“We need to go in and make this right,” I say simply and he sighs.
“I would like to point out that smoothing things over is not my strong point.”
“Lucky for you I’ve got manners.” I smile smugly at him and he rolls his eyes.
“Yeah, you sounded like it when you were backing me up and yelling across the yard.”
I shrug because he has a point, but I’m not going to admit it.
“Seriously, Owen.” He moves closer as we both look into the house. “I can’t wait any longer and if she’s with Luke, I’m going to burn the house down.”
“Stop being dramatic. Besides, Dad hasn’t let you play with fire since you were nine.” I shake my head as I think about what to do next.
“Those fireworks were badass and you know it.”
“You boys okay out there?” I watch our dad come out and wave us in. I look to Elijah.
“We can’t stay out here, and God knows what she’s doing inside with Luke.”
Elijah growls and stomps inside, but I grab his arm as we go in.
“Play it cool. She’s ours.” He looks at me and after a second of hesitation he takes a breath and nods. “Now we just need to let her know it.”
The house is packed with everyone our dad and Harlow asked to come. They are so proud of us and our achievements and it shows in what they’ve done today. They had the whole house decorated and catered just for us and they’re telling everyone they see how great we are. We might have started off with a rocky childhood, but from the moment our dad stepped in, it’s been perfect. Adding Harlow to our family was the best thing that’s happened to him since we’ve been in his life, and now that they are growing their family, it’s only going to get better.
“There they are!” Harlow calls as we walk into the living room. “Your dad is about to give a speech.”
“Oh God,” Elijah says as she pulls us over to where he is in front of the crowd.
My eyes search the crowd and I see Nellie off to the side. Luke isn’t anywhere near her and that goes a long way at soothing the jealous beast inside me. For now.
“I just want to thank everyone for coming tonight and for celebrating our boys,” Dad says as he pulls Harlow into his side. “I’m so damn proud.”
If I’m not mistaken, I see what look like tears form in his eyes as he comes over and hugs each of us. He’s sacrificed so much and worked so hard for us that this is almost like his day, too.
“Thanks, Dad,” I say when he lets go of Elijah and hugs me next.
“Thank you to everyone for coming,” I say, looking over at Nellie and we lock eyes. “We’ve got big plans in store and we can’t wait to finally begin the next chapter.”
“To big plans,” Elijah echoes, and Nellie looks at him as he raises his glass.
Everyone in the room raises their glasses and we all take a drink as the music gets louder. The crowd begins to move around and food is being served along with the alcohol. There’s a band set up out back with tables and a tent. Harlow really went all out when planning this because we know our dad wouldn’t have a clue on how to throw a party.
“So what’s the next big plan?” Harlow asks as she leans in close. She looks over at Nellie who is unmoving in the corner before she turns back to face me. “Is it finally time?”
“Time for what?” I play dumb, but something tells me that Harlow isn’t so clueless.
“Be careful.” She leans forward and pats me on the chest. “You and Elijah are good men and I know you’ll do the right thing.”
I don’t say a word as she smiles up at Elijah and walks out onto the back patio with Dad.
“You think she knows?” Elijah whispers to me, and I shrug.
“It doesn’t matter if she does. This is about us and Nellie.”
The two of us look over and realize she’s gone from the spot she was at last. I scan the room quickly and see her making her way back over to Luke. This time the growl is coming from me as we push our way through the crowd.
Chapter Three
Nellie
I make my way back towards Luke because I need an escape from everyone else. This night is turning out harder than I thought it was going to be. It doesn’t help that every woman here is looking at Elijah and Owen. They’re no longer boys by any definition. I’ve always seen them as men because of their work ethic and the way they behave. Now it just feels official.
My heart aches for something I can’t have. Part of the problem is that maybe I could have one of them and try to start something. I harbor the same feelings for both of them, but even if one of them did want more, it would feel wrong. It’s so twisted because I would still be longing for his twin brother on some level. It’s better to not get tangled up in any of it, better for everyone involved. Not to mention, what if it doesn’t work out?