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“More than I’ve ever been.”
Matthew kisses me again, and all the pieces fall into place.
Chapter37
Matthew
Our closest friends are here,celebrating New Year’s with us.
There are wineglasses stained with lipstick and bottles of scotch on the bar cart. Candlelight glows through the crowded kitchen in our home. Laughter echoes, mixing with the aroma of apple pie.
“You know, if you’d like some help on the EcoDrones interface, I’m your guy,” Nico says, tipping his drink to me. “Lilium is doing so well that I have some free weekends. Lily has been working on her new book ‘round the clock, so she’d probably appreciate me getting out of her hair.”
I never would have imagined that the creator of two of the most downloaded apps in the country, someone who has made it onto the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, would be interested in helping EcoDrones.
“Robert will appreciate that.” I extend my hand, and he laughs, pulling me into a hug. “Especially since Ollie is ditching the project.”
“It’s the least I could do. You had to tolerate—I mean, work with my brother for three years. I gotta pay you back somehow.” Nico grins at Luca.
“Seriously?” Luca scowls, bouncing Kaia on his hip.
Their relationship reminds me so much of me and my brothers.
“Alright, stop your frowning,” Nico laughs. “Now give me my favorite niece.” He holds out his hands. “You wanna play airplanes, Kaia?”
She giggles.
“Don’t you even think about it,” Luca says.
“I promise, once your second one comes, the whole experience becomes less doomsday. I practically put a helmet on Aaron as soon as he got home from the hospital.” James laughs as he pats Luca on the shoulder.
“I’m just protective of her,” Luca sighs.
Reluctantly, he hands Kaia over to Nico, who launches her high into the air. She squeals loudly. “Kaia here is a little daredevil.”
My former boss doesn’t relax at my brother-in-law’s words. A vein on the side of Luca’s neck seems to pop out as he picks up his drink.
“My turn, Daddy,” Aaron chirps, pulling at James’s sleeve.
“I got him.” Nico nods and sets Kaia down, offering my nephew a toss in the air.
I never thought I’d feel so complete having my friends, family, and future wife all under the same roof.
“Nightcap, anyone?” I grab the bottle of red wine from the counter.
“Fill ’em up, birthday boy,” Ollie calls out, nodding toward his empty glass. He wipes down one of the final dinner dishes and sets the towel beside the sink.
“Lay off. It’s tomorrow.” I give him a nudge.
I’ve never cared much for my birthday, especially since it overlaps with the holidays. But Molly gave me a peek at the gift she got me, and, well, I’m going to be looking forward to the first of January for many years to come. An intricate Rey costume fromThe Last Jedifor her, with a set of Kylo Ren robes for me.
Yeah, best birthday ever.
I top Ollie off and make my way to the living room.
Molly sits in front of the roaring fire, a blanket draped over her legs and Bear snuggled in her lap. Maya’s sprawled out on the couch, typing away on her laptop. Lily’s lying across the colorful rug, and Avery’s sitting cross-legged beside her.
My fiancée notices me coming and gives me a toothy, wine-stained smile.
