Shattered Girl (Emmy)

Michael, still grumbling to himself, walked over to Patrick's mother, who was still sitting on Liam's lap. He leaned down, kissed her, then picked her up off Liam's lap, set her on the ground, smacked her butt as he walked around the island, and began cutting up the remaining vegetables. Sharron just shook her head and started pulling things from the fridge. Liam stood up, gathering plates and silverware, and set the table.

I loved how Patrick's parents interacted with each other, and I could picture the guys and I being like that someday. Patrick had led me back to the couch and cuddled next to me. Placing a kiss on my head, we began to talk quietly about our day. Our phones went off almost simultaneously. I saw Jake's message that they would be at the house in about ten minutes. I told Patrick, and he let the rest of the family know.

A few minutes later, Conner entered the kitchen, going straight to his wife and kissing her. He gave Michael and Liam each a slap on the shoulder and came over to greet Patrick and I. It was strange seeing the head of the most powerful crime family in the city sitting on the couch with us in a t-shirt and shorts. It was all so ordinary it was hard for me to wrap my head around it.

We chatted with Conner about our day, how fascinating the fish and other creatures were, meeting the two penguins, and our plan to help

with the next rehab release. As we talked, Conner's phone alerted us that a car was at the gate.

A few minutes later, the guys walked in, and I went over to greet them, giving each a kiss before returning to the couch. All four guys entered the kitchen, greeting Shannon with hugs and kisses. After they greeted everyone, Jake stayed in the kitchen, helping Shannon bring plates of food outside for lan to start grilling. The rest of the guys came to greet Conner.

Shannon called Patrick, who kissed my head and then went to help his mother bring various plates and bowels to the table. Drew came over to me, picked me up, and sat down with me in his lap. Josh and Mike are on either side of him. I began to talk excitedly about my day and my experience at the aquarium. As I was talking about the rehab work the aquarium did, Conner politely interrupted.

"You know, dear, the local university has an excellent Zoology and Marine Science program. They do quite a bit of work at the local zoo and aquarium. Is that something you would be interested in pursuing?" I paused, thinking about the chance of doing something I knew I would enjoy. "Thank you for that idea, Conner; I will have to look into it more. I'm not ready to start this semester, but I will look at the possibility of spring classes." I was excited to research what the university had to offer. "Well, you let me know what you decide; I know someone in admissions, as well as several professors that teach there." Conner said, standing up and quietly walking up to Shannon from behind and swinging her into his arms. She shrieked, swatting him on the shoulder before giving him a long kiss. Good Lord Conner, you frightened me." Shannon scolded. She gave him another kiss, and he set her back on her feet; leaning over, Conner whispered something in her ear that made her blush and swat him again before handing him a bowl of dinner rolls and pointing him toward the table.

I leaned back into Drew's chest, chuckling. "I hope when we are their age, we still act like that," I said quietly. Drew tightened his arms around me.

"I have no doubt we will angle." Drew said, smiling as I turned bright red.

14

Crap, I said that out loud, didn't I?" I tried to cover my face, but Drew trapped my hands before I could.

"Yes, you did, baby girl and I now have a new goal to make sure we are all still that loving toward you by the time we are their age." I smiled at Josh, thanking him for his sweet promise and for not teasing me about my random verbal thoughts.

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It was about this time when lan came in carrying a plate loaded with steaks and roasted veggies that smelled amazing. My stomach gave an embarrassingly loud growl that made me blush again. All the guys laughed this time. Drew placed me on my feet and, standing up, led me to the table, pulling out a chair for me. Jake and Josh snuck into the chairs on either side of me, and Drew inoved to an empty seat, "giving the twins a grumpy look. I giggled at their antics and took the plate that Jake had filled for me. 1/2 Chapter 38

I had so much fun at dinner; the food was excellent, and for the first time in my life, I felt like I might have adults I could look up to. Patrick's dads were all so sweet and kind to Shannon; while they teased and gave each other a hard time, there was no jealousy. They ensured that Sharron had everything she needed, refilling her glass of water and offering her more food when her plate was empty.

My guys were doing the same, ensuring I had plenty to eat and refilling my water every time I took a drink. Once everyone was done eating, I stood to bring my empty plate into the kitchen, but Josh stopped me, telling me he would take care of it and telling Jake to make sure my arm was elevated as he pointed me in the direction of the couch, with a gentle slap on my butt I went. Jake followed close behind

me.

Once Jake had settled me on the couch with my arm resting on a pillow, Patrick and Shannon joined us. Josh, Drew, and Mike were helping Patrick's dads clean up the kitchen. Shannon got comfortable and began asking me questions. After I glanced at Patrick, and he gave me a nod, assuring me that I could say anything I wanted, I began to answer her questions.