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“Thank you!” Dad calls.
My brother has always been hard walled, but he’s grown more so as he’s aged. I can’t help but wonder why.
I stand from my spot and perch on the arm of his chair. He blinks up at me and attempts to smile. It’s a valiant effort, and I don’t hesitate to wrap my arms around his shoulders and give him a half hug. He’s still beneath my arms, but with a vast level of experience with men who aren’t very open with their emotions, I don’t let the fact he doesn’t hug me back deter me.
“I love you, little bro. You know that, right?”
He awkwardly pats my arm. “Love you too.”
“Does that mean that you gonna tell me who you’re always texting?”
“No.”
“Worth a shot.” Pulling back, I ruffle his hair and move back to the wicker couch.
“Where’d your shadow go?”
“I’m not sure, actually.”
“Maybe Dad finally scared him off.”
I snort a laugh. “As if.”
We both look behind me when the patio door slides open and Noah steps outside, a heavy plaid blanket in his hands. He meets my stare, his eyes heating.
When he reaches the couch, he drapes the blanket over my shoulders before taking the seat beside me again. He sets his hand over my thigh and squeezes.
“Better?” he asks.
I nod, leaning my cheek on his shoulder. “Much. Thank you.”
“Did you bring me one, Noah?” Dad asks, abandoning the fire.
He pulls a patio chair from the opposite side of the deck and settles on Noah’s right side. Mom takes the seat beside Easton and tucks the bottom half of her face beneath the top of her sweatshirt. I know her well enough to know she’s hiding a smile.
Noah draws patterns on my thigh, appearing relaxed. He’s still quiet around my family, but ever since my dad helped us with the Cole situation, he’s begun to find a sense of ease with them. It’s been the same with his family. I’ve always been proud of Noah, but somehow, I’ve managed to be even more so as of late.
“No. Easton would love to get you one, though,” Noah replies smoothly.
Easton scowls. “Why did we let you in the house again? I thought we had a no-rodents rule.”
“That’s a good one. Did you see it on the back of a cereal box?”
I turn my head and press my lips to Noah’s arm. A wave of happiness drifts through me, settling in my chest. There are very few things in life that matter as much as family, and having everyone I love together like this . . . it makes me feel whole.
Noah kisses the top of my head, and I grin, our future so bright it’s blinding.
EXTENDED EPILOGUE
NOAH
FOUR MONTHS LATER
The blindfold around Tinsley’s eyes keeps the familiar street hidden. She loves surprises. This will be the biggest one I’ve ever kept from her.
It’s been a long time coming. A lot of money and communication that made me want to rip my hair out in chunks. I thought it would never end. But, finally, it’s ready for her.
“I think I know where we are,” she squeaks from the passenger seat.
