I feel the tremor in Brooke’s hand as I lead her into the airport. It’s only slight, but enough to tell me that she’s more nervous than she’s let on about meeting my sister and her husband.

Once we’re in the air conditioning and away from the doors, I tug her closer and wrap an arm around her shoulders. “There is nothing to worry about,” I whisper against the top of her head before I place a tender kiss there. “Sirena will love you, and she’ll be happy to see me happy. She’s been more worried about my single status than I have.” I kiss Brooke again and catch sight of Garrett wrestling with their two-month-old son over the top of Brooke's head.

My grin widens as I watch Sirena snuggle up to her husband and fretting son. “They’re here,” I tell Brooke, and wrap her hand with mine as I tug her closer to the new arrivals.

Sirena sees me first and rushes into my arms, her grip tight as she wraps her arms around my shoulders. I reluctantly let go of Brooke’s hand so that I can hold onto my sister.

Brooke laughs and steps back until her eyes land on Garrett, their luggage, and, of course, my nephew. I follow her movements as she moves closer to Garrett. They exchange a few words and then, to my astonishment, Garrett hands Elias over to her. He settles immediately.

I tap Sirena on the back and when she looks up, I nod my head toward her husband and Brooke.

“Oh,” she murmurs. “That’s the most settled he’s been in a couple of hours.”

“Perhaps he could tell that you and Garrett were tired.” I shrug and follow Sirena.

My sister grins. “So Michael, you’ve been holding out on me.” She wiggles her brows and Brooke chuckles, her smile is for me though as she meets my gaze.

“Sirena, Garrett, this is Brooke Jordan.” I grin and slip my arm around her shoulders. “She’s my girl, in case you wondered.”

Sirena rolls her eyes. “Honestly Michael, I’m not blind or stupid.” Winking she adds, “And anyone with eyes can see she’s yours.” She turns to Brooke. “Would you mind holding him while we get to the car. My ears are still ringing.”

“I don’t mind at all.” Brooke grins down at Elias who is wide-awake and staring back at her. “I love babies, and he’s just so cute.”

Sirena gives me the eyes, meaning don’t let her get away. I shake my head and, unable to stop touching Brooke, I wrap my arm around her waist while I say hello to my nephew, who only has eyes for my girl.

Sirena chuckles but my gaze lands on Garrett, who looks amused. My brother-in-law coughs, but doesn’t quite hide the smirk.

“Let’s get to the hotel so Sirena can try and sleep.”

“Mitchell offered the use of his car, so it’s parked directly outside. Let’s load it up.” I quickly kiss Brooke on the side of her face, and lead Garrett outside with the luggage.

“How was the flight?”

“Long.” He loads a suitcase into the trunk. “I forgot how tiring it is flying long distance.” He shakes his head and looks toward Sirena. “Elias wasn’t too bad, until he started a couple of hours ago. There was no stopping him.” He tosses another suitcase into the trunk, storing it away. “At least he made it known how strong his lungs are.”

“I’ve heard them before.” I chuckle.

“So,” Garrett says, leaning against the car, “is she the daughter Mitchell is trying to marry off?”

I quickly shake my head. “No.” I laugh. “That’s the older one, Carrie.” I smile softly as Brooke walks beside Sirena, while carrying Elias. “I took one look at Brooke and was lost.” I frown. “I just wish her sister wouldn’t keep interfering.” I sigh and join Garrett. “There’s something wrong with her and it worries me. I don’t trust her, and I’m really hoping Brooke doesn’t either.”

“Is she jealous of Brooke?”

“Maybe she is. Brooke has so much more going for her than Carrie. Carrie is the typical party girl, whereas Brooke is more comfortable at home and around her family. Although I do get the feeling something has changed recently. I should imagine you’ll see what I mean at some point.”

“Probably, since Mitchell has invited us to dinner while we’re on the island.”

I nod just as the women join us.

Garrett helps Sirena into the back before he straps his son into the car seat they’ve brought with them. Brooke climbs in and sits with Sirena and Elias.

Driving to the Pegasus Hotel, I find that I can’t wipe the smile from my face. It feels good having Brooke sitting with me, and one of the most important people in my life, my sister.

She has her head bent toward Brook while they quietly chat over Elias who has nodded off.

“They’re plotting,” Garrett observes around a smirk. “Probably plotting your fall from bachelor status, if my wife has anything to do with it.”

“She’s like a dog with a bone when she gets started.”

He chuckles. “I wouldn’t let her hear you say that.”

“She knows. Trust me on that.”

“We can hear you back here, you both know that right?” Sirena says. “There is nothing wrong with wanting my brother to be happy. Once I have Michael sorted then I need to concentrate on Charlotte because she’s losing weight with how upset she is.”

“What the heck!” I finally pull up outside of Pegasus. “Why didn’t I know that there was more to Charlotte’s distraction?”

“Us girls talk.”

“Then talk, Sirena. What’s going on with Charlotte?”

“Don’t tell her I mentioned this okay? She’s in love with someone who is supposed to be getting married.”

“What?” I explode.

“Don’t go getting all mad. I really don’t know much more than that, other than I think there is a lot more to it on his part.”

“Who?”

“I’d hold your breath. She won’t tell me who the guy is either, which has me wondering whether or not he’s anyone I know.” He glances at his wife, who looks away and blushes. “Thought so.”

“Is someone going to let me in on this?”

“No,” Sirena says, but sighs. “Charlotte is okay, Michael. If she weren’t, then I’d tell you. I shouldn’t have mentioned anything, so let’s pretend I didn’t.”

My sister is damn stubborn when she wants to be and I give up for now because I won’t get anything else out of her. “Garrett, you go and sort the room out while I direct the bellhop with the luggage.”

“You’ve started something, honey,” Garrett says, climbing from the car.

“Sirena, you should know better than to give me something and then take it away in the next breath. If you don’t tell me, then I’ll call Charlotte and ask her.” I smirk when she gasps and narrows her eyes.

Chuckling, I climb out and open the trunk so the bellhops can empty it.

“Oh, let me have the stroller.” I grab it and open it up, placing Elias’s car seat into the attachments.

Once secured, I find Brooke slipping her hand around my waist as she snuggles into my side. “He looks like you,” she comments.

I smirk because Sirena isn’t impressed when someone mentions the likeness between him and me. “He’s handsome, right?”

Brooke laughs while Sirena rolls her eyes. “He’s handsome, just like his uncle.”

“Ugh, you have to say that!” Sirena complains. “He’s your boyfriend.”

“No, I don’t have to say that.” Brooke smiles at Sirena before meeting and holding my gaze. “I’d like to think that Michael likes me for my honesty.”

I’m left speechless for a change and so is my sister.

Brooke grins. “Well, I guess that was too honest, huh?”

“Hell no!” I say.

“Welcome to the McKenzie family, Brooke,” Sirena gushes, giving her another hug.

“More female bonding?” Garrett asks.

“I guess.”

Welcome to the McKenzie family.

Those words make my heart flutter with a mixture of joy and panic. They also make me want to chat with my cousin Alexander. We’re in our twenties, but we’ve always been each other’s wingman, until now. It feels strange, but as I follow everyone through the hotel and up to the suite that Garrett has booked, the idea of Brooke as my family starts to grow on me. The panic isn’t there like it was a few moments ago.

I only have to remember how she was holding Elias to imagine her holding our own child. Something I’ve never seen with any woman before Brooke. Not that there’s been that many women.