Page 52 of Accepted Precedent (Love & Politics #3)
Andrew nods, squeezing my hand once before releasing it, and heads inside. I follow but make my way to the cellar to retrieve a bottle of whiskey I’ve been saving for a special occasion.
When I return outside, Evelyn is adding round filets to the grill.
From how everything was smelling, I could’ve sworn she used barbecue sauce on something.
I peer over her shoulder, searching for the culprit, and there are a few chicken breasts in a glass dish.
I breathe a sigh of relief that it isn’t on the filets as some sort of pregnancy craving.
Though in truth, I’d likely eat anything she made.
Kristin catches me spying and spots the bottle of whiskey. “Oh, let me get a few glasses.”
“I know where to find them in my kitchen,” I laugh, setting the bottle on the granite countertop. I retrieve eight lowballs—not wanting to raise suspicion of Evie’s possible pregnancy—and when I return, it’s already been opened.
“I was thirsty,” Kristin muses, sipping whiskey from a water glass. She’s so much like her sister, and while I’m not the least bit attracted to her, I love how she completes our family.
I pour two fingers into each lowball I brought out. As I hand a glass to Ileah, she glances at Finn nervously, then offers a lopsided smile as she hands it back to me. “Sorry, Mick. I, uh… I can’t drink.”
“You too?” I laugh, then quickly correct. “I mean, are you two… expecting?”
“Aye,” Finn beams. “We’re not going to make it public quite yet.” He splays his hand possessively on her belly. “But Ileah’s pregnant.”
I pull him to his feet and bring him in for a tight hug, clapping him on the back twice before releasing him. “Congratulations, brother.” Reaching for her hand, I help her up and hug her as well. “You too, love.”
“Thanks, Mick,” she sighs with a wide smile, and I couldn’t be happier for the two of them.
“Congratulations on your… engagement ,” Finn says carefully, unable to hide his smirk.
I toast Finn’s glass with a clink, take a sip, then make my way back to the bottle to serve everyone else before Ileah catches on to Finn’s teasing.
As I hand Jaclyn and Alex theirs, I apologize for not having the makings for Old Fashioneds, making both of them smile.
We cheers to her campaign going smoothly and my engagement, then I return to Kristin and Evie.
I pour a splash into Evie’s glass, and she brings it to her lips but doesn’t drink. A sip wouldn’t hurt anything, but it only confirms that she believes she could be carrying our third child, making my heart swell.
Once food is ready, Ileah and Finn help plate everything up, and everyone makes their way to the large table.
I take a seat, and the twins sit on either side of me.
Evie sits across from us, with Andrew and Kristin next to her.
Then Finn and Ileah flank either side of the twins, with Alex and Jaclyn next to Kristin.
Everyone at this table has been through so much, and at risk of jinxing it, I dare to hope we’re all on the other side of the torture we’ve endured over the years.
As Grace is about to take a bite of her cheeseburger, Jaclyn asks, “Would you mind if I said a quick prayer?”
Without skipping a beat, Grace sets her burger down, placing her hands in her lap as she bows her head.
We haven’t raised the twins to be religious, but they’ve spent a lot of time with the Blakes, and we’ve taught them proper etiquette when others around us are praying—regardless of that person’s religion.
Jaclyn leads a brief prayer, blessing the meal we’re about to consume and thanking God for our friends and family being here today. When she’s finished, the twins launch in first.
“You’d think they didn’t have breakfast,” Andrew laughs, and I can’t help but smile.
Dinner is filled with laughter and light conversation.
Once everyone is done eating, as predicted, the twins beg for cake.
Finn and Alex clear the dishes, and I offer to retrieve the cake.
I find it off to the side in the kitchen.
Next to it is a folder labeled Preschool Paperwork.
I set it aside, propping it against the backsplash so it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of things.
It slides off again, and as I pick it up, a few papers slip out.
I mutter a few curses under my breath, but my eyes catch on the emergency contact section of the application:
Mother: Evelyn Gallagher
Father: Mickey Gallagher
Emergency Contact #1: Andrew Adams
Emergency Contact #2: Kristin Proctor
I reread it over and over—it must be an oversight on Evelyn’s part. She sneaks up behind me, but I don’t startle; I can almost always sense when she’s near me. “Surprise.”
Not looking up from the papers, I quietly ask, “Why did you list me as the father?”
“Well, you weren’t supposed to see this until after the party, but…” She steps beside me and points to the top of the page: Grace Gallagher.
“Evie,” I warn.
“Andy and I were talking, and we want the twins to have your last name. I figured it was only a matter of time before we made our marriage public, but we can change their last name from Adams before we submit the preschool paperwork. They’re your kids, Mick.
If anyone asks why you’re listed as the father, we’ll just explain you’re their stepfather, and their dad lives out of state. ”
I lift her onto the counter, and she squeaks as step between her legs. “You’ve been busy, Mrs. Gallagher.”
Kristin lets out an exasperated sigh behind me. “Can you two not fuck in the kitchen? You already knocked her up, it’s not like you can do it again.”
“You know?”
“I had my suspicions. Evie’s tired all the time and didn’t have a drop of alcohol today.” She spots the paperwork. “Oh, well that makes sense why you’re all possessive and growly. If you need me to keep everyone busy, carry on.”
“I’m not fuckin’ my wife with everyone still here,” I laugh, but pull Evie closer. “But can I steal away your boyfriend for the night? These two have been sneaking around behind my back and need to be punished.”
“You have a deal.” She smirks and cocks an eyebrow in challenge. “But… you get your wife every night. Can I spend time with my sister while you’re busy edging Andy? It’s been ages since I’ve had girlfriend time with her.”
“Um, excuse me? I’m right here,” Evie huffs, with no malice behind it, then offers me a sweet smile. “You can punish me tomorrow. I’ll have a movie night with my sister while you have fun with my best friend.”
“Then it’s settled.” Kristin takes the cake and calls over her shoulder as she leaves the kitchen, “Oh, and thanks for making me an auntie again.”
Resting my forehead on Evie’s, I breathe, “Are you sure about changing their names?”
“We all love you so much, Mick. It’s time you get your happy ending—just like Captain Wentworth.”