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Mason has Aspen around his waist, his lips on hers as he walks them into the bar. No guesses needed where they’re going.
“Tonight, we celebrate,” JJ hollers and Leo is lost in a sea of brothers welcoming him home.
“How come you look like you’re on the verge of crying?” Harper keeps her voice low, and it makes me feel worse.
“I’m not. I’m fine.”
“You know when you say you’re fine, I know you’re not.”
“It doesn’t matter. Honestly, today is a happy day. We should follow them inside.”
I reach out and let Gunner wrap his hand around my fingers. He’s grown so big and strong over the last year.
“It’s only happy if you are too.”
“Considering Leo had me bent over the table not too long ago, I’m more than happy.”
It’s only a half-lie. I know she doesn’t believe it, but she lets it go and leans in and kisses my cheek.
“I once told you to give him time, but after so long, it’s not time, it’s him taking you for granted. You know what you want, even if it’s not what you end up with. Don’t be afraid to refuse to settle for less than you deserve.”
Harper has been an amazing friend to me, and I trust her advice, because I know she’s right.
“You coming?” Leo hollers from the doorway, and we nod.
“He’s not so distracted with the brothers as you thought. He sought you out.”
I just smile. I’m so tired of trying to decipher what every little thing means.
Harper slopes off to find JJ and Leo asks, “What did my sister want?”
“She wanted to make sure Rayna was still going over for a playdate we arranged the other day,” I lie.
He goes to pass Rayna over to me, but she grips onto him and refuses to let go. He keeps hold of her and says to me, “We’ll talk later.”
“Forget about it. Go enjoy being free with your brothers.”
He’s given no choice when JJ pulls him away. I sit up the bar, realising how easy it would’ve been if I just went for that drink with Shane all those months ago. Now a brother, I don’t know the new prospect.
Luca arrived a couple of hours ago with brothers I haven’t seen before, but Leo seemed to know who most of them were. I haven’t seen Victoria in a while, and I embrace her tight cuddle with open arms.
“How have you been?” I ask. “How’s it living in the city?”
“Noisy.” She laughs and pulls me down the couch with her. “How have you been?”
“Yeah, good. It’s so good to see you.”
“You too. So, what’s the gossip around here?”
I snort. “I have no idea. It’s been a while since I’ve been here myself.”
“You wanna know my gossip?”
I nod. “Of course.”
“You can’t tell anyone. I haven’t even told my family yet, apart from my mom.”
She’s pregnant. I can see it now.
