Free Riding the Pause by Evelyn Adams

hair and serious expression. Something in his bearing said military and Ian thought he might be Adam’s brother Travis, home from Afghanistan.
    “I’m Andrew Coles,” said the other man, turning his attention to Ian.
    “Ian Maxwell,” he said taking the man’s offered hand.
    “Sorry,” said Adam, coming up behind them. Ian didn’t need to turn around to know that Rachel was with him. He could feel her, as if something in his body vibrated when she got close. “I forgot you haven’t met everyone. This is my friend Ian. That’s Andrew, town counselor and dirt bag lawyer.” Andrew raised his glass, and Ian grinned and nodded in greeting. “Travis, our family’s own American hero.” He said the words as if he was teasing his brother, but there was something serious in his tone that made it clear he believed them too. “And the brat in between them is my baby sister Taylor.”
    Adam’s younger sister gave her brother an eye roll to rival any teenager’s before offering Ian her hand.
    “It’s nice to meet you, Ian,” she said, giving his hand a squeeze before turning her attention to her siblings behind him. “Will you all sit down so we can order? I’m starving.”
    They crowded around the table, jostling for seats, and Ian knew trying to avoid Rachel was hopeless. He could either sit next to her and feel her body next to his or he could sit across from her and spend all night trying not to look at her. Either way, not thinking about her didn’t appear to be an option.
    He opted for a seat opposite her, taking the chair next to the lawyer, Andrew. She sat next to her brother, Travis, and suddenly remembered something she’d said on the AT when they’d been talking about Cash. Travis must be the brother who was injured in Afghanistan. And judging by the wide gold band on his finger, Summer must be his wife. Unless there was a run on season names, Jude’s wife Autumn was probably Summer’s sister. Talk about keeping it in the family. Regardless of how he felt about marriage, it seemed to be working for the other men.
    “So what did you do this time, big brother?” asked Taylor when everyone was seated.
    “Nothing. There’s nothing wrong with a man wanting to make sure his wife and baby are taken care of,” said Jude, sounding defensive. “Autumn is my world.”
    His tone was so matter-of-fact. There was no reason for anyone to dispute it and with the love clear enough in his eyes that even a cynic like Ian could see it, no space for his family to tease him about it.
    “I’m so glad the two of you found each other. Autumn probably just needs some space,” said Rachel, stepping in to fill the silence. “She has to be getting tired of not being able to get around and I imagine she’s nervous, too. In a couple of weeks, you’ll have that baby in your arms, and you can spend your time trying to fend off all of us aunts and uncles.” When she smiled at her brother there were tears shining in her eyes, and Jude reached for her hand.
    “Thank goodness,” said Andrew when the waitress showed up to take their order. “There’s so much love at this table; my cold dark lawyer’s heart is in jeopardy.”
    Taylor swatted him and Ian caught a glimpse of something pass between them, but it was gone before the waitress started on the drink orders. Adam ordered a draft and Ian was about to follow suit when Jude’s phone rang.
    “Not at the table Doctor Southerland,” teased Taylor, but Jude glanced at the screen and ignored her, answering immediately.
    Ian watched the blood drain from his face. Travis was on his feet in an instant, moving the rest of the Southerland siblings out from around the table so he could get to Jude’s side.
    “What is it?” asked Travis, but Jude was on his way to the door before he answered.
    Ian heard Autumn and ambulance and just like that the Southerlands mobilized. Adam got a grip on Jude’s elbow, holding on as his brother tried to shake him off.
    “Come on, I’ll