Legally Bound (24 page)

Paige threw her head back and laughed. “I hope I can live up to your expectation, especially with a baby on the way.” Paige looked up at Bobby. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed how you keep saying our first baby.”

“What, I grow up with four siblings. I want a big family of our own,” Bobby smiled and winked.

“I think he is more interested in making the babies if you ask me,” Pam giggled next to Cam, who nodded in agreement and burst into a fit of laughter.

“I heard that you two. I’m going to separate the two of you if you can’t behave,” Paige chided.

“Oh, I am going to love living in New York. She is going to be so much fun to tease while she is pregnant,” Pam giggled.

“Wait, you’re moving to New York,” Marcus said and lifted a brow.

“Yup, nice to meet you handsome,” Pam purred and held out her hand.

“Nice to meet you, too, I’m Marcus, Bobby’s baby brother,” Marcus said with a sexy grin.

Paige raised a brow at Marcus and turned to look at Julia. Julia’s eyes were flickering back and forth between Marcus and Pam. “And this is his fiancée, Julia. Julia, this is my twin sister Pamela.”

“Hiya, you are one lucky girl. They may not be twins but these guys are all just as handsome as the next,” Pamela said as she reached out and hugged Julia.

Julia looked a little taken back. She didn’t know how to react to Pamela. She didn’t miss the way Marcus’s eyes racked over the newcomer. “I guess I am lucky,” Julia finally chimed and pasted on a smile.

“You have to be their sister,” Pam said to Marie as she moved on already. She could sense there was drama with Marcus and Julia and did not want to be in the middle of that.

“That I am,” Marie sang.

“I’m letting you know now I will fight you and Cam for maid of honor,” Pam teased and laughed as she hugged Marie.

“Oh my gosh,” Paige turned to Bobby. “There is so much to be done.”

“Don’t worry your pretty little head,” Davina beamed. “We have taken care of everything. You just have to pick which girl is the maid of honor so we can alter her dress just a bit and all else is handled.”

“Oh Mommy and Minnie, thank you so much,” Paige almost sobbed.

“It is our pleasure,” Minnie bubbled.

“Let me get a close up of that rock,” Ellen squealed. “Oh by the way, I’m Ellen the second brother’s wife and your new official hang out bubby in New York, if you ever want to shop. I love those shoes.”

“Oh I think I really am going to love it in New York,” Pamela laughed.

“I’ll buy your next two pairs of shoes if you get my wife in a pair of those,” Sam grinned as he looked down pointedly at Pam’s six inch heels. “Babe, you haven’t worn shoes like that in…I think I’ll shut up.”

Ellen was narrowing her eyes at him. “I haven’t worn shoes like that since I found out that I was pregnant with Jess. And since we are making family announcements I won’t be wearing them for another seven or eight months.”

“Oh… it must be Christmas,” Minnie burst into tears. “I’m so grateful.”

“Wait, what…you’re pregnant?” Sam asked with his mouth open.

“Yes smart ass. So you’ll be paying for Pam’s new shoes since you opened your mouth and I want a spa day on you for a good foot rub and facial, babysitter for the day included,” Ellen said and gave a sage nod.

“Wow, I almost forgot how charming you can be pregnant. How did I miss this one,” Sam snorted.

“I won’t bit your head off for that. I think it might be a boy this time. I haven’t had half the morning sickness I had with Jess,” Ellen shrugged and gave her husband a bright smile.

“So I will be limiting drinking whatever it is you ladies seem to drink in New York. You all keep that baby fever to yourself,” Pam wrinkled her nose and inched away for Cam and Ellen. Everyone began to laugh.

“You actually have to date for that to happen,” Davina grumbled.

“Mom,” Pam said in mock horror. “I just haven’t found someone worth my time. I am a busy woman you know. Being an entrepreneur is time consuming. I’m happy I can finally make this move to be close to Paige.”

“So you’re single,” Minnie beamed and raised her brow.

“Yes ma’am. So if you do have a fourth son you’re hiding, I’m quite the catch.” Pamela said brightly.

“Where is Nathan,” Marie asked at that moment.

“He should be on his way back from the airport. Cam went to pick up Pamela since she knew who she was looking for. We also didn’t want her to have to wait since the other flight was coming in a bit later,” Minnie replied.

“Wait… other flight?” Sam frowned. “Who else is flying in?”

“Rita,” Minnie let roll off her tongue as she watched her youngest son’s reaction.

Marcus spit out the brandy he had been sipping and started to choke. His eyes were wide as he looked at his mother gaging to see if she was telling a joke. Everyone in the room had turned to look at him.

“Honey, are you alright?” Julia asked as she tried to sooth his back.

“I’m fine it just went down the wrong pipe,” Marcus grunted as he waved Julia off. “Dad do you think we can go talk. There is something about this case that has been eating at me. I think my mood would brighten if I could figure this out. I don’t want to ruin our guests’ stay.”

“Sure Son, let’s go to my study. I’m sure we can figure things out together. Bobby maybe you should come along,” James said nodding to his oldest.

“Well, I always love to sit in on these things. I’ll tag along too,” Sam said as he read his father and siblings.

Sam had been curious for a long time and he had a feeling he was about to get answers. Bobby kissed Paige’s forehead and excused himself to follow his brothers and father. Bobby knew his little brother a little too well to think this was about a case he was stuck on.

Not if he was calling his father into counsel. He had an uncomfortable feeling things were about turn and not for the better. He just hoped they could make it through the wedding in one piece.

“Paige dear, come let’s get your parents settled in their new room. Your family will be staying with us now that the cat is out of the bag,” Minnie said as if nothing else was happening. Paige knew better. Marcus was stretching the truth in all directions. “Girls, why don’t you all show Pamela to her room in the west wing. She’ll be next door to Nathaniel.”

“Hey wait,” Pam grabbed Paige’s arm with wide eyes and whispered. “Who is this Nathaniel everyone keeps mentioning? After that scene, I’m not so sure I want to be next door to him. Something is definitely a coo around here.”

“Don’t worry, Nathan is great. I’m right across the hall. That reaction wasn’t about him. It’s a little more complicated than that, I think. You’ll be fine,” Paige whispered back and gave her twin a reassuring smile.

“You better not be marrying into some craziness, Paige. I really do want to come home to be closer to you,” Pamela said as she let go of the humor to let her sister know how much she missed her.

Paige hugged her big sister and squeezed. “I’m glad you’re coming home. The Mairetties are a great family and Bobby is great. You’ll see.”

Pamela cupped her sister’s face and nodded. They may not away keep in touch or show how much they care for each other but they did. Paige understood that Pam wanted to be her own person for a while.

At times she wanted the same. Sometimes she felt like Pam thought she was living in Paige’s shadow. She was proud of her big sister and the success she had built for herself. Even if she felt she needed to go thousands of miles away to do it.

Paige sighed contently as she followed after Minnie and her parents. Everyone she loved was officially here. She felt her cheeks glow as it hit her. She was getting married, and not just because it was on her to do list. She was really in love and having a baby. Paige giggled to herself as she touched her stomach. She was having a baby.

Chapter Thirty Seven

N
athan sighed as he headed back downstairs to find everyone. He had heard some laughter out on the back deck while he helped Rita get her bags in her room. She was still in her own shell and acting nervous the while ride to the house. He thought she would snap out of it when they arrived but she was claiming a headache and said she would be down later.

She was so different. Sure it had been years since they have been under the same roof, but they were still so close for so long. He couldn’t even say that this started after she hooked up with Anton. In truth, something changed right before she left.

He sighed again he was just happy she was here and would be coming home. Everything was working out perfectly. She would be able to keep her assignment and still come home.

Nathan just wanted to find Bobby and Paige so he could celebrate with them. When Bobby told him the plan this morning he was so happy for his friend. He did all he could to help out before he had to go pick up Rita.

Nathan hoped that Bobby and Paige never shared the way Bobby proposed with his future wife. It was going to be a tough act to follow. Nathan smiled at that.

He had made it so that he didn’t have to work as hard as his father used to. He was ready to settle down and with Rita coming home it just felt right. Somehow he felt like everything was falling into place. He and Bobby had talked about making some changes for a while now and with Bobby getting married, he was sure the talks were about to become more serious.

Nathan heard that crazy laugh of Paige’s and headed straight for the deck. It was strange but he never noticed the hint of huskiness to her laugh before. It was kind of sexy.

Nathan mentally chided himself for the thought and shook his head. No matter how much he loved his best friend, he had to admit Bobby was a very lucky man. Paige is gorgeous in the most natural why. She doesn’t have to try hard to be beautiful; she just is inside and out. Nathan smiled, he was happy Bobby found her. He could only hope to be as lucky someday.

“Hey short stuff,” Nathan crooned as he brushed his fingers down Paige’s arm. He was thrown by his own physical reaction to the touch. His groin tightened as the heated current came off her skin. He shifted a little to pull it together. That’s when he noticed the six inch heels.

Paige has worn some killer shoes since he has met her but these were sexier than any of them. Even the ones she wore the very first time they met. He couldn’t control the way his eyes racked over her. He cleared his throat and blamed it all on his thoughts of wanting to settle down like Paige and Bobby, and thinking of how lucky Bobby was to have her.

To prove to himself that he was not attracted to Paige that way, he tossed his arm over her shoulder and pulled her into a hug. “Anything interesting happen today,” Nathan teased. Bobby had already text him that the deed was done and she had accepted.

“Um, Nat,” Marie started.

“A while lot of interesting has happened,” she purred at Nathan cutting Marie off before she could finish.

Nathan dropped his arm and took a step back instantly. He sucked in a sharp breath as he saw the look in her eyes. They were full of desire and amusement.

Paige had never looked at him that way. Worst yet, his body was reacting to it. His eyes dropped to her lips and then lower to her full breasts. He could see through her thin shirt that her nipples had hardened.

Nathan’s eyes shot back up to Paige’s and his brows drew together in confusion and horror. Why the hell was he reacting to Paige like this? She had been in his arms a number of times as a friend and he never saw her this way. Better yet, why was she looking back at him like she had taken him out of the friend zone and would devour him?

“Well, I thought this outfit was cute when I put it on this morning,” she teased and took a step toward him placing a hand on his chest. “Do you not like it? If you tell me what you like I could make it happen.”

“Paige?” Nathan choked out.

“Oh my God Pam, stop that. You’re going to give him a heart attack,” Nathan heard a familiar voice say from behind him.

“He thought she was you,” Bobby boomed with laughter and slapped Nathan on the back. “It’s good to know that you are so appalled by the thought of my fiancée hitting on you.”

Nathan turned and looked back and forth between Paige and Pamela with wide eyes and an open mouth. He settled on Pam and narrowed his eyes. “You knew I thought you were Paige?” He accused. “You were going to keep that up, weren’t you?”

“Aw, don’t be angry with me. You’re the first person I’ve gotten to pull that old trick on in years. I’m really harmless,” Pam pouted and batted her lashes. “Let’s start over. Hiya, tall dark and handsome, I’m Paige’s big sister and identical twin, Pamela but you can call me Pam. You must be Nathaniel. I’ve heard your name a number of times since I’ve arrived.”

Nathan let his gaze really appraise this carbon copy of Paige this time. He was not just taking in his fill but he was looking for anything that separated the two. It was amazing. She looked like an exact replica. It felt wrong to be so attracted to a woman that looked exactly like his best friends fiancée.

He took her tiny hand in his and shook it before pulling her in closer to him. Looking down into her eyes he gave her a wicked sexy grin. “You would be right I am Nathaniel, Nathaniel Briggs, but you are welcome to call me Nate or Nathan.”

Nathan gave her a blinding smile and pulled her a little closer as he leaned in. “You did very well in picking your attire this morning, but if you still want to know what I like we can go have a little chat somewhere private,” Nathan said silkily not releasing her hand.

Pam felt the shiver that slipped down her spine as his sexy deep seductive voice rolled through her. She blinked up at his chocolate brown eyes a few times, lost in the trance he so easily set. Her gaze dropped to his extra full kissable lips. She couldn’t find words or reason, who was this man?

Paige burst into laughter. “Now that is a first. I don’t think any man has ever made my sister speechless.”

Pam shook her head and pulled her hand back, brushing it down the front of her skirt. She suddenly felt naked as Nathan’s hot gaze raked her toned legs, under the flowing mini skirt she had on. She been taunting him earlier but she hadn’t expected him to play back. He’d sent electricity pulsing through her from the very first touch.

Pam was open to dating man of all shapes, sizes and types but secretly she was a sucker for the tall, dark and handsome type. This man looked as if he evented the words. Sex, confidence and authority rolled off of him in waves.

The simple touch of his large hand wrapped around hers made her want to squirm with need. Was this what she was missing in New York? Well she was signing up for the first plane there.

Pam cleared her throat and lifted her chin and squared her shoulders. “I’m not speechless. I just don’t want to jump at the first offer I get from a handsome face. You never know what I can get into in the next three days,” Pam shrugged.

Nathan felt a strange ping of jealousy for the woman he just met. He raised a brow at her as he looked her over once more. He smiled smugly to himself.

“You’re welcome to your options, but this one just decided to pass,” Nathan shrugged and turned to walk away.

“Oh my God, did he just dismiss me,” Pam said incredulously. “Really?”

“He is not like the guys you are used to Pammy,” Paige giggled. “I think you just crashed and burned.” Paige wrinkled her nose at her sister.

Pam just stared off in the direction Nate went in. “Whatever,” Pam grumbled. “He’s not all that.”

“Nate can have that effect on people,” a female voice snickered.

“Baby love, you made it,” Marie squealed and rushed to hug the new comer.

“Oh Pooh Bear, I’m so sorry I wasn’t here to kick Whitney and Chad ass. Nate told me everything, are you alright?”

“I am now that you’re here. I think I’m a little relieved to be honest. I was ready to go home a year ago, maybe two. I was only holding out this long to wait for Chad to come to the states after graduation,” Marie pouted.

“Well, looks like we’ll both be going home now.”

“Never better timing. I’ve missed you both,” Bobby crooned as he pulled the young women into a hug. “Paige, Pam, this is my other little sister by another mother, Rita.”

“Ohhh,” Paige muttered. “Ut-oh.”

“That is a first,” Rita laughed.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. It’s just, wow you are gorgeous,” Paige stammered. “Nathan has told me so much about you. I feel like you’re my little sister too.”

“Well, soon I will be,” Rita chirped. “Let me see that rock. How did the big guy do?” Paige held out her hand and Rita held it up with a big smile, “Oh yeah Bobby… nice dude.”

Paige just stood staring at the woman before her. She was stunning and nothing that Paige was expecting. She was tall with a toned and very curvy body. Her face was beautiful with high cheek bones and full lips like her brother, but that was where the similarities stopped.

Rita didn’t have Nathan’s chocolate brown eyes but startlingly large green eyes. Her nose was cute as a button and balanced her full lips and bright eyes. Her skin was a medium coffee brown not as chocolate as her brother’s skin but still flawless.

Her hair was cut in a faux Mohawk with one side cut low into short waves that sort of resembled her brother’s but hers curled up a little more. Paige wasn’t sure his wouldn’t curl too if it was longer. Nathan away looked like he had a fresh close cut.

The longer side of her hair curled in thick, soft, wild spirals that framed the side and back of her head and stopped just below her chin. From the looks of her roots she was a natural dirty golden blonde but her tips were dyed crimson. It was a bold look especially with her green eyes but it worked for her, really well.

“That’s a really nice rock on your finger,” Pam mused.

Rita shrugged, “Keeps the bums at bay. You guys are adorable,” Rita said to Paige and Pam. “I always wanted a sister. I guess that’s why me and my Pooh Bear are so close.” Rita shot Marie a loving look as she swiftly changed the subject.

“You are going to love Paige and I’m falling in love with Pam already,” Marie gushed.

“Well, I say we take Pam here get her a drink and tell her a bunch of embarrassing stories about my brother so she won’t fell so bad. She actually dodged a bullet,” Rita sang.

“Wait, that giant chocolate sex on legs is your brother?” Pam said while rubbing her hands together. “Drinks and embarrassing stories it is.”

Paige laughed as the three new friends disappeared. Bobby pulled her into his arms. “I think New York has just become a hell of a lot more interesting, don’t you?” He chuckled.

“Definitely, if Nathan’s intention was to get Pam’s attention he’s got it,” Paige laughed.

“You look so happy,” Bobby mused.

“I am, I haven’t seen my family in a while and now Pam is move close by and she is fitting in with everyone. I’m getting married in two days and I’m having a baby. I think I have more than enough reasons to be happy,” Paige lifted on her toes to plant a quick kiss on Bobby’s lips.

“Are you hungry,” Bobby asked as he reached to splay his hand on her belly.

“Starving,” Paige groaned.

“Let’s feed my family,” Bobby crooned and pecked her on the lips.