“He’ll do his best, angel. Just like I’m sure he’ll do everything he can to make it to the cookout.”
“I know. And I know he’s doing something amazing by saving lives. It’s just…nothing is the same when one of you is gone. And that’s been a lot lately.”
Seth didn’t hear censure in her tone, but her audible sadness flooded him with guilt. A few weeks back, Beck hadn’t candy-coated the fact that Seth’s absence—or rather him running away to escape his past night after night—had crushed Heavenly. But knowing that unhappiness was merely a fraction of the grief he’d selfishly piled onto Beck’s shoulders and expected him to handle nearly gutted Seth. He had no clue how to make it up to his friend. To both of them, really. All he could do was keep trying.
Short minutes later, Seth pulled up to Hammer, Liam, and Raine’s house, then helped Heavenly from the SUV. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he guided her to the front porch and rang the bell.
Raine answered with an excited squeal, she hugged Heavenly as best she could with her ever-growing baby belly, smiled at Seth, then scanned the porch with a frown. “Where’s Beck?”
Heavenly sighed. “There was an emergency at the hospital.”
“Damn you, Murphy, and your stupid law,” Raine huffed.
“Language, love,” Liam warned in a silky tone as he approached behind her.
She had the good grace to look chastened. Or at least she gave that appearance.
“Sorry.” She squeezed Heavenly’s hand. “We’ll just have to have fun for him.”
“That we will. Hey, man,” Seth nodded and greeted Liam.
“Hello, Seth.” His Irish pal shook his hand with a smile.
With a guiding arm around Heavenly’s waist, Seth led her over the threshold, following Liam and Raine through the palatial place. As they passed the kitchen, people dressed in black slacks and crisp white shirts darted, busily working.
“Do you need any help?” Heavenly offered.
“No,” Raine assured. “Thanks, but Hammer and Liam hired caterers so I don’t have to lift a finger.”
“We want you off your feet,” Liam reminded.
“I know. But you two also want to be in control,” Raine quipped with a sassy smile.
“That we do. And you love every minute of it,” Liam pointed out with a tap on her pert nose.
Raine merely grinned as Liam took her hand and led her to the back door. Seth followed, hovering beside Heavenly as they all stepped onto the spacious patio.
The party was in full swing.
As if sensing his girl was near, Hammer lifted his head, locking the same sort of possessive stare on Raine that Liam had. Then he headed straight for them, pressing a tender kiss to her cheek.
They looked really fucking happy. Seth wanted that closeness, that same deep bond, for him, Beck, and Heavenly, forever. Hopefully, they would get there after he’d stupidly done damage to the people he loved. He still had shit to figure out. It was going to take time and effort, and he had to be patient. Too bad he sucked at that.
Raine murmured something in Hammer’s ear that had his eyes darkening and her cheeks blushing before she resumed the role of hostess, pointing to a pair of coolers situated beneath a shady palm. “Beer is in the red one. Soda and water are in the blue. Most everyone is gathered around the pool. Head down and make yourselves at home. I need to check in with the caterer about dinner.”
Seth nodded. “Thanks.”
“Let me know if I can help,” Heavenly offered.
When Raine waved her away, Seth cupped his girl’s elbow and helped her down the stairs. At the bottom, he skimmed a glance over the guests—all familiar—drinking, talking, and laughing. At the far side of the pool, Dean, River, and FBI agent Jericho Waters sat at a table, engrossed in conversation. Jack and Connor filed up beside Liam, wearing familiar feigned scowls.
Seth laughed, then leaned down to murmur in Heavenly’s ear. “My mischievous brothers are busting Liam’s balls about something, the way they did when he still lived in New York.”
“Poor Liam.” She sounded both amused and sorry for him at the same time.
Then Zach sidled up beside the twins, laughing and holding a beer. Beck hadn’t been kidding about his brother’s progress. Good for Zach. No wonder Beck was pleased. The twins, despite their ability to massively fuck up, were really helping Zach acclimate to life outside the cult. Granted, drinking beer wasn’t as epic as banging a stable of hookers, like Beck had done when he’d first found freedom. But he was starting to put the past behind him and move on.
Seth knew he needed to do the same—once and for all—somehow.