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So Mom already knew too? And how come Aiden was so calm about things?
“I ran into Aiden and your mother at the store the other night,” Wyatt whispered as we walked inside. “I was asking them about different places to live around town, so they must have put it all together.”
“So Ben’s the only one to find out about our relationship today?” I whispered back.
Wyatt nodded. “Seems like it.”
I hid a giggle, knowing how much that would annoy my brother. He hated being the last one to find out about things.
The six of us gathered in the dining room, where Mom had decorated with candles and tiny pumpkins and dishes of delicious smelling food sprawled across the entire length of the table. As always, Thanksgiving lunch was a feast, complete with turkey, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, green beans, macaroni and cheese, and two kinds of pie for dessert. Conversation flowed easily, with topics ranging from what was happening at Ben’s work to funny things the kids said at school, Wyatt’s book series, and Aiden’s upcoming promotion to detective. Like the best types of gatherings, we laughed a lot and talked about everything and nothing.
Once we’d finished dessert, I joined my mother in the backyard, admiring the new bird feeder she’d installed while the guys cleared the table and washed the dishes. It was a Knight family Thanksgiving tradition. Dad always insisted that since Mom spent all morning cooking, the least he and the boys could do was to clean up.
Mom took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I was ecstatic to hear about you and Wyatt. That man’s been keeping tabs on you ever since college. It’s wonderful to finally see you two together.”
I agreed. “He makes me happy, Mom.”
“Good.” She patted my hand and let go. “Have you two discussed what you’re going to tell Lukas about your relationship?”
I tensed on hearing my ex’s name.
Mom’s expression softened. “I’m sorry, honey. I hate to bring up such a difficult topic, but Lukas and Wyatt are brothers. They’re family. And that means something, especially at this time of year.”
Several tiny finches landed on the birdhouse and pecked at the sunflower seeds inside. I processed my mom’s words while watching them eat.
“We haven’t had time to talk about that yet.”
“That’s understandable. You’re in the beginning stages of your relationship, but it seems to me that you’re both serious about seeing this relationship through. Wyatt’s moving here for you, isn’t he? The three of you have history, so if you and Wyatt are to have any kind of future, you’ll need to figure out what to do about Lukas.”
The birds flew away and I sighed, turning back to my mother. “I don’t ever want to talk to Lukas again. You know what he did. How much it hurt me.”
Pain flashed in my mother’s eyes. “Oh, I remember. And I was so angry at that man. Still am. Frankly, I’d be happy to never hear from or see him again, but he is Wyatt’s older brother, and people make mistakes. Those two lost so much. It would be heartbreaking if they also lost each other.”
Her words stayed with me as Wyatt and I walked back to his place after lunch.
“Overall, I’d say that went well.” Wyatt gave me a curious look. “What do you think? You’ve been pretty quiet since we left.”
I gave him a small smile. “If you mean once Ben got over his mini-meltdown, then yes, I agree the meal went rather well.” I paused when we reached the cottage, gathering the courage for what I was about to say. My mother was right. Lukas’s actions hurt me, but he was the only family that Wyatt had left. “Do you know how your brother celebrated Thanksgiving?”
The smile vanished from Wyatt’s face. “No idea. We haven’t talked in a while.”
My heart broke on hearing that. “I don’t want you to break off your relationship with Lukas because of me.”
“He hurt you, Ev. Plus, he went behind my back.” Wyatt’s expression darkened. “That man is out of my life. End of story.”
I cupped his face, intending to give him a soft kiss to ease his pain, but his mouth slammed into mine. Hard and hungry. I let out a soft whimper when he pressed me up against the door and placed kiss after searing kiss on my swollen lips.
“I love you, Everly,” he murmured.
My eyes fluttered open and I gasped. It couldn’t be. Had I imagined those words in my near delirious state?
Wyatt gazed down at me with take-no-prisoner eyes. “I mean it, Ev. You’re beautiful and kind and creative and passionate and you smell like peaches. I love everything about you. You don’t have to say anything back, but I need to let you know how I feel. You’re it for me.”
I grinned at the sweet man brave enough to bare his heart. “I love you too.” The words came as effortlessly as breathing.
That night,I lay awake in bed, texting the girls.
Indie:Guess what? Bea finally asked Henry out!
