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“Then it’s settled. Thanks.” She curls up against my side, flings her arms around me, and turns her face up for a kiss.
I can’t remember another time she’s invited my affection. She’s never shy about initiating sex, and I’m down with that. But I’m always the one to give her a hug or a kiss that has nothing to do with getting busy. Sure, this might be for show, but her expression glows sincere.
I kiss her with a lingering brush. “You’re welcome.”
Before I can kiss her again, the other women hustle her to one side of the room and launch into wedding plans. Keeley and Britta both volunteer to help. Her brothers suggest the officiant they used. Texts start flying. Next thing I know, we have a florist to meet on Tuesday afternoon and a photographer who does stunning work booked. Thankfully, he had a cancellation and could slot us in. As we’re discussing Britta’s mother doing the catering with the help of a rented staff she’s used for other events at Maxon and Keeley’s resort, the doorbell rings.
Evan.
Celebrations have been dominating the conversation, but the sudden silence reminds us all why we’re gathered.
Harlow stands and lets out a nervous breath. “I’ll answer the door.”
“I’ll get it,” I insist. “My face is the only one familiar to him.”
Everyone nods collectively, acknowledging my point, so I head to the entryway and yank open the door to find Evan standing at the threshold. “Hey. Come in.”
He gives me a curt nod, looking nervous, dressed in a sharp gray suit and perfectly polished wingtips. “Thank you for inviting me. Quite a place you have here.”
I shrug. “Pro football paid well.”
He doesn’t say anything more, so I pull the door open wider. He turns and his stare falls on the gathering. Everyone is standing. Maxon and Griff come forward, hands outstretched, and introduce themselves.
“Happy to meet you in person,” Evan murmurs
Harlow hovers nervously behind them. “Hi. I guess…I’m your sister.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Harlow. I wish it was under less awkward circumstances.”
She nods. “It’s pretty weird to wake up one day and find out I have an adult sibling I never knew about.”
He sends her a faintly apologetic smile. “I grew up knowing about you, but my mother’s journals never mentioned Maxon or Griff. I don’t know if she was in the dark or simply didn’t have anything to say about them…”
“Well, we all have some catching up to do,” Harlow says. “Come in. Sit. Do you want coffee, tea, or sparkling juice? How about dessert?”
“Coffee, please. Black. Nothing sweet, thank you.” He takes in the gift bags and the cake. “Are you celebrating an occasion?”
Maxon and Griff exchange a glance before the younger brother nods proudly. “Our wives both recently learned they’re expecting. This is Britta.” After they shake hands, he turns to bring the redhead closer. “And this is Maxon’s wife, Keeley.”
“She’s our resident songbird,” Harlow puts in.
“Or karaoke addict. I’ll own up to either one,” she says with a self-deprecating grin.
Evan gives the ladies a stiff nod. “Congratulations.”
“We’re also celebrating the fact that Harlow and I got engaged last night.”
“That’s good news, Mr. Weston, Harlow.”
“Noah,” I correct. “No formality here.”
“Noah, then. I can see why you’re celebrating,” he intones. “I hope you’ll be happy together.”
The words come out, but he looks bleak as hell.
“We’d love to have you come to our wedding,” Harlow ventures. “If you’re free.”
I’m proud of her for opening up and including Evan, giving the brother she doesn’t know a chance.
