His Love by Jennifer Gracen

yourself.”
    “Oh, bloody hell.” He put a hand to the small of the beautiful brunette’s back. “This is my wife, Cassandra.”
    “Please, just call me Cass,” she said, shaking Toni’s hand hello.
    Toni ushered them inside, taking the bottle of red wine Cass offered. Then a loud, happy shriek pierced the room and Anna flew in, throwing herself into Sean’s arms for a bear hug.
    “Ah, Annie, it’s damn good to see ya,” Sean smiled as he returned the hug, lifting his sister off her feet. Then he touched her hair and laughed. “Oh, for Chrissakes. What’d ya do now? You look like the flag itself!”
    “I’m showin’ my American spirit,” Anna declared before hugging her sister-in-law. “Goodness, Cass, you always look so beautiful, even on a muggy hot day.”
    “Thank you,” Cassandra smiled. “But actually, I could use a glass of ice water.”
    Toni caught the look of concern Sean shot his wife. “You all right, love?”
    Cassandra nodded. “Yeah, I’m just a little overheated.”
    “Sit down,” he told her. He gently pulled her further into the living room.
    “Stop hovering,” she laughed, but sank onto the couch.
    “Anna,” Toni said, “I’ll get them both some water. Why don’t you find Gavin and let him know they’re here?”
    “Thanks, Toni.” Anna beamed at her brother and sister-in-law again before going out to the back deck. Toni went to the kitchen to fill two cups with ice water.
    A minute later, the glass doors between the deck and kitchen slid open and Gavin entered with Anna. He shot Toni a smile before going with his sister into the living room. Toni followed in time to see Gavin and Sean clasping each other in a jovial hug. She handed Cassandra both cups.
    “You look good!” Sean said, appraising his brother. “The beach agrees with ya.”
    “Have you been enjoying it here so far?” Cassandra asked.
    “Aye, it’s been lovely.” Gavin sat on one side of Cass, Sean sat on the other. As he took one of the cups from his wife, Anna curled up on the nearby armchair.
    “I’ll leave you to your family reunion,” Toni smiled at the group. “But come outside soon and get something to eat, okay?” She directed the last at Sean and Cassandra.
    “Absolutely,” Sean said.
    “Thanks for this,” Cassandra said, raising her already half empty cup.
    *
    Gavin’s eyes followed Toni as she walked out, then turned back to his family. “Well! It’s really good to see ya both. Last time I did was the wedding. How’s newlywed life treatin’ you two?”
    “It’s fantastic,” Sean said, looking into his wife’s eyes. They smiled at one another before he added, “And we have news. We were waiting to tell you both in person, today.”
    Anna’s eyes widened. “Spill it!”
    “Cassie’s pregnant,” Sean said proudly. “I’m goin’ to be a father, if you can believe it.”
    Gavin could swear he saw his brother’s chest puff out with masculine pride.
    Anna let out a joyous scream and leaped out of her chair to hug the happy couple. “I’m so happy for ya both! Ahh, I’m goin’ to be an auntie again! I get a baby to spoil on this side of the ocean! He or she is all mine!”
    Sean pointed a finger at her. “You’re not allowed near my kid’s hair without supervision, ya hear?”
    They all laughed.
    Gavin hugged them both as he congratulated them. “You look well, Cassandra. How are you feeling?”
    “I’m fine,” she said, but added, “I just get tired sometimes. And the heat’s been getting to me a little, but that’s all. Baby’s healthy, I’m healthy. We’re fine.”
    “I’m so glad,” Gavin smiled, leaning in to squeeze her hand. He looked to his brother. “You? A father? God help this kid.”
    “Don’t I know it,” Sean said, the grin sprouting so wide it made his eyes crinkle. “And now that we’ve had the pleasure of tellin’ you two in person, I’ll call everyone back in Ireland tomorrow to tell ’em the news.”
    Gavin chuckled as he