“You’ve worked your ass off for this.” I clasp his shoulder, a surge of pride for my middle brother. “Dad would be proud, you know. Following your gut, making your path. He always said you had the sharpest mind of all of us.”
“Thanks, Ry.” He ducks his head, but I catch his smile, genuine and touched. “Really.”
My phone buzzes against my hip, and I pull it out to find a text from Ember.
Ember: Hey, Captain, I’m with Nic. I’ll be back at your place shortly for dinner.
Blake peers over my shoulder, grinning. “Bold move, Captain. Please tell me you’re not attempting to cook.”
“I can handle spaghetti and meatballs,” I say, typing back to Ember. “Got a nice bottle of red wine, too.”
“Remember when you tried to impress that girl with your ‘world-famous’ chili?” Blake air-quotes with his gloved hands. “Romeo had to save your ass that night.”
“It was different.” I pocket my phone, fighting back a smile as another text comes through. “I’ve learned since then. Besides, Ember appreciates simple things, I don’t feel like I have to try so hard.”
“Sure, sure.” Blake starts stacking the oxygen tanks. “Just keep Romeo on speed dial. He’s got a new recipe for bruschetta bread that’ll save any disaster you create.”
“You’re hilarious.” I grab my clipboard. “At least I’m not the one who burned instant ramen in the station kitchen.”
“That was one time!” Blake protests, but he’s laughing. “And in my defense, Cody distracted me with a stupid TikTok dance.”
My phone buzzes again.
Ember: Perfect! See you in a couple of hours.
Me: Hope you’re hungry.
Blake looks over my shoulder. “Bro, your game sucks.”
Ember: Have fork and spoon will eat and will judge you.”
I laugh and show her response to Blake, who rolls his eyes.
The doorbell chimes,and my chest tightens as I briskly walk from the kitchen toward the front door. I swing it open to findEmber standing there, looking beautiful in casual jeans and a dark green V-neck top, holding a bottle of wine and a bag.
“I brought reinforcements.” She lifts the wine with a smile. “My mom always said never show up empty-handed to someone’s home.”
“You didn’t have to ring the bell. You are staying here after all.” I notice a bag in her hand with food.
Her cheeks flush pink. “And—I brought dessert...” She lifts the bag.
I can’t help thinking she’s the real treat. God, she’s stunning, and having her here in my home is incredible. Knowing she’s staying here has my mind going straight to the gutter.
The timer beeps, saving us both from the moment. “That’s the garlic bread. Come in.”
She enters the great room with its floor-to-ceiling windows and a massive stone fireplace dominating one wall. The log accent wall catches the setting sun, making the wood glow amber.
“Ryan, your home is stunning.” She walks to the table in the nook right off the kitchen. I’ve set it with our plates overlooking the pond. “The view... It’s amazing.”
I pull the bread from the oven, adding it to the spread of spaghetti and meatballs. “Would you rather eat outside? The deck’s my favorite spot at sunset. Which will start in a few.”
“Yes, absolutely. I would love that.”
We carry our plates and wine glasses out to the deck and sit on the sectional. I love that she’s snuggled near me with her shoes off and legs tucked under her. She looks at home here, and damn, I like it.
The pond stretches before us, mirror-smooth in the evening light, its surface painted in shades of amber and rose from the setting sun. A family of ducks paddle past my dock, the motherleading her tiny brood in a perfect V-formation, and Ember leans forward, enchanted by their graceful procession.
“I can’t believe you live here.” She takes a sip of wine, her eyes never leaving the tranquil scene before us. “It’s like something out of a dream or a movie. One of those perfect romantic ones where everything feels magical.”
