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“And we can absolutely help in any way you need us, Reyna.”
My best friend’s signature selflessness lands on my ears as I bid farewell to my brother while Ford has gone to bring around our town car.
Liv and Henry are staying out for another while, a child-free evening being exactly what they need, especially with two more on the way and Liv’s preference for keeping the kids with her instead of their nanny.
“Don’t forget the rehearsal dinner tomorrow night, Ri.”
My brother nods, glancing around at his wife chatting to Rey animatedly before turning to me. “Christ, she fits right in.”
We chuckle together, and Henry claps his hand on my shoulder. “I’m happy for you, little brother. I’m happy forbothof you.”
I nod in thanks as Rey and Liv move closer. “Mila texted to say Nathan finally settled for them.”
Henry expels a heavy breath. “That kid has got to be the worst sleeper.”
He spins to me, a wry smile on his lips. “Kind of reminds me of you, Al. Jesus, you were so bad! You’d only settle when I kept you in my bed.”
My chest tightens uncomfortably at the reminder that my brother was the person who raised me despite only being seven years my senior.
“What age were you when Alex was born, Henry?”
Liv slides a hesitant glance in first Henry’s direction, then mine at Rey’s innocuous question.
“I was seven, Rey.” Henry’s face splits in a huge grin. “I’ll never forget the day he came home from the hospital. He was so small and angry, butmy God, it was love at first sight.”
I glance around at Liv and Rey, matching broad smiles on both their faces as Henry continues. “I seem to have a habit of falling in love at first sight. Right, Peach?”
Liv nudges him playfully. “You DeMarco men are emotionally stunted, but when you guys love, it’s with your whole entire selves.”
She winks at Rey. “We’re very lucky ladies to be on the receiving end.”
My cell chimes with a text.
FORD
Outside.
I shake my head at his predictability as I pocket my cell. “Ford’s waiting out back, Rey. Are you ready to go?”
My fiancée nods as I reach for her hand. “See you two tomorrow. Don’t stay out too late. The rehearsal is tomorrow, with or without you!”
Henry flips me the bird before catching Liv’s hand to pull her into his arms. “Dance with me, Peaches.”
We slip out through the service elevator, having had Ford organize security in advance. As expected, news of our whereabouts had leaked, and paparazzi had been swarming at the front of the hotel long before our arrival.
The only issue with this is the fact that the service bay has two large trucks taking up the space where Ford had planned on picking us up, so he needed to park a little ways down a side alley.
Rey is smiling brightly as we step out into the cooler night air. “They’re so sweet.”
She looks up at me, those damn love hearts in her big brown eyes that make my pulse pick up speed despite myself. “He does have his moments, I guess.”
I press a kiss to the tip of her nose, and she giggles softly. As I drop my arm over her shoulders, she slides her arm around my waist, pressing close in against my side like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
A part of me knows I should discourage this behavior because it’s just feeding into her crushing on me. But a bigger part of me can’t deny her.
Or myself, truth be told.
“Your family is so wonderful.” She beams up at me. “Do you miss them since moving here?”
