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Liv’s pulse raced at the thought that perhaps her friend was right . . .
Was she in love with both Nate and Tristan? Not the longtime friendship or mutual adoration type of love she’d always felt for them but the truly, madly, deeply—passionately—type of love?
She opened her mouth to speak. No words came out.
Fallon smiled victoriously. “Uh-huh . . . that’s what I’m talking about. And all I’m sayin’.”
Liv’s mind whirled as she fought for the correct words.
“Why don’t I drop off that glass of yours on a tray,” Fallon suggested, “before it slips right through your fingers.”
Nodding was the most Liv could muster at the moment. Thankfully she didn’t have to strain herself too much with conversation, because a massive crowd began to gather, and the band cued a drum roll.
Liv turned toward the gazebo as a stunned Chloe and John were escorted to it by Sylvia, Seth, and Noah. Sylvia announced, “Surprise!” with the entire throng of guests echoing the sentiment.
Pretty Chloe with her adorable blonde bob and her to-die-for dimples pressed a shaky hand to her mouth as tears filled her eyes. Tall, manly John with his Tom Selleck mustache and broad shoulders looked on the verge of losing it a little, too. Because his fiancée was so blown away by the party—and the gorgeous setting.
They stood in the middle of the gazebo, taking in the entire town square as everyone clapped and cheered for them.
Liv got equally choked up.
The happy couple made a short and sweet speech, Chloe gushing over the attendance and thanking everyone for coming.
Tristan suddenly appeared at Liv’s elbow and she beamed up at him, her heart still pounding wildly over the nudge Fallon had given her to acknowledge her very real feelings for the stepbrothers.
She loved them. Both of them.
Had for some time, in one capacity or another. And it had all blossomed into this undeniable reality for her. But now was hardly the time for any sort of declaration on her part—it was Chloe and John’s day. So she simply told Tristan, “I’m glad you guys were able to come home early so you could be here for the party.”
“So are we. And we’d be even happier if you’d save us some dances tonight.”
“You don’t dance,” she reminded him.
He leaned in close and whispered, “We took lessons for the occasion.”
Liv’s heart fluttered. “That means I’ll also have two someones to dance with at the wedding reception.”
“As much as you want.”
“Tristan.” Emotion tinged her voice. “Neither of you have ever expressed an interest in dances. You avoided them like the plague, as a matter of fact, when we were growing up.”
“Yeah, but you enjoy them, so . . .” He gave a half-shrug and grinned.
Liv impulsively threw her arms around his neck. He, in turn, squeezed her tight. She didn’t care if the entire town took photos of the moment and posted them to Snapchat. She would never deny that the stepbrothers were her heroes.
Liv released Tristan just as Chloe and John started making the rounds to greet everyone. She was still breathless and buzzing from what she and Fallon had talked about—and from Tristan’s nearness.
She had a little more time to get her bearings as Madeline O’Connor joined Liv and Tristan. She gave Tristan a big hug, clearly taking him aback.
Madeline said, “I can’t thank you enough for all you’re doing with the new autism center. It will change so many lives, Tristan. Including Michael’s. And mine.”
Tristan told her, “It’s something I’m passionate about, Maddy. I was misdiagnosed with autism at a young age. Turned out to be a high IQ and a low attention span. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and the right care. I want to see that happen here.”
“The facility is a wonderful idea,” Madeline contended. “I’m just so relieved there will be experts close to home.” She gave him another quick hug before turning to Liv. “Sorry to interrupt. I wanted Tristan to know that what he’s doing for the community is deeply appreciated.” She sniffled, fighting her own bout of emotion. “I’d better get back to serving hors d’oeuvres for Pasto’s. So nice to see you both.”
She left them. Liv’s gaze slid to Tristan. “What was that all about?”
“I’m building an autism center that will have three components: research; training for specialists, family members, and caregivers; and a fifteen-room inpatient retreat for those who qualify, like Michael O’Connor.”
