youre ready to rock.
Alexander did a little fist pump.
Martine was dressed as a pirate ballerina. Shed wanted both so Elise had just gone with it. She wore an eye patch and a tutu and it worked.
Bens brother Cope and his wife Ellas daughter Maddie was a princess, complete with one of those pointed hats with the tulle on it. As Cope treated his daughter like the sun rose and set with her, it fit. Ella, whod always been sort of sweet and shy, had come out of her shell as a mother. Raven had watched confidence take hold as she poured her love and attention into the job. It was a good thing to see.
Poppy was a ladybug. She had a headband with little antennae and a red and black bodysuit.
Rennie had two friends along; one of them, Nina, was Arvin and Maggies daughter. Both parents worked at the shop with Raven and Brody.
The girls had said they were too old to dress up, but since they were there and all, theyd do it for the little kids. Raven had kept a straight face and nodded, thanking them for being so cool about it.
Miles, of course, was sixteen and totally not interested in anything but his band.
Erin came in with the hat and Raven plopped it on Alexanders head, standing back. Shed spent months putting the costume together after Alexander had said he wanted to be the scarf Doctor for Halloween. Finding the right vest, hat and scarf for a nearly four-year-old took time. But shed done it, though she had to cut the scarf and the blazer down some.
Hes just like Tom Baker. I grew up watching him. To this day I consider him my Doctor, though truth be told, Eleven does do that nerdy bada . . . bad guy thing really well. Gillian smiled.
Alexander examined himself in the mirror quite seriously and then smiled up at Raven, giving her a thumbs-up.
I think that means youre a success, Auntie.
All in an aunties days work.
Elise patted Erins arm. Let me go check on Rennie and the girls and then Ill have Adrian start the music for the parade.
It was pretty much impossible for Adrian to take his child trick-or-treating. A person who was as well known a celebrity as him couldnt really go door to door in a regular neighborhood without causing a ruckus. Gillian didnt want to ruin anyone elses Halloween with surprise visits from the paparazzi either, so theyd decided a fun Halloween fest at their house would be just fine, especially as young as most of the kids were.
Raven bent to adjust Alexanders neck scarf. Excited?
Yes! Im gonna march. He marched in place and Martine, seeing him, began her own version of a march, which was actually more like the maniac dance from Flashdance. Maddie, a relatively new walker, just sort of bent her knees over and over.
Jeez, Im going to die of cute. Erin put her head on Ravens shoulder.
You have a good life. All these kids are going to grow up so loved.
Yeah. Im grateful for them. And that youre part of it. Im so glad youre here more now. That they get to grow up with you as their auntie. His costume is awesome. Im creative and all, but you two have that Doctor Who connection. Hes going to remember this.
Well, I know I will.
She stepped back and started taking pictures again. The shutter speed was set for action shots and she knew thered be plenty to give to Gillian, Ella, Elise and Erin.
Elise came back in. Theyre ready.
The kids filed out and Raven kept taking pictures. The music came up as they went down the stairs, Elise holding Martines hand and Poppy riding on Gillians hip.
It was a really good night. The best Halloween Raven had had . . . well, ever.
16
How are you recovering after the candy coma? Raven teased Brody as they sat at their stations in the shop.
Fortunately we left most of it at Adrians place. Now that Miles has his braces off Im sure hell go to town on it. In any case, at least its not at my house hopping my kids up. Well, more than usual.
Rennie is a knockout. Just sayin, Dad. She looks a hell of a lot like her mother, all blonde and big blue eyes. And she showed me some of her art on Sunday. Wow.
Brodys clear discomfort at the realization his daughter was growing up was alleviated a little by the mention of her talent.
Elise and I have decided to send her to the same school Miles is at. Heavy arts concentration.
I think thats a great idea. Miles seems to have thrived there.
Its a great school. We took a tour a few months back. Elise may actually do some classes there. One of the dance teachers recognized her when we were there.
Raven smiled. Thats pretty awesome.
She had to give up a lot. Makes me happy to see her do well. She still loves to dance and her school is doing well, but this is a good opportunity and I cant lie, a huge part of the appeal is that Rennies tuition would get a hefty discount.
Raven imagined that kind of private arts school would cost a pretty penny. She had no doubt Adrian would have offered to pay, probably even Erin, but Brody wouldnt have taken money from his siblings. And it wasnt like they were paupers, just not gazillionaires like his rock-star siblings.
Oh, thats a big plus.
Rennie is sad to leave her school and her friends, of course. But once she took a look at the classes? She got really excited.
I think thats really cool. Im glad. Shes a great kid and has so much talent. Im happy shes got this opportunity. The stuff she showed me is like years beyond what anyone her age can do.
Brody looked up from his client. Yeah, and youre part of that. Always encouraging her. Elise and I appreciate that. Rennie adores you.
She looked down, fighting a blush. Daisy has more connections of that type than I do.
Meh. Daisys a nice lady, but shes not you. Youre family.
She blinked back tears. Tears that seemed to come so freaking ably all a sudden. She cleared her throat and kept on working. Brody, who knew her so well, backed off and made small talk with his client while she got herself back together.
When shed finished and was waiting for her next client, he approached again. So Jonah Warner.
Yeah. Unexpected, huh?
I dunno. You tell me.
She nodded. He is. I have rules, Brody. Lots of them. He makes me break them. Left and right.
The dumb rules like no sleeping over? Or the good rules like youd never stay with anyone who harmed you?
She rolled her eyes. As close as she was with Brody, shed never revealed why she never slept over to anyone but Jonah.
No one else was close enough to hear. Well, he does like to use a paddle on me. He also ties me up. But thats not really harm. At least not in a bad sense. And the only man who has slept over at my place is a nearly four-year-old who likes frozen pudding cups and pees all over the seat.
Brody laughed. Rough sex is one thing. Harming is another. He seems protective of you. I like that part. I like that youre letting him in. You seem calmer lately. Must be all that spanking.
She burst out laughing. Could be. I certainly feel so very mellow when hes done. Who knew? I used to think all that stuff was just role-play. But its more than that with us. He takes over and . . .
And you dont have to be in charge. For once in your life, someone else makes the decisions and choices.
She blew out a breath. Yeah. I think thats part of it. If you want to get all psychological about it and all. Anyway, hes good. Were good. His family? Well. Well see about that. But who am I to talk?
I heard part of what happened over the weekend with the mother and sister-in-law. Wasnt really happy about it. Did like his reaction though.
If I mean to do this relationship thing, Im going to have to find a way to deal with her. The mother anyway. The sister-in-law can eat a bag of dicks. She may never know how close she came to eating my fist.
Brody laughed. Maybe she needed that.
Not at a charity event, for fucks sake. The evening was about raising money for the arts, not for some stupid play for attention by a sister-in-law who wants to bang the brother she couldnt marry, if you know what I mean.
Ah. You think thats the issue?
I dont know for sure. All I can say is she seems unnaturally interested in where Levi puts his dick.
Some people cant be happy with anything.
Dont I know it. But Im good. Jonah is good. What it is more than that I dont know. But for now, Im happy.
How much have you shared with him?
More than I intended to. Hes got . . . I dont know, this way about him. I find myself sharing stuff I havent talked about in a long time. If ever. But he never looks at me with disgust or pity.
He put a hand on her shoulder. Sweetheart, theres nothing to be disgusted over. Not with you. Everything you survived was about you overcoming other peoples shitty behavior. None of it was your fault.
Im no angel, Brody. I was not very nice to Elise when she first came around. I tried to break you up. I broke your heart before that. And youre still my friend. Thank you.
He smiled. You did break my heart. And that sucked. But if Im being honestand since Im an old family man now and all I guess I have tomy heart got broken because I didnt listen to what you told me. You never made me promises. I just wanted them to be there. And you made your peace with Elise. You went to her and apologized and whatever you saidshe wont tell mewas enough to make her not only forgive you, but be fond of you. You have flaws, no lie. But you own your shit and a hell of a lot of people dont. Just let this guy love you. Understand youre worth loving. Because you are. What I have with Elise makes everything different. Better. You deserve that too.
It couldnt be avoided any longer. Jonah had ducked his mothers calls until Wednesday morning when she simply waltzed into his office, dragging his father and his brother Eli.
As you have deigned to ignore the woman who gave you your very existence, I had to hunt you down. Your father and Eli as well.
If you want to count a coy call for lunch that she then sprung on us as lets all talk about Mal and Gwen, yes.
You stop that. Their mother gave Eli a look and he sighed, dropping into a chair at the conference table in the room.
Ive been busy. I called you back.
You called me back at midnight when your call would go straight to voice mail. Honestly, I dont know why you boys think Im so stupid.
Levi poked his head in and then froze when he saw what was going on.
Dont you try to scamper off, Levi. Come and sit. Liesl pointed at a chair and he obeyed.
You get conned with a lunch date too?
Levi nodded. It was a call from Jonahs assistant.
Mother, leave my staff out of it. Shes already petrified every time you come into view. Jonah put his phone on Do Not Disturb and headed to the table.
Their father would never say anything to disagree with their mother, especially not at a time like this.
Toby, another brother and Elis twin, popped in and then groaned.
Now, were all here. Food will arrive shortly. I did not lie. We will be eating. I figured you were all busy enough that youd need to eat while we discussed this mess.
True to her word, Jonahs assistant brought food in just two minutes later. She gave him a look full of apology and he waved it away. He knew how his mother was; he couldnt blame his assistant for getting caught up in her whirlwind.
It has come to my attention that some sort of kerfuffle occurred between Gwen, Daisy and Raven on Saturday evening at the benefit. It has also come to my attention that whatever this kerfuffle was, it spilled out to the hotels drive where Jonah and Levi got into a heated argument with Malachi. Do I have this correct?
Mother, Im not sure this is any of your business.
Oh, Eli; so naive about their mother.
Elijah, if it is not a mothers business when her children are in trouble, whose business would it be? She turned a hard eye to Levi, knowing Jonah would hold out longer than anyone else. Levi knew he was the weaker link of the two and he sighed.
It was resolved. If Mal wanted you to know what it was, hed have told you. Leave it be. Hes got to deal with his wife on his own.
So it was Gwen, clearly. Stupid woman. What happened in that bathroom? Dont lie to me. This is one of my boards, you know. People came to me whod seen the aftermath. I need to understand whether or not I should be sure Gwen is never invited to such events in the future.
Yes, dont invite her to anything in the future. Jonah spoke quietly.
Boys, your mother is rightfully concerned. We all know Mal has been having trouble. His work is suffering. You have to share with us. We want to help him. He shouldnt have to deal with this on his own. Thats what family is for.
Eli blew out a breath and looked to Jonah. Tell them.
I think Mal should be here for this. I am not comfortable talking behind his back. Jonah sat back, looking at their mother. Hes an adult. Hes married. We cant just talk about him like hes a kid. Any of you would be angry if this was about you and no one bothered to include you.
Liesl smiled like the cat who ate the canary and he knew hed been outmaneuvered. As a matter of fact, hell be here in a minute or two.
Youre good. He nodded her way.
Where do you think you come by it, boy? his father asked.
They were eating when Mal came in. He paused in the doorway and then came into the room and sat down with a resigned sigh. Jonah pushed food his way.
You will be pleased to know Levi and Jonah would not tell me the details of whatever transpired on Saturday evening. Jonah rightfully pointed out that you should be here when we discussed this issue. And of course I completely agree, which is why youre here now. What is going on, Malachi?
This is really not your concern.
Jonah kept eating. Mal was the youngest. Hed been spoiled more than any of them had been. But he was weaker against his mother than the rest as well. It was only a matter of time before he broke, and everyone in that room knew it.
Now you know thats a lie. Of course its my concern. Its all our concern. Your wife is clearly unbalanced. Shes driving a wedge between you and your family and she has been for some time. We love you. Weve let you go your own way. But this has to stop. At the very least give me your version of events.
She hates Daisy. Mal put his fork down and ran a hand through his hair.
Whatever for? Shes delightful.
No one had ever told their parents about the strife that had been between the two women since Gwen had made a rather ugly and pretty blatantly racist scene. Since then Levi hadnt spoken more than the words it took to warn her to keep her distance from his woman or thered be hell to pay.
What else have you all been keeping from me?
Then Toby spilled. The entire story about the first time Gwen met Daisy when Gwen had accused Daisy of being a gold-digging whore, complete with racist overtones, to the situation on Saturday night.
The other brothers stared at him, mouths open.