Though it’d be nice to get her out of Alabama and farther away from her psycho ex-fiancé, it’s not really a concern anymore. Robert’s completely out of the picture. After their fake marriage became one of the biggest scandals of Lawton Ridge, he moved three towns over and brought the secretary who stopped us at the Harvest Festival with him. Apparently, they’re engaged now. I roll my eyes at the thought, wondering what he did to make that happen. Probably blackmailed her too.
Once we deplane and grab our luggage, we get our rental car. Liam offered to pick me up, but I didn’t want to inconvenience them. Plus, this way we can surprise them when Gemma walks in with me.
“It’s chillier here than I was expecting.” She turns the heat on in the SUV, and I laugh.
“That’s because you’re a Southern heat baby.”
We talk for the hour drive and so many memories come to the forefront. It feels like a lifetime has passed since I lived here.
“We’re here,” I call out.
“Wow. This house is beautiful.”
“You should see the inside. Maddie went crazy with décor, and Liam loves her too much to stop her.”
Gemma looks at me and smiles. “I have a feeling Liam’s a lot like you.”
I shrug, then turn off the engine. “Maybe a little.”
Once we’re out, I grab her hand and give it a little squeeze, trying to calm her nerves.
We step onto the porch and ring the bell. Moments later, Liam swings open the door, and his eyes widen in excitement.
“Tyler! You made it, man!” He immediately pulls me into a hug and slaps my back.
Laughing, I bring Gemma to my side. “I brought a guest. Hope that’s okay.”
“Absolutely!” He puts his hand out, and she hesitantly shakes it. “I’m Liam.”
“It’s great to finally meet you, Liam. I’m Gemma.”
“The Gemma, huh? Wow.” He brushes his fingers through his hair and chuckles. “You’re gonna give Maddie a stroke. I hope you prepared her.” He looks at me, then at Gemma.
“The best I could,” I admit.
“Well, come on in. I was just cleaning the kitchen. Tyler made a huge mess at lunch, and Maddie’s getting the boys down for their naps. She’s gonna blow a gasket.” He chuckles again, ushering us to the living room. “Hold on. I’m gonna have fun with this. Sit on the couch, and I’ll blindfold her.”
“Didn’t you tell her I’d be here?” I ask, taking a seat with Gemma on one of the sofas.
“Of course not. She would’ve driven herself—and me—crazy with cleaning nonstop, and this way, I get to take credit for you being here,” Liam boasts.
“It wasn’t your idea,” I retort, grinning.
“But she doesn’t have to know that,” he says pointedly.
“Okay, hang tight. I think I hear her coming down the stairs.”
Gemma gives me a wary look, and I bring her knuckles to my lips and press a kiss to them. “I told you they were a crazy couple.”
“Liam! What are you doing?” I hear Maddie screech. “Why do I need my eyes covered? This is dumb. I’m gonna trip over a toy.”
“Baby, I have a huge surprise. Trust me, you’ll love it,” Liam reassures her.
Maddie releases a deep sigh. “Is this like the time you surprised me with caramel sauce on your cock and a whipped-creamed bra?”
I quickly cover my mouth to hide my laughter as Liam and Maddie come into view, and Liam’s face falls. “No,” he says sharply. “Possibly better, though.”
Liam motions for us to stand, so we do, and I brace myself for her to flip her shit.
“Alright, sweetheart…” Liam uncovers her eyes, and when Maddie’s gaze lands on me, she screams.
“Oh my God! Tyler!” Within two seconds, she charges for me and wraps her arms around my waist. “What are you doing here?”
I hug her back and laugh. “To see you, of course.”
When she draws back, she’s wiping tears from her cheeks. “I can’t believe it. You came back to visit!” She slaps my chest. “How could you not tell me? My house is a fucking mess.” She moves her hands to the top of her head. “Not to mention, I haven’t brushed my hair yet.”
“We didn’t come here to judge your house, Mads. I wanna introduce you to someone, though.” I wrap an arm around Gemma and close the gap between us.
“Am I finally getting to meet your sister?” Her voice goes up an octave.
Gemma chuckles and holds out her hand. “I’m Gemma.”
Maddie beams. “Gemma Gemma? The one you’re ‘just friends’ with?” she asks, using air quotes.
“Well, not anymore, but yes, that Gemma,” I say.
Liam comes closer and gives Maddie a hug from behind. “I think they’re finally together,” Liam mutters to her.
“It’s about goddamn time!” Maddie blurts out. “Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for him to finally admit he was in love with you. Even when I told him to go after you, he was all she’s engaged…blah blah blah. What the hell changed? And why didn’t you say anything?” she scolds, flashing me a scowl with her hands on her hips.