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I’m just about to snipe back at him when I catch sight of Dash across the yard. His gaze is on us. Part wary. Part hopeful. He may have pretended he gave up on his big brother, but I knew all along his softy heart still wanted to find the Leo from our younger days.
This Leo is different. But so am I. So is Dash.
We all got tougher over the years with and without each other.
But when the three of us stood outside our childhood home, a united force, I knew I’d been right all along not to give up.
“Let’s mingle. Everyone here is nice, as long as you’re not a dick.” I quickly scan the party before amending my statement. “Well, Mr. Herbert will probably try to freak you out with his grim reaper stare.” Leo raises his brows at me, and I shrug. “That’s what Dash calls it. Also, the guy in the black T-shirt and jeans is on duty. He’s my friend Violet’s bodyguard, so he’s not about to get cozy with anyone. But it’s a good group.”
My brother grunts, but he lets me push him off the back porch. I head Dash’s way first. He watches us approach, his arm loosely around his wife’s waist.
And it fully hits me. Our family is bigger now.
Paige is part of it. Charlie is part of it.
“Leo,” Dash says in greeting. “You made it.”
“I did.”
Their voices are tight. I guess the truce they called when coming to save me is more tender without my life on the line to give it fuel.
“Paige, this is my brother, Leo. Leo, this is my wife, Paige.” Dash waves between the two of them.
I notice a slight wince on my twin’s face at the title. A reminder of the wedding he wasn’t invited to.
Still, Leo doesn’t mouth off something rude like he might have in the past.
“Good to meet you, Paige.” Leo extends his hand.
The blonde grins wide, accepting the shake with enthusiasm. “You slashed my tire one time, remember?”
My twin stiffens as he retracts his hand. “Uh, yeah. Sorry about that.”
Paige shrugs. “I’ll likely seek revenge. Luna already promised to help.”
Leo’s mouth curves up in a hesitant smile. “Oh, really?”
“Yeah. Sorry in advance.”
I groan. “No, Paige. You don’t apologize for taking revenge. You rub it in mercilessly. That way they know never to mess with you again.”
My sister-in-law’s soft face glows with happiness. “Okay. I’ll try to be more ruthless.” She turns to Leo. “Prepare to suffer, Leo Lamont.” The threat is not in the least bit intimidating and loses every ounce of warning when she smacks her forehead. “Oh crap. I forgot it’s your birthday.”
Then, surprising all three of us, Paige steps forward and wraps Leo in a hearty hug. Dash and I both hold our breath, waiting to see what our brother will do. But we didn’t need to worry. After a moment of hesitation, Leo returns the embrace.
Paige steps back, letting her hands rest on his shoulders. “Revenge will come another day. You know you’re my brother now, right? I’ve always wanted a brother.”
Leo’s mouth opens like he’s going to respond, but nothing comes out. He’s saved from coming up with words when our group grows by a member.
“I thought I was your brother.” Charlie slips his hand into mine as he appears at my side.
“You are now! We did it! We’re related.” Paige holds up a hand, and Charlie gives her a high five.
I glare back and forth between the two of them. “That was your game all along? Seduce us innocent Lamonts just so you could have a familial connection?” I jab a finger into Charlie’s belly, and he acts like the attack hit harder than it did. “Divorce! I declare grounds for divorce!”
“Too late. You already fell in love with me.” My husband hugs me tighter to his side.
The tension from bringing Leo into the group fades as we all exchange light-hearted jabs. Doesn’t hurt that there’s plenty of drinks going around. Then Pig and Pumpkin sprint between us, racing each other around the yard in a game of chase that has everyone laughing. At one point, Paige’s mom joins our group, and she ropes both of my brothers into a conversation about classic Chevys, which she restores as a career.
