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Because that’s who he is. He makes impossible things happen. He just can’t help it.
“I like that this place is where our love story began. It’s a beautiful apartment…”
He chuckles. “But what? Don’t start mincing your words now.”
“I want to redecorate. I’d like to bring some of the traditional feel back and get rid of the man-living-on-his-own vibes.”
“Hey, I had a decorator do this!” He grins at me. “But seriously, if you leave my kitchen untouched, you can do whatever you want with the rest of the place.”
“But I want your input.”
“No you don’t. And anyway, my input is if you’re happy, I’m happy.”
“You’re right. I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want your input.”
“There’s my girl.” He grins at me like he’s the luckiest man on the planet. And I’m pretty sure that makes me the luckiest girl on the planet. I stand on my tiptoes and reach up for a kiss. Just as our lips meet, the door buzzer goes.
“I’ll get the door.”
“Our door. You’re living here now. You’re not an overnight guest.”
Everyone’s arrived at once. Deacon, Aurora, Poppy, Worth, Sophia, and Bray. Our cobbled-together New York family.
Worth took Ben out for a drink when he found out we were dating. Ben didn’t tell me everything they talked about, but I get the impression Worth told him, in a very understated way, that he would personally murder Ben if he hurt me. It’s the most rattled I’ve ever seen Ben. It was kinda cute.
I got Sophia to talk to Worth afterward, and he seems to be a little more relaxed now. But Worth’s always been more than a brother to me. He’s been a father, mother, protector, benefactor, and best friend all rolled into one. Nothing’s going to change that. I’ve just got more people in my corner now.
“Something smells good,” Aurora says.
“Ben’s cooking,” I say. “It’s going to be delicious.” I don’t even know what he’s making, but I know that it’s Worth, in particular, he wants to impress. He hasn’t told anyone that he’s going to culinary school, and he doesn’t want Worth to think he’s lazy by following his heart. He’s got to get to know my brother a little better. I know Worth won’t think that. Ben is anything but lazy.
“I’m going to go and check on things,” Worth says. “Is it through here?”
“Maybe just leave him to his cooking,” I say, but then Sophia asks me something about the view, and I’m not sure if Worth found his way to the kitchen.
I get everyone drinks, and I start talking to Poppy and Aurora about the design for this place and how I might use the designer we used for Hotel on Ninth Street.
“Did you get the paperwork through for the Fifth Avenue hotel?” Aurora asks. She knows we’ve been waiting for it.
“It came through yesterday,” Poppy says. “It’s gone to Worth’s lawyers.”
“That’s great,” I reply. “I can’t wait to get working on it. I have a site meeting on Monday to kick off the design process.”
“Even before you’ve officially bought it?” Aurora asks.
Poppy rolls her eyes, and I playfully nudge her. “Yes. I’m manifesting it happening.”
“You’re not a little bit disappointed it’s not in Boston?” Aurora asks.
Poppy shoots me a look.
“Not at all. I’m actually really pleased to be spending more time in New York. Now that I’m going to be a mom.”
Aurora squeals, and holds her big pregnant belly. “You too?”
“Cat mom,” I say, clinking my glass against my sister’s. “Don’t worry. You’re not going to be an aunty anytime soon. We’re adopting a cat.”
Worth comes out of the kitchen and asks people to help take food to the table. We all trail in empty-handed and out with a dish or a bowl. Everything is being served family-style and there’s food for at least thirty people. It all looks delicious.
