The Confession

Together, they filed inside, each of them sliding an arm around Heavenly’s waist. As they descended the stairs, happy voices and infectious laughter floated up from the dungeon, now a makeshift reception hall. At the bottom, Seth took in the crowd of people gathered around Hammer, Liam, and Raine, offering their congratulations. But what struck him most was Liam’s blinding smile. The Irish prick had it all—a supportive co-partner, a beautiful wife, and two sweet daughters. Picture-perfect, at least from the outside. Inside, Seth was as terrified of those things as he was jealous.

“What do you want from the bar?” Beck asked him and Heavenly.

“A glass of white wine would be wonderful. Thank you.” She smiled, gently bouncing the babies.

Booze would help take the edge off. “Macallan, neat.”

“You got it.” The surgeon nodded. “Be right back.”

Heavenly turned a wistful stare to the newlyweds, her smile again full of longing. Hell, yearning rolled off her.

Tamping down his guilt, Seth focused on Beck laughing and talking to the people in line as other guests milled around or found a table—anything to avoid looking at Heavenly and facing the indisputable fact that he was the fucking roadblock between her and the future she craved.

“There are my baby girls.” Raine rushed toward Heavenly, arms outstretched. “Come see Mommy.”

Heavenly placed the twins in Raine’s arms one at a time, admiring her bestie’s collar. Once again, a wistful smile tugged at his girl’s lips. “They’re such angels. Slept through most of the ceremony. Well, Ciara did. Catronia looked around the whole time.”

“Because she’s so curious.” Raine gently peppered their cheeks with kisses.

“Happy, princess?” Beck asked as he handed Seth and Heavenly their drinks.

“Ecstatic.” She beamed as Hammer and Liam sauntered up, still grinning like loons.

“Thanks again for officiating.” Hammer stuck out his hand.

Beck shook it. “My pleasure.”

“Congratulations to you all.” Seth raised his glass in the air.

He couldn’t remember a time he felt less like celebrating.

“Come here, you cagey prick.” Liam wrapped him in a bro-hug before clapping Beck on the back. “We’re here today because of you two.”

“Oh, I had nothing to do with knocking up the princess. I swear,” the doctor teased.

“Not that, you bloody wanker. Hammer and I would have killed you. I’m talking about you two helping us with Raine at the lodge.”

Raine groaned. “We don’t have to discuss that today, do we?”

“I’m lost. What happened at the lodge?” Heavenly whispered.

“Ancient history. Let’s go check out the cake.” Raine jerked her head toward the towering confection in the corner.

As the women and babies strolled away, Hammer leaned in and mumbled something to Beck, who nodded.

“We’ll be right back,” Macen said before the pair strolled toward his office.

“Any idea what they’re up to?” Seth asked Liam.

“Not a clue. But I’d be happy for a few minutes alone with you, mate.”

Seth tensed. Had Liam sensed his shitty mood? Felt it? He still didn’t understand how his buddy’s psychic shit worked. “What’s up?”

“I’m just curious. Are you any closer than the last time we talked to finding your happiness?”

Seth scowled. “That’s more than mere curiosity.”

Liam shrugged. “You know I’m not one to beat around the bush.”