“Hi, son,” my dad greets from the sofa. “Come on in and have a seat.”
“Call us Tessa and Henry,” my mom says warmly.
Ben nods with a smile as we settle onto the sofa.
“How’s my favorite nephew doing?” I ask Sophie, who’s cradling him in her arms.
She beams. “He’s amazing. Feeding like a champ and sleeping three-hour stretches. He’s perfect.” She presses a gentle kiss to his head before looking at me. “Do you want to hold him?”
“I thought you’d never ask!”
I stand and cross the room to the loveseat where Sophie and Cade are sitting. Sophie carefully places Hunter in my arms, and I gaze down at him, completely smitten.
“His face has changed since I last saw him,” I say as I return to my seat next to Ben. “He looks different every time I see him.” Hunter stirs briefly, and I gently bounce him until he settles.
“He’s changing every day,” Sophie says with a soft smile. “I can’t believe he’s already a week old.”
“Whose car is that in the driveway?” a voice asks from behind us.
I glance over my shoulder to see Nash strolling into the room, Paisley beside him. The moment his eyes land on Ben, his expression hardens into a grimace.
“What’s he doing here?” Nash snaps, his glare locked on Ben.
Ben stands and extends a hand. “Good to see you again, Nash.”
“Is it?”
My mom rises from the sofa, her tone firm. “That’s enough, Nash. I raised you better than that. Ashlyn invited Ben for dinner, and you will be polite.”
“Like hell I will. You do know he’s married, right?” Nash snaps.
I sigh inwardly and turn my attention to Hunter, letting my fingers gently stroke his cheek. In this moment, he becomes my anchor in the chaos. Deep down, I expected my brothers to react this way, but a part of me had hoped they’d look past everything and just see how much being with Ben means to me, despite all the obstacles in our way.
“As was Paisley when you first brought her here,” my mom counters before glancing at Paisley. “Sorry, sweetheart. I’m just making a point.”
Paisley offers a small smile. “It’s fine, Tessa. It’s true.”
“That was completely different, and you know it,” Nash argues.
Paisley steps past him and approaches Ben with a warm smile. “Itisgood to see you again, Ben.” Rising onto her tiptoes, she presses a light kiss on his cheek.
Ben smiles. “Thanks, Paisley.”
“So, we’re just going to ignore the fact that he’s nearly twenty years older than her?” Nash snaps, his expression still dark with frustration. “Cade, back me up here.”
Cade lifts his hands in surrender. “I agree. He’s too old for her. But it doesn’t look like she’s listening to us anyway.”
“Enough!” My dad’s voice thunders through the room, making me jump. I can’t remember the last time he raised his voice. I steal a glance at Nash, who looks just as shocked as I feel. Henry Brookes is a quiet, patient man, fiercely protective of those he loves but never one to yell. A knot of anxiety tightens in my stomach as I wonder if he’s finally had enough and is about to throw Ben out.
“We have a guest, and you two,” he says, pointing at Nash and Cade, “are acting like children, not to mention being downright rude!”
Nash opens his mouth to argue, but my dad holds up a hand. “I know you love Ash. You’ve always been protective of her, even when she was a kid. But she’s not a kid anymore. Who she chooses to be with is her decision.”
“But–” Nash starts.
“No buts. How would you have felt if we’d treated Paisley the way you’re treating Ben? I’m guessing you would’ve walked out by now.”
Nash doesn’t respond, his gaze dropping to the floor.
