Chapter 39

39

T his is hands down one of the most entertaining evenings of my life. It started out awkward since there were so many personalities in one space, but everyone relaxed when we added fantastic food and beer to the mix. Bellies full, we're all sitting around the fire pit, nursing beers—all except Charlie, of course. Jack made her a pitcher of mocktails to enjoy. Her guys weren't going to drink, but she had insisted, saying that this may very well be the last get-together before the baby is born and she wants to see them enjoying themselves and letting loose. I'm sitting across from Pen and her crew–the perfect vantage point to observe them. Over the course of the evening, all five guys introduced themselves to me, and I have to say, I'm more than a little impressed, and I can't fucking wait to watch them figure it all out.

The first to introduce themselves were Spencer and Archer—two best friends who came over together from the US. Benson has a mop of curly brown hair and gray-blue eyes. He's the jokester of the bunch. Archer has a buzz cut, looks like he works out twice a day, and is covered with tattoos, judging by the ink peeking out of his shirtsleeves. Next up is Sammy, a giant of a man from England. Smooth dark skin wrapped over bulging muscles, complimented by locks to his shoulders, dimples, and an accent to die for. Jamie introduced himself by bringing me a beer when he noticed mine was empty. Bright green eyes seemed to take in every detail as we talked, my eyes constantly drawn to the fullness of his lips, and his cute Irish accent. Liam was the last to introduce himself. He did me the honor of sitting next to me at dinner, regaling me with stories of the ranch he grew up on in Australia, his leather cowboy hat hanging on the back of his chair, ruddy skin blushing every time Pen caught him staring.

Now that we're all sitting around the fire, I finally have a chance to observe the six of them together, and I'm almost positive Pen straight-up lied to me earlier. The way they look at each other and hold back from touching each other. There is something there; she's just not ready to share it with the world. And that's completely fine. Pen has always held things close to her chest, and if this relationship is precious to her, it will be a long while before she's ready to share. Before she's ready for strangers to pick it apart. It makes me feel guilty that I'm surrounded by people that understand and support me. I'm so grateful for Charlie paving the path for me, but that means we need to somehow create the same thing for Pen. My guys and I are due for a trip to Pen's pub and an extended stay in town. We'll get people used to poly relationships so she's not the first they've seen. I can handle people judging me, but hell if I let them judge my sweet Penelope. One of the guys gets up, leaving a seat next to Pen, and I jump at the chance to talk with her.

"I've missed you." I grab her hand and squeeze it as I sit in the empty chair beside her.

"I've missed you guys, too. The last year has been an absolute whirlwind."

"Right? We need to make the time to see each other–especially now that there will be a baby in the family again." I take a sip of my beer, eyeing her, trying to decide how much to say. "You guys look pretty cozy," I hedge, trying not to grin but failing miserably .

"I don't want to say something to jinx it, but I really like them, Isla. A lot."

"I can see that."

"I'm insane, aren't I?"

"No more insane than Charlie or I."

"Except I am. How can I give five guys everything they need in a relationship?"

"There isn't a limit to your love, Pen. If they're happy and you're happy, then it's working. Just relax and enjoy it. It's much more fun that way, trust me."

She sighs. "They may not even all be on board with it."

"You haven't had that conversation yet?"

Pen shakes her head. "I'm too scared. Every time one of them tries to bring it up, I do something to distract them, like start a fire or faint.”

"Pen!" I can't help but giggle at her panic-stricken features.

"I don't want to lose any of them, Isla. They’re my best friends”

"Maybe the guys and I can visit and get the ball rolling. Get them used to the idea and see how a relationship like that would work."

"I think that's an excellent idea." She takes a sip of her beer, the tension leaving her body.

"I think it's time for me to call it a night," Charlie says, stifling a yawn as she tries to stand up. Cam jumps to his feet and grips her forearm, helping her to her feet. I hug her tightly, then watch as she waddles into the house surrounded by her men. I can't believe they're going to have a baby in two weeks. Tears immediately fill my eyes at the thought. I'm so happy for them.

"You okay?" Pen asks softly, swiping a tear from my cheek.

"Yes," I whisper, swallowing hard. "I just can't believe how much things have changed. A year ago, I would have never dreamed any of us would be where we are now."

"It's a fucking miracle, isn't it?" I laugh, grab a paper towel, and wipe my nose, trying to get my emotions back under control. "I hate to leave, but work starts at five in the morning, and I don't want one of the guys to get hurt because they didn't get enough sleep. "

"You guys aren't driving back tonight, are you?"

"Yes, but we have to leave now, or we'll miss the ferry," she says, pulling out her phone to check the time.

I wrap her in my arms, burying my face in her shoulder. "I've missed you, Pen. Let me know what day works best for you, and I'll bring the guys out to see your place."

"Deal. Love you, Isla."

"Love you, too," I whisper, releasing her and watching her usher her crew out like a mother hen.

"You're really lucky, you know," Henry murmurs, hugging me from behind, his chin resting on top of my head.

"Why's that?"

"Your family is amazing."

"They are, aren't they? And how lucky is Pen to have found a crew that cares about her so much and gets along so well?"

"It's not hard when they're all united by one thing."

"What do you mean?" I ask, pulling his hand up and kissing each of his knuckles.

"They're all head over heels for her, Isla."

"You think?"

"I know. I was watching them the entire night."

"That makes me happy. She deserves to have people who are willing to move mountains for her."

"I love how you love, baby girl," he says softly, turning me into his chest and hugging me tightly. I breathe him in, relaxing in his embrace. All of the outside noise disappears, and I'm home. I break away from him when I hear the clink of glass bottles as Dylan and Theo start to clean up. Between the four of us, the entire house is sparkling in under twenty minutes.

"Now what?" Dylan asks once we're finished, glancing at his watch. "It's not even nine-thirty yet."

"Well, we all know what the weekends are supposed to be for..." Henry says, giving me an exaggerated wink.

"What do you think, Sunflower?" Theo asks, stepping up behind me and sliding his hand inside my pants, palming my ass cheek .

Fuck.

"I think I have a couple more hours in me," I murmur, turning to look up at him. I stretch on my tiptoes to press my lips against his.

"Movie and popcorn?" Dylan asks, threading his fingers through mine, turning my chin to capture my lips with his. I nod, moaning as they sandwich me between them, desire roaring through my blood.