Free Seeking Vengeance: Callaghan Brothers, Book 4 by Abbie Zanders Page A

chuckled silently, though all were wise enough to wipe the grins off their faces the moment they caught a glimpse of Michael warning them to not, under any circumstances, encourage her.
    Michael smiled proudly as they entered, effectively silencing any more pleas from Maggie, at least for a little while.  “Come, and see our son.”
    One by one they took turns admiring the latest family addition.  With a shock of black hair and intense blue eyes barely visible thru his half-open lids there was no doubt as to which side of the family he took after. 
    “Jesus, Mick, he looks just like you.”
    “He’s a Callaghan, no doubt,” said Taryn, with a mischievous glint in her eye.  “But really, if you’re going by looks alone, it could be any one of you.”
    That drew a chorus of laughs.  Taryn knew every bit as much as she did that the bond between a Callaghan and his croie was unbreakable.  “It must be Michael’s,” Maggie teased, “because he’s definitely taking after his father.  All the nurses are already falling all over him.  They just can’t seem to keep their hands off him.”  Her eyes twinkled fiercely.  “I just might need to take someone out soon if it continues.”
    “I’ve got your back, sister,” Taryn winked.  Michael shot her a look, but nothing could diminish the look of pure joy on his face.

Chapter Six
 
    A good hour later, Sean made his way down to the lobby, the grin still on his face.  Maggie had let each of them hold the baby; he still couldn’t get over how small the boy had been in his large hands, even though everyone insisted that a ten-and-a-half pound baby was considered large.  Michael had boasted proudly that his son dwarfed the other newborns for the entire five minutes he was in the nursery before Maggie insisted he be returned to her side.
    Sean chuckled again.  Maggie was quite possibly the sweetest, most open-hearted woman he knew, but she was ferocity personified when it came to protecting her family.  A slight twinge had him absently rubbing his chest.  Michael was a lucky son-of-a-bitch.
    A casual glance toward the coffee shop had him doing a double take.  Nicki sat in a booth at the far end, head down, looking as if she was about to do a header into the cup of coffee that sat in front of her.  At least he thought it was Nicki. 
    Sean’s steps slowed.  He instinctively kept out of her direct line of sight, but she never once looked over his way.  Yes, that was definitely Nicki.  He would recognize that delicate, feminine profile anywhere.  Every curve, every line was already etched in his memory.  His hands twitched and flexed, doing a little remembering of their own.
    There was something decidedly different about her today, and it was more than just a lack of makeup and a sexy get-up.  She seemed more natural, more real .  Looking at her now, it was hard to envision the seductress that damn near brought him to his knees the night before.  It both confused and intrigued him.
    Sean didn’t realize she wasn’t alone until he saw her head bob as if in agreement, saw her lips move in response to whomever sat across from her.  Why was she here?  Who was with her?  And why did she look so damn sad?
    He should probably just keep walking, but something wouldn’t let him.  Not allowing himself to think too much about what he was doing, he followed his instincts and slipped into the gift shop, angling himself slightly behind the large display of magazines and paperbacks available for purchase.  From this vantage point, he could catch occasional glimpses of Nicki, but she would be hard pressed to spot him.
    It only took a moment or so for Sean to recognize Nick’s voice as well.  Hushed and low, it carried easily once he zeroed in and concentrated on them and them alone.  It was a skill that had served him well in the field. 
    Sean felt only a momentary flash of conscience for eavesdropping, but the strong warning in his gut overrode it.