A huge pool, with a hot tub spilling into the depths at the far end, flowering foliage and palms everywhere on the large deck. But it wasn’t the patio or the festive music or the birthday banners that made her heart swell. It was … well, everyone. Especially Julian, in a pair of swim trunks that were tight across his behind as he headed toward the bar. As her gaze reluctantly moved away from him, she took in all the friendly faces of people who had welcomed her instantly when Julian brought her here for dinner nearly two months earlier. The plan had been to start her small, with only his parents and siblings. Except about half of his family had shown up for the Sunday dinner to check out the woman who had captured JuJu’s heart. Or so they’d whispered to her time and again. She recognized some of Julian’s gestures in his family members, such as the way he pointed with his mouth. They were loud and effusive, just as he’d warned. Everyone hugged her so hard, she was afraid they’d crack a rib.
