Donovan snorted. “Whatever. Just be on your best behavior. They’re . . . they’re family now, Garrett. I’ve told them that. I’ve told Cammie and Travis that. That not only are they my family but that my family is theirs as well. I’ve informed them of how many uncles and aunts and cousins they have, not to mention Ma and Dad.”
“And how did they take that?” Garrett asked quietly.
Donovan breathed out and glanced in the direction of the dining area to make sure they weren’t overheard. “They were overwhelmed, man. And if you could have seen the hope and the longing in their eyes. It damn near killed me. They were afraid I was going to let them go and that whatever help I was giving them was temporary.”
Garrett scowled. “I hope you dissuaded them of that notion.”
“Oh yeah, I did. I let them know in very clear terms that I wasn’t going anywhere and neither were they. And that not only did they have me in their corner but all of you as well.”
Garrett nodded. “Good. Now go introduce me to your family.”
By those words, Garrett told Donovan that he’d accepted the situation. That Donovan had his full support. Donovan knew that Garrett wouldn’t hold out, but hearing it still gave him a huge measure of relief.
Yeah, his big brothers worried about him and they even pulled the mother hen routine from time to time, but when it came down to it, they were behind him one hundred percent. Just like all the Kellys. There wasn’t another family in the world like them and Donovan wasn’t just saying that because they were his.
The Kellys were a loyal, loving, kick-ass bunch of people and Donovan wouldn’t trade them for anything.
He and Garrett walked back to the table where the others sat and Cammie was now perched on Eve’s lap, her nervousness broadcasting over the entire room. As soon as Garrett’s eyes lighted on the little girl, his entire face softened.
Garrett was gruff. Grumpy and a complete hard-ass, but he was a loyal son of a bitch. Loyal to his toes and he’d sacrifice his life for any one of his loved ones. Hell, he’d taken a bullet for Sophie. And he’d do it again for any of his sisters-in-law.
“Guys, I want you to meet my older brother Garrett. Garrett, this is Eve and her sister, Cammie, and their brother, Travis.”
Travis hastily rose, grimacing when he got up too fast. But he straightened and solemnly extended his hand toward Garrett.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir. We’ve heard a lot about you.”
Garrett eyed the teenager, respect gleaming in his eyes. He took Travis’s extended hand and shook it.
“I’m glad to meet you too, son. I’ve heard a lot about you too. Donovan is very proud of you for the way you looked out for your sisters. A lot of grown men don’t have the integrity you’ve shown.”
Travis flushed, pleasure evident in his expression over Garrett’s praise. Then Garrett turned his attention to Eve and Cammie, his smile warm and welcoming.
“Hey, little bit. I’m glad to meet you. I have another niece your age. Charlotte. I think you two will become great friends.”
It was Eve who looked immeasurably pleased by the fact that Garrett had called Cammie his niece. She’d picked up on his acceptance and even now, a glitter of tears shone in her eyes. She looked briefly away as if to compose herself and not become too emotional. But Garrett didn’t miss it.
“I brought you a special treat, Cammie,” Garrett said, keeping his tone light, though he kept his gaze on Eve.
Cammie perked up, a shy smile emerging around her thumb. Her hand slipped away, allowing the tip of her thumb to rest on her lips. “What is it?”