When A Man Loves A Woman(5)

Some days his desire to go inward was stronger than others. Today was that sort of day. Perhaps it was because there were guests here today. Friends of the family. All he wanted was a quiet place to think.

He let out a relieved sigh as he let himself in through the screened in porch door that led from outside to his parents’ kitchen. Phew. A moment of quiet amidst the storm. Escaping from the backyard party had required more finesse than he’d ever imagined. Brandon’s son, AJ, had been trailing after him all afternoon, and although he was an amazing kid, Mac wanted to be alone. So he could think straight. So he could figure out how he was going to proceed with tracking down Mrs. Worther, the guardian angel at the foster care agency who had placed all the Donahue boys with their adoptive parents.

The creak of the porch door opening caused him to heave a different kind of sigh. A quick glance confirmed that his older brother, Blue, had entered the kitchen with his newborn baby, Faith. Mac couldn’t even be annoyed. Not really. Baby Faith was just about the most adorable thing he’d ever seen in his life. She fascinated him with her daintiness and innocence.

“So, Mac, I wanted to talk to you about something.” Blue was cradling Faith against his chest. She was making little mewling sounds that were increasing in intensity. They were not happy noises.

Mac narrowed his gaze at his older brother. Blue was getting to be a bit predictable. He’d been trying to set him up on dates for the last few months. He’d gone on a few and they’d all been duds. A few minutes ago he’d seen Blue and Sarah in the backyard with their heads together. No doubt they had been plotting and planning his romantic future.

Did they really think he minded being the only single Donahue brother? The thought made him want to laugh out loud. He was way more comfortable flying solo than he could ever be if he was joined at the hip with a girlfriend.

Blue began wildly bouncing Faith in his arms.

“You’re doing it wrong. Give her to me,” Mac ordered.

“I got it,” Blue said stubbornly.

“Watch and learn,” Mac said as he gently scooped up Faith into his arms and began to rock from side to side. She immediately quieted down. Blue shook his head in disbelief.

“How are you so good at that?”

Mac shrugged. “I’m the baby whisperer,” he teased, earning a grin from his brother.

“So, no pressure, but there’s someone we want you to take out.” Blue’s tone was casual. His hands were jammed in his front pockets.

“I don’t want to be set up.” Not again! He wanted to say. Why did all of his brothers try to set him up with their single female acquaintances? Did he reek of desperation?

“Hey, I hear you. Blind dates are awkward. But Sarah and I were thinking that you might change your mind if it’s actually someone you know.”

Mac raised an eyebrow at his brother. “Who is she?”

“Delilah. Sarah’s sister.”

“No,” Mac said in a curt voice that brooked no argument.

Blue frowned. Mac could spot the look of annoyance on his face from a mile away. “Why not? She’s beautiful. Smart. Sweet.”

“And your sister-in-law. That’s way too close for comfort.”

“Don’t be so intractable!” Blue seethed. “Delilah is amazing.”

“She’s such a lovely girl,” Maggie trilled. “Just like Sarah.”

Mac whirled around to find his mother standing in the doorway leading to the hallway, a thrilled grin lighting up her face. “The two of you would look so nice together. Just think of the babies.”

He let out a groan. “Mom, come on. Not you too!”

Maggie crossed her hands in front of her. “We just want to see you settled.”

“How many ways can I say this? I do not want to go out on a date with Delilah Dalton. Not now. Not tomorrow. Not ever.”

Another sound caused him to whirl in the direction of the screened-in porch door. His sister-in-law, Sarah, stood there with her sister, Delilah, their hands loaded with dirty plates and serving bowls. Judging by the looks on their faces, they’d both overheard him.

Sarah frowned at him, her pretty features appearing harsh as she glared at him. He wasn’t sure if he was imagining it or not, but he almost thought he spotted tears shimmering in Delilah’s eyes. He watched as Delilah placed the dishes in the sink and made a fast path out of the house. Sarah placed her dishes on the kitchen table with a bang.

His sister-in-law took a step toward him and jabbed him in his chest with her finger. “Nice, Mac. Really really nice.” She took off after her sister.

Blue shook his head at him. “Thanks, Mac, for creating the most awkward situation ever,” he said in a low voice.