Shattered Girl (Emmy)

Chapter 38

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.

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

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

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

into Drew's chest, chuckling. "I hope when we are their age, we still act like

will angle." Drew said, smiling as I

14

I said that out loud, didn't I?" I tried to cover my

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

1

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