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“Absolutely,” I second and take her hand in mine. “We’d love to have you. We’re doing this quickly, on June tenth.”
“I’m available. I’ll be there. Thank you.” He relaxes in his seat, looking pleasantly surprised.
“And feel free to bring a date,” Harlow adds. “If there’s someone special, we’d love to meet her.”
He sits up straight, his spine becoming a steel rod as his face closes up. “My wife and our unborn child died a month ago in a car accident.”
The air leaves my lungs the same way it leaves the entire room. No one says a word, and I’m sure they’re all as speechless as I am.
“Oh, god. I’m so sorry.” Harlow finally breaks the silence as she races to Evan’s side and enfolds him in a hug.
Her compassion warms me almost as much as her kind heart.
Evan’s arms circle around her stiffly, as if he isn’t used to comfort. As if he’s allowing her embrace not because he wants it but because he doesn’t want to risk hurting her feelings. He looks at me as if to ask if the hug meets with my approval. I nod, and something about the entire exchange pangs me in the chest. Jesus, what has this man been through? His dead eyes say that, in the blink of an eyes, his life has become pure hell.
Keeley and Britta are right behind Harlow, sighing and offering their condolences.
Maxon frowns. “I’m so sorry.”
“We had no idea.” I see the sheen of tears in Keeley’s eyes. “I can’t imagine—”
“You don’t want to,” Evan cuts in. “I’m sure you’re all wondering why I’ve left Seattle suddenly and decided to put down roots in Hawaii. The truth is, my late wife encouraged me to meet you, Harlow, since we started dating at fifteen. I put it off. I didn’t want to be the illegitimate kid who destroyed your fairy-tale family.”
Maxon and Griff both scoff.
Harlow shakes her head. “Oh, no issue with that. Barclay Reed is a terrible human being and a worse father. You were better off, trust me.”
He pauses, considering. “And I didn’t want you to pity me for being the poor, orphaned bastard.”
This man doesn’t want anyone to feel sorry for him, ever—even in loss. He still seems uncomfortable with the ladies hovering near his personal space and offering their sympathy. I wonder how he’s been coping with his grief over the last month. Does he have an outlet?
“We feel sorry for what you’ve gone through, but pity is in short supply in this family,” Harlow says matter-of-factly. “We’ve all been through shit.”
“Some that would make your blood curdle,” Griff cut in.
Evan nods in acknowledgement. “I saw the YouTube video of your wedding, Harlow. I’m sorry your former fiancé lacked morals and integrity. You seem too nice for him.”
“She is,” Keeley assures.
“I’m better off without the ex,” Harlow assures with a toss of her hand. “And much happier with the new model. My—our—father chose the last one, but I picked Noah.”
Her possessive words warm me, and I press a kiss to her temple.
Britta lays a hand on Evan’s arm. He freezes up, then visibly forces himself to relax.
“How can we help you?” Griff’s soft-spoken wife asks. “Is there anything we can do to make your move or your first days on the island better?”
“Do you have a place to stay?” I ask.
“Thank you. I’m fine,” he tells us. “My assistant, Nia, is coordinating the details of having my things shipped over. For now, I’m in a hotel. I’ll find a place eventually.”
“What are you looking for?” Maxon asks. “Griff and I are Realtors, so if you want to buy, we’re happy to help.”
The other guys fall into a conversation about areas around the island and debate the pros and cons of condo versus house, while the women start their own conversation about weddings and babies, punctuated by Keeley and Britta opening their gifts from Harlow—pretty pink boxes with a decorative water bottle, an anti-nausea wristband, energizing bath bombs, and a journal to capture the journey of their pregnancy.
After hugs among the ladies and some very practical talk about island housing, Evan stands. “Thank you for including me in the evening…and making me feel welcome.”
The Reed siblings all get to their feet. Maxon sticks out his hand. “You’re not alone. Come visit any of us at any time.”
