Upside Down (Breaking the Rules #3) - A.M. Madden Page 0,32

these past few weeks. I’d said no then, and it was still a no now… and she thought I was living in denial.

“Coop, you know Mom and Dad are considering becoming snowbirds. That means they’ll be here in the winter, and you’ll be there in Jersey all by yourself.”

“I have Sam and Lydia.”

A smug smirk appeared before she said, “When was the last time you hung out with the newlyweds?” Dammit. “Cat got your tongue?” she quipped at my silence. “U of M happens to have a fantastic English lit department. You barely see Griffin’s and Janis’s kids with them living so far away. It would make sense for you to be here in Florida. You have a niece or nephew on the way, and Antonio is growing up so fast.”

“Don’t pull the guilty uncle card on me.” Both amused and exasperated, I let her continue to promote her transparent campaign for a few more minutes and then simply said, “Not happening.”

She pouted until we walked into their cool, air-conditioned home and I plopped my suitcase in the foyer.

“Wow.”

“I know. We love it,” she said just as Marco carried a still-sleeping Antonio toward his room. Rebecca slipped her arm around mine and gave me a tour of the main level, which pretty much consisted of a large open-concept kitchen, family room, and dining area that looked over an amazing backyard. Large palm trees bordered a gorgeous oasis, complete with a lanai-encased pool and hot tub. Under an overhang was a living room setup complete with an outdoor kitchen and a jungle gym on the lawn.

“Perfect, right?” she asked.

“It’s stunning, Becks. I love it.” I pointed toward a shady corner overlooking the property. “On most days I’ll be right there, reading a book.”

“You’re not sitting in a chaise all summer. I was only partially kidding about moving here. Florida living would be right up your alley. You wouldn’t have to run in the frigid temperatures anymore. You can buy a condo right on the beach. Your heart belongs here, Coop,” she said, patting my arm before giving me a wink. Choosing to ignore whatever innuendo she was getting at, I led her toward the corner that I had my eye on as she asked, “Would you like a beer?”

“That’d be great.”

She released me to grab my beverage and a bottle of water for herself from the mini fridge before settling on the lounge chair beside me. When Marco appeared, carrying a baby monitor, he plopped down on the edge of her chaise with a sigh.

“Still asleep?”

“Yeah. He’s exhausted,” Marco replied in his heavy accent. The man could’ve easily been talking about himself based on the dark circles under his eyes and his lethargic energy.

“By the way… you look like shit.” The scowl he threw at me caused me to chuckle.

“Antonio was up all night,” he grumbled as an excuse. I knew it was more than one sleepless night. Rebecca had told me Marco had been pulling double duty on the ship so she could relax at home and prepare for the baby to come.

“I’m just busting your balls. Becks told me everything you’re handling.” Focusing on my sister, I tilted my beer at her. “Have that baby already. Your husband is running on fumes.”

“Whatever,” she said, sounding like she had at the age of twelve. “He’s stubborn and did that same thing when I was pregnant with Antonio. I’m sick of arguing with him that I’m perfectly capable of handling our toddler in the middle of the night.”

“Of course you are,” Marco patronized. “But you need your sleep, Bella.” Magically, her scowl vanished as she leaned over to kiss him. Once she pulled away, he acknowledged my smirk with a wink.

“You’re lucky you found yourself a good man, Becks,” I said only half-kiddingly. Marco knew I appreciated the way he always put my sister first. I’d been a fan of his way before my family warmed up to the idea of their instalove story.

“No…” He pulled my sister’s legs onto his lap. “I’m lucky I found my person.”

“Yeah, I’m trying not to gag.”

“Says the hopeless romantic English lit professor.” Undeterred at my eye roll, she went on to say, “Speaking of finding your person…” She patiently waited out my sigh. “Relax. I’m not going to bug you. If you want to discuss anything, anyone, or need our advice, you know we’re here.” She glanced at her husband, and when he nodded, I knew this was a rehearsed speech. “But you do