Oral Care

Chapter 42: Worth It

*** Rafael's POV ***

"Come on, Rafael! Pump it out like you plan on pumping your bride later tonight." Liam crudely cheers me on as we finish our set at the gym.

A handful of us went out early to get a workout in before heading up to the lake house. Today is the day. My wedding day. I need to unleash some energy because I can barely contain myself. I would have gladly indulged in my fiancée's company, but Meagan is being a big ol' cockblock just as Evelyn was to her the night before her wedding.

I didn't even get a chance to debrief with her about her siblings' arrival because Meagan was afraid we'd fuck instead of just talk. Evelyn texted that everything is fine, but I know that isn't entirely true. Her stubborn-ass brother decided to be a prick about the whole thing and refused to come. Thankfully Jenny didn't let him dampen her excitement. She brought Hannah with her instead. Sarah and Matt also came, but left Josh and Drew in Texas with their Uncle Bruce. The fucker.

From what I can tell, the only guff the girls gave Evelyn was over not being more involved in the planning. Evelyn explained there wasn't a whole lot of planning since we were keeping it small and intimate. My siblings confirmed it. Sarah and Jenny seemed to accept that answer which felt like their way of showing they intended to keep their promise of being on best behavior.

Evelyn's parents are also keeping their promise, spending all Thanksgiving day with nothing but happy memories and praise for my parents' hospitality falling from their lips. I was relieved and so was Evelyn. Now if only her damn brother would get the memo.

"Oh shit. Don't look now. It's Terror!" Nick points out. We all look up conspicuously. Tara narrows her sights in our direction. She hasn't started showing yet, but I can tell she looks fuller.

"Well here we go." Christian mutters.

"Quite the posse of Baumann brothers. Are you all traveling in packs nowadays?" Tara waltzes over, her eyes trailing over my brothers before meeting mine.

"Sure are. You never know what's lurking and ready to pounce." Dylan insinuates.

"Aw, the baby gained a sense of humor. That's precious." Tara says dismissively. "Did I overhear corectly, Rafael? You're getting married?"

"Yep. Today actually." I reply without hesitation. I bite my cheek to keep from asking about her situation with Miguel now that she's knocked up.

"Hmm. I take it she likes this whole tribe thing. I know that was always a sticking point for us." She picks at her nails like she's bored.

"Yeah, something like that." I mutter.

"Well for what it's worth, I hope you're happy with her." She surprises me with her sincerity.

"Uh, thanks." I respond. "I hope you are too."

"You know me." She laughs with a wink. "Later, Baumanns."

"She's still kinda hot. Even for a pregnant lady." Liam whispers to me.

"I hadn't noticed." I laugh him off.

"That's it, game over for Rafael! He's hooked on his bride-to-be." Christian announces loudly.

The others raze me about being whipped. Nick and Christian both grin at me. They understood what it is like. The others most likely will in their own time too. Thankfully, my period of waiting is almost over.