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He just gave me a look as he joined Ireland at the table. He rested a hand on the back of her chair, and she looked up at him with so much love and adoration on her face. Then he kissed her.
I wanted that. I wanted Holly by my side for family events, working side by side on work projects, and coming home at the end of the night together. It sounded like the best life I could imagine. It was something I could only see with her.
I sat across from Ireland and Emmett, and we talked about what I was up to at the shop and Marley’s plans for Holly. It felt good to spend time with the family. I didn’t get that same uneasiness I usually did when I was in our childhood home.
After dinner, my brothers and I gathered on the deck. Heath dragged out the cooler filled with fresh beers. We didn’t drink a lot, but we always congregated here after a family dinner. Most of us didn’t like large gatherings, and they got bigger with each new addition to the family. With two kids, it was even louder. This was our escape, and it allowed us to catch up. To remember a time when it was just us.
“I’m proud of you for finally making a move to talk to Holly. You did it her way for years, and it didn’t get you anywhere,” Knox said.
I nodded. “It went better than I could have hoped.”
Knox tipped his head. “I’m happy for you.”
“I know what I want. I just don’t know if she wants the same things.” I tipped my bottle to my lips and took a long pull.
Knox’s concerned gaze rested on me. “You haven’t talked about it?”
I chuckled without any humor. “Honestly? I’m a little afraid to.”
Knox grimaced. “Communication is everything in a relationship.”
“We were spending time together to get some closure, and one thing led to another. But I don’t want to bring it up in case it causes her to pull away again. But it’s also new. We have time to figure things out.”
He tipped his bottle in my direction. “For your sake, I hope so.”
I looked up at the stars. “I’m not letting her get away this time. I can see our future, and it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of.”
“I know what you mean,” Knox said with a smile.
The door slid open, and Sarah ducked her head out, smiling at Knox.
Knox grinned. “Is it time?”
She nodded.
Knox moved toward her. “We have an announcement to make. But we can do it inside.”
Knox disappeared inside with Sarah, and the rest of us followed. I had a feeling I knew what the announcement would be. Ireland and Emmett got married last year, and now it was Sarah and Knox’s turn. Although it could have been a pregnancy announcement. I hoped it wasn’t, for Holly’s sake. I wasn’t sure if she was ready for news like that.
Knox stood with his arm wrapped around Sarah, his hand on Addy’s shoulder. “We’d like to get married on Valentine’s Day on the farm.”
A cheer went up. There were hugs and congratulations that were so different from my announcement a short while ago.
When everyone had congratulated them, Knox said, “I take it no one has an issue with us holding the wedding here?”
Emmett held his hand over his chest. “Why are you looking at me?”
“All objections start with you,” Knox said easily.
Emmett shook his head. “Not this time. I’m happy for you and want you to have the best.”
Heath popped a champagne bottle that appeared from somewhere. Mom filled the glasses and handed them out.
Emmett held up his glass. “To Sarah, Knox, and Addy. May you always be happy.”
“Can I get a sister now?” Addy asked when everyone was done clinking their glasses, and everyone laughed.
My heart was full. My only regret was that Holly wasn’t here tonight. I hoped it was the last night we went to our respective family dinners alone. In the future, I wanted her to be with me, and me with her.
