Hayden exhales sharply. “No promises.”
Zane pulls him into a hug, gripping him tightly, and for the briefest moment, Hayden actually lets himself lean into it.
And then…zap.
Hayden jerks backward, shadows reeling in a startled frenzy like they’re deciding whether to fight.
I cackle.
“Really, Zane?” Porter says with a sigh, sounding like a sibling who’s seen this a thousand times.
But he just grins, entirely unapologetic. “I can’t control it.”
Hayden scowls, shaking out his arm as his shadows settle again. “You did that on purpose.”
Zane smirks. “No proof.”
“Let’s leave before he blows a fuse,” Porter groans, opening the door.
Zane turns to me then, shifting so he can grip my shoulder. His eyes, mischievous, bright, but undeniably kind, hold mine for a beat longer than expected.
“I meant what I said earlier,” he whispers, just for me. “You’re good for him.”
I nod, feeling my cheeks flush. “Thanks.”
Zane salutes lazily, slings an arm over Porter’s shoulders, and squeezes through the doorframe. The second the door clicks shut behind them, Hayden’s shoulders finally drop, releasing the last of the evening’s tension I know he’s been holding.
“That went well,” I murmur softly, turning to find Hayden rubbing absently at his arm, shadows now settled at his feet.
He huffs half-heartedly. “I got electrocuted.”
I bite back a grin, stepping close enough to feel his warmth. “Sure, but it was affectionate electrocution. That’s totally different. Endearing, even.”
His eyes narrow. “That’s not a thing.”
I reach up, smoothing my hands across his shoulders, savoring the way he gradually relaxes beneath my touch. “Hey,” I whisper, catching his gaze. “I’m really proud of you.”
He stills, head tilting. “For?”
“For tonight.” I nod toward the closed door. “For letting them back in.”
Hayden exhales, his brow furrowing. “It doesn’t fix everything.”
“It doesn’t have to.” I trace my fingertips along his jaw, tilting his chin just so to hold his gaze steadily. “But it’s a start. And that’s enough.”
He hesitates, breath catching, before finally drawing me in. His arms wrap around my waist, pulling me flush against him, his forehead brushing mine in a tender, lingering moment. “Thank you,” he murmurs, voice rough with emotion. “For tonight. For being you. Just…thank you.”
My heart swells as I pull him into a slow kiss, full of reassurance, longing, and the promise of everything still ahead. “Anytime, Funeral Guy.”
He sighs, a reluctant smile curving his mouth. “That’s not going away, I see.”
“Not a chance.”
• • •
The morning startslike any other, but today carries an extra spark. I’m still riding the high of last night’s success with Hayden and his brothers, and even better, I’m already looking forward to when we’ll all be together again…too much food, just enough wine, and even more laughter.
Naomi and I are deep in the garden-planning trenches, the shop’s back table covered in blueprints, schedules, and budget sheets. Volunteers are stopping by later, eager to start prepping the space, and this afternoon, I’m picking up permits from city hall, making it real.
