The Way We Score: A small-town, accidental pregnancy, sports romance. (The Bradford Boys)

The moon is full tonight, and even at this hour, it casts a silver glow over the wide path. It’s a short walk to her mom’s cottage, but we’re taking it slow. We’re taking everything slow, considering how much water is under this bridge.

In the past, when we were teens, she’d hop on my back, and I’d hold her legs as we made this walk. Her arms would be around my shoulders, and her cheek would be right next to mine.

Sometimes she’d tilt her head to the side to tell me something, and her lips would brush my ear or my neck. Sometimes I’d turn my face and kiss her for it.

Soft lips, cherry lip gloss. I remember her sleeping over at our house, starting on the couch and ending in my bed, her body draped over mine, kissing those lips again and again.

Now, walking beside me, she’s like a beautiful vision. The moon tips her hair in shiny light, and I want to reach down and take her hand, thread our fingers.

The water washes against the sandy shore, and I look out at the bay. I think about the old sailors who’d been out to sea a long time seeing land for the first time. They’d fall to their knees and weep for joy.

In a way, that’s me. I’d pushed these feelings down so far, I didn’t realize how strong they were until she came into my sight again.

“Dylan showed us the video from tonight.” She grins up at me. “You guys were having a lot of fun.”

“Yeah,” I nod thinking about the party. “Logan’s a good sport.”

“Isn’t his dad some kind of billionaire, media mogul?”

“Yeah, but Logan’s not like that. He likes a good joke.”

“He’d better, considering the crew he’s marrying into.”

Exhaling a laugh, I remember Logan’s protest at getting a surprise lap dance. First he tried to fight it out of consideration for Dylan, but when the music started and he saw us prancing out, everything flipped.

Being with my brothers and Logan and Craig, seeing how comfortable and easy they all are, having fun and enjoying life, it made me wonder why I’m still so far away. Only a few years ago New York felt like where I belonged. Now I feel like an orphan in the big city.

“It looked like you girls had fun, too.” I glance over to where she’s sliding a long piece of copper-colored hair over her shoulder. “Allie said all the purple drink was gone.”

“Gah, that purple drink,” she groans. “It’s like straight alcohol!”

“I heard y’all got a little crazy.”

“Not too wild.” Her eyes dance up to mine, and they’re almost pure green, outlined in gold. We’re at her mom’s house, and she turns to me. “I think Dylan’ll be okay, and I’m planning to sleep in. You’d better get some rest, too. You’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

“I walk down an aisle.” I hold out my hands. “I don’t have to say anything. I’m not even in the spotlight.”

“You’re always in the spotlight.” A tease is in her tone.

She puts her hand on the ornate iron railing and takes a step up.

I take a step closer. “Maybe we can dance again… at the wedding.” I want to keep her here with me a little longer, but I’m fumbling for what to say to make her stay. “I liked dancing with you the other night.”

Holding her in my arms was pretty incredible.

She nods, exhaling with a wistful smile. “I liked it, too.”

She takes another step up, and I take another step closer. “Liv?”

She hesitates, looking down at me confused. “Yes?”

“I was just thinking, it’s really late.”

“I know.” Her brow quirks.

“I heard somebody say one time, what happens after midnight doesn’t count.”

I move closer, and now I’m on the step just below her. At my height, it puts our faces on the same level. I’m close enough to inhale the soft jasmine of her skin, to see the way her lashes flutter as she blinks down to my chest.

“What doesn’t count?” Her voice is a soft whisper.

“Like if I kissed you goodnight… Would that be okay?” I’m holding the reins, but my voice cracks with the longing twisting in my chest. How would it feel to have one more hit of cherry lips? “Just for old times sake?”

Her thick lashes flutter, and I’m hanging by a thread.

“I don’t know…” She seems to be filtering through all the reasons. “Is that a good idea?”

I swallow the air in my throat. “That’s the best part. It’s after midnight, so it doesn’t count.”

Green eyes capture mine, so serious. “I think for us it always counts.”

Moving slowly, I put my hand on her waist, remembering how good it felt to hold her close when we danced, remembering how good it all felt.

“Sure, but this time…” My voice is quiet. “It’ll be our secret.”

She puts her hand on my shoulder, and I take another step. Now I’m all the way close, looking down at her bright eyes, her pillow lips, dewy in the moonlight. Her breasts rise with her breath, slightly faster, and I’m so tired of fighting. It’s so late, and not so long ago we were both asleep mere inches apart.

“It’s still night.” I move closer. “Pretend it’s a dream.”

A wish. A memory…

Her body sways closer to mine, and we’re chest to chest. I don’t know who caves first, but another breath and we’re together.

My warm lips cover her full ones, and they slide before parting. Tongues curl and caress, and breaths mingle. My arms tighten around her waist, and I pull her, lifting her fully against my body.

Her fingers curl at my neck before moving higher to trace into my hair. She whimpers softly and a low groan vibrates in my chest. My arms tighten at her waist, and hers wrap around my neck. We’re clinging to each other like we can’t get enough.

Faster kisses, my lips nip and pull hers before tracing a line to her jaw. Dragging my teeth along her skin, I could devour her. She exhales a whimper, and my dick jumps.

Fuck, I can’t even let my mind go to sex. It’s too much.

We’re holding so tightly, but she’s the first to break the spell. Her body stiffens, and her hands unclasp, sliding down to my biceps before stopping, gently pushing.

“We’re really tired, and it’s late. We shouldn’t let things get… blurry.” Her voice is thick now, and it’s physically painful to let her go.

Nothing about this moment for me is blurry. It’s sharp as glass. I want her.

Still, I can’t force her.

Nodding, I don’t speak through the ache in my throat. I lift my hand, lightly tracing the line of her jaw, forcing a smile, before turning away and practically jogging back the way I came.

“I don’t say this much anymore, but I wish I could see right now.” Miss Gina leans against my bicep as I walk her down the aisle to a vaguely familiar classical song. “Everything feels magical.”

The elaborate gardens of Miss Gina’s huge, Italian-style mansion on the bluffs north of Newhope are decorated with white twinkle lights in all the trees and shrubs. White flowers are wrapped around trellises and columns, and the towering crepe myrtle trees are adorned in lights and white ribbons.

I don’t know much about decorating or throwing weddings, but this place looks pretty damned good. Craig is in the back in a suit, directing people to their seats, and somewhere his boyfriend Clint is overseeing everything happening today.

“It’s something to see,” I lean down to speak softly in Miss G’s ear. “They’ve got white flowers all over the place, and some kind of sheer fabric over the arch. Those little white Christmas lights are strung in the trees and over the arches. They’re pretty much everywhere.”

“It sounds breathtaking!” Her blind eyes flicker to the sky, and her face glows with happiness. “I’m so glad they had it here.”

“Dylan’s been in love with this place all her life.” I give her a nudge. “Then she met you.”

“I don’t know why she wanted an old maid in her wedding. Isn’t that some kind of bad luck?”

I almost laugh. “I don’t know how it would be, since it’s her wedding. I think having you here is a little like having our mom with us.”

Dylan’s never said it, but I suspect she thinks of Miss Gina as her surrogate mom.

“Garrett, that’s so sweet.” Miss Gina lifts a slim, trembling finger to her lips. “I never thought anyone would think of me that way.”

I hold her hand and wrap my arm around her shoulders, gently pulling her into a hug. “I think you’d be surprised how many people would like to think of you that way. If it wouldn’t be too presumptive.”

We’re at the front with Logan, and I release her. He gives us a grin, and I lift my chin at my best friend. Who knew he’d come here and steal my little sister’s heart? Who knew she’d steal his right back?

The music continues, and I watch as Hendrix escorts Raven down the short aisle. Their lips move almost imperceptibly, but their eyes dance. I can tell they’re cracking jokes the entire way, and I grin. This is an interesting development I’ll be keeping my eye on.

Next up is Zane and Rachel. His brow is set, his expression is serious, but Rachel holds his arm smiling at the familiar faces in the crowd. Her light hair hangs in soft waves around her shoulders, and she holds Zane’s arm so tightly.

I’d think she was clinging, but when they get to the front he looks down at her with an intensity that removes any doubt. My older brother is in deep smit. I’ve never seen him so in love.

Jack and Allie are right behind them, and Jack’s as serious as Zane. At the same time, he gives a little smile when he sees a face he recognizes.

With his square jaw, blue eyes, and straight white smile, I swear, our oldest brother is too perfect. He was a legendary quarterback before he walked away to take care of us. Now he’s turning out legendary players at the high school.

Allie dips her chin, and her thick, dark hair slides in a shiny curtain across her cheek. She says something, and he covers her hand with his so fast. His brow lowers, but she shakes her head. Still his shoulders are tense and ready.

Twisting my lips, I have to fight rolling my eyes. My brother might act like he’s immune, but he doesn’t miss a breath where Allie is concerned—or her son. One of these days he’s going to crack. I’m only worried I’ll be too far away to give him shit for it.

Kimmie is up next, skipping down the aisle in a little-girl white tulle dress with a big yellow ribbon. She has a basket of ivory petals she scatters along the way, and a black-and-white kitten chases after her. I’m pretty sure she’s taunting it.

Edward and Austin follow her. They’re dressed in suits and ties, and Edward’s expression is dead serious. He leans down to grab the miscreant kitten, quickly tucking it under his arm. Austin only grins, like the blossoming first-string quarterback he is, cocky but sweet.

It’s our family, and I study them all, thinking how each of us fits exactly where we should be.

The music changes, and everyone stands. My throat tightens, and I’m caught off guard by the surge in my chest when my baby sister steps into the aisle. Thomas escorts her, and his chin is lifted. He’s so proud, and she holds his arm so tightly.

Fuck, I swallow the knot in my throat, doing my best not to cry. I knew this was coming. Dylan told us Thomas was the closest thing we have to our dad. They played ball together. They started the restaurant together. He works with her every day in the kitchen, helping with recipes, guiding her steps. At every major holiday, the two of them prepare all the meals.

Now he’s walking her down the aisle, filling in for our dad, and it’s exactly right.

Dylan lifts her chin, and she’s beautiful. Her dress is straight, ivory lace, and over her head is a long veil extending to the floor in front and back. Her dark hair hangs in thick waves down her back, and her amber eyes shine as they focus on Logan. Cutting my eyes to my friend, I see his jaw tighten. He blinks a few times quickly, and his lips part.

He’s seeing his future, and I can’t lie, I almost feel like I get it. My eyes leave them to travel into the crowd, to find Liv. She’s tapping her eyes with a tissue, and she leans closer to her mom.

Pastor Conrad steps forward to conduct the ceremony, and I gaze around the perfectly planned venue. The sun is setting behind the house, and the sea breeze lifts the curtains and the ladies’ skirts. It ruffles my hair, and when my eyes return to the guests, I watch it slide Liv’s long bangs over her eyes.

She reaches up to move them away, and I remember the feel of her slim fingers in the back of my hair. I think of my hands around her waist.

Our kiss has been on my mind ever since it happened. I told her it didn’t count, but damn, that was a lie. I don’t think it was just me, either. The soft noise that slipped from her throat as I kissed her deeper haunted my mind all night. I had to adjust my fly every time I thought of it.

Now she’s sitting out there beside her mother, and I’m trying not to wish this would all hurry up and finish. I’m so ready to touch her again.

The pastor asks for the rings, and I watch as Kimmie skips forward with her basket. Edward very seriously takes a velvet pouch from his pocket, placing it on the Bible before stepping back.

It’s the final step in the process, and I glance down the row at all the girls dabbing their eyes. Dylan gazes up at Logan as they say the words, With this ring, I thee wed.

My sister raises her hands, helping her husband lift the veil off her face, and once it’s gone, he looks at her like he’s discovered a new land.

Devotion glows in his eyes as she steps forward. My sister gazes up at him with so much love. Their lips unite, and the entire place erupts with clapping and whistles, cheering and cat-calls. Everyone has been waiting for this moment.

They’re pronounced husband and wife, and finally, it’s time to party.

“Why did I drink so much purple drink last night?” Allie holds her small bouquet over her forehead, leaning hard on the table.

“You must’ve had more than I did.” Liv slides a hand over her shoulders. “I’m not feeling too bad today.”

“I was sampling the recipe as I mixed it.” Allie moans.

“Here.” Jack puts a plate of tiny meatballs and small, round toasts in front of her. “See if that helps.”

“My hero!” she cries, grabbing the plastic fork and stabbing one. “Give me five more of these, and I might come back to life.

Clapping erupts from the other side of the patio, and I glance over to see Dylan and Logan emerge through the French doors leading to Miss Gina’s elaborate foyer.

“Thank God they let us escape. I’m going to be green in every wedding photo.” Allie squints at the crowd. “Is that Logan’s dad?”

Sure enough, Kellan Murphy stands near the front of the group to the right of the doors. He’s dressed in a clearly expensive wool suit, and his chiseled face is not smiling as always.

“We should introduce him to Aunt Thelma.” Our grandmother’s youngest sister is lurking around somewhere in her old lady brown dress and matching jacket.

She drove all the way down here from Birmingham, and I bet all she’ll do is nit-pick everything.

“She brought Kimmie an American Girl doll.” Hendrix snorts from where he’s standing beside Raven. “Kimmie screamed and ran away crying.”

“I told Aunt Thelma she doesn’t like the eyes.” Jack slides his hand down the front of his suit coat, seeming frustrated. “She never listens. Dylan didn’t like them either.”

Raising my voice, I lift a chin at my brother. “She needs to show Aunt Thelma her cooter.”

Rachel leans forward, almost doing a spit-take, and Allie collapses on Liv’s shoulder laughing.

“What other choice does she have?” Liv nods, and that does it.

I’m not letting this girl go without at least another kiss.

Everyone’s lining up for food, but now that the bride and groom are here, the DJ cranks up the music. It’s time to make my move.

“Are you hungry?” I lean down to take Liv’s hand.

A hint of a smile is on her lips, and her nose wrinkles. “I had a little snack before we came, so I’m okay for now.”

“Good. Let’s dance.”

The first notes of that old song “Shivers” begin, and I lead her to the dance floor. We’re not the only ones skipping the line. Dylan’s veil is gone as she squeals trotting over to join us in the patio space marked off as a dance floor.

“My favorite dance partners!” Her hands go over her head, and her hips twist.

White lace spins around us, but my eyes are on Liv. Our bodies are together, and we groove, closer than ever, letting the rhythm move us in time.

The knee-length skirt of her coral dress swishes around her long legs, and my hands are on her waist. Light sparkles in her eyes, and she smiles up at me like she’s having as much fun as I am.

When the song changes to another old one by One Direction about stealing my girl, I can’t hold back a laugh. “Really, Cray? Did you make this playlist?”

“With Dylan’s help!” Craig struts onto the floor holding the hand of a tall guy in a tan suit, who I assume is formerly closeted Clint.

When Dylan sees them, she squeals and slow-struts in time to the music over to where they’re dancing—if you can dance to this.

The three of them hold hands rocking their hips side to side, until Logan leaves his dad on the sidelines and walks straight across the floor to pull her into his arms.

Leaning down, he kisses her nose. “Nobody’s stealing my girl.”

I glance back at his dad, and for the first time since I’ve known him, Kellan Murphy breaks into a smile. He’s proud of his son, and Logan is so wrapped up in his wife and his new life, it doesn’t even matter anymore.

“What’s that look about?” Liv’s hands are on my shoulders, and she’s studying my face.

“Good things are going to happen tonight.” My eyes return to her pretty ones before sliding over her shiny hair down her cute nose to her bright eyes.

“I’d say they already have.”

“And we’re just getting started.”

The song changes to something by Justin Bieber, and the DJ comes on to announce the bride and groom’s first dance as a married couple. It’s something about a lifetime, and I catch Liv’s hand, leading her off the floor. We go to where Allie and Rachel are standing side by side, arms around each others’ waists as they wipe away tears.

“Stop!” Liv waves her hand at them. “You’re going to make me cry, too!”

My brow furrows, and I feel like I’m missing something. “Why is everybody crying?”

“Uncle Grizzlaaaaay!” That little voice shifts the mood.

The slapping of small patent-leather shoes on flagstone announces my niece running at top speed in my direction. I drop to a squat, and little arms go around my neck as I lift her off the ground.

“You did a great job tonight, Peanut!” She’s crawling out of my arms, and she nearly pulls my coat off trying to get onto my back. “Hang on.”

“Let me help you.” Liv steps over, adjusting my little monkey-niece into her preferred spot. “You’re just a natural at piggyback rides.”

Liv stands in front of me with her arms crossed and laughter dancing in her eyes. I’m not sure anything could feel more right in this moment.

“Aunt Thelma brought me a Chucky doll!” Kimmie’s pouty voice is in my ear. “I started crying and Daddy fussed at me. He said I was too big to cry over a silly doll, but Uncle Hendrix said those dolls come alive at night and I don’t want that ugly doll chasing me when I sleep!”

She buries her little face in the side of my neck. My eyes meet Liv’s wide ones, and I take a turn away from the sounds of music playing. I have a lot of plans for tonight, but they’re going to have to wait.

Following the path, I walk around to where a raised platform sits under a flower-covered arch. The bay is visible through the posts, and with the sun setting on the water, it’s peaceful and lovely.

“Come here.” I sit on the platform, and she stands up behind me, walking around to sit on my lap. I take her little hand in mine. “You know when Aunt Dee was a little girl like you, Aunt Thelma gave her one of those dolls every year at Christmas.”

Her little head nods, and her lips poke out. It’s funny how much she looks like Dylan at this age.

“I hid them all in the closet, and when Aunt DeeDee found them, she screamed, too. Lightning McQueen said he would protect me, but he’s too busy getting married.”

I swallow my laugh, both at her variation on Logan’s nickname and imagining my sister opening a closet full of American Girl dolls.

“I don’t think those dolls mean to scare little girls. I think they want to play with you and be your friend.”

“But Uncle Hendrix said⁠—”

“He was making a joke when he said that.” Her round eyes lift to mine, and I can tell that isn’t going to cut it. “Still, I bet that new doll would feel a lot better with the other dolls, don’t you?”

Kimmie nods so fast and hard, I’m worried she’ll give herself a whiplash. “She needs to be with all those other bad dolls!”

“I’m not saying she’s a bad doll. I’m just saying we’d all probably be happier if she stayed in Aunt Dee’s closet with her friends instead of going home with you. Yeah?” Again she nods hard, and I chuckle, giving her side a poke. “I’ll talk to your dad and take that doll home with me, but you can’t tell Aunt Thelma, okay?”

Another serious look, and she lifts her little finger, crossing her heart and lifting her elbow, doing her best to bring it to her mouth.

“What are you doing?”

“Trying to kiss my elbow.”

“Well, stop. You look like something’s wrong with you.” Reaching out, I grab her around the waist, standing and holding her at my side like a sack of potatoes. “Now let’s get back to the party!”

She lets out the happy little-girl squeal I was hoping for. “Uncle Grizzlaaaay! Put me down!”

“What?” I yell. “I can’t hear you over the music!”

She starts kicking her feet, and I lower her to the ground. The moment her shoes touch pavement, she’s off running at top speed. “I’ll show Aunt Thelma my cooter!”

I chuckle watching her zoom straight to the dance floor, and Liv pushes off a column, where I guess she was waiting or watching, eyes narrowed with a smile.

“I didn’t even tell her to do that.”

She shakes her head. “Has anybody ever told you you’re pretty good with kids?”

Reaching out, I pull her to me by the waist. “I’ve had a lot of practice.”

“I know, I was there, but you’re especially good.” Her hands rest on the lapels of my jacket. “Not all men seem to get that message.”

“What message?” My voice is low, and I lean down to catch her eyes.

They flicker up to mine, and she shrugs. “Being good with kids is sexy.”

The charge between us flashes, and I nod. “Never thought of it that way, but good to know.”

“Very good.” She turns, stepping out of my embrace but sliding her hand down my arm.

I stand for a moment, watching the sway of her hips as she walks to the dance floor. It only takes a minute for me to snap out of my daze and hustle right after her.