Rialto (Unbreakable Bonds 8)

“Big family,” Ian murmured.

“Yeah, the last time I used my key, I got an eyeful of Andrei’s ass.” Snow smirked. “That wasn’t a complaint.”

Lucas laughed. “No, I can’t imagine it was.” He got up to snag the bourbon and bring it to the table. He refilled Rowe’s glass and topped Snow’s up before his own. He raised an eyebrow at Ian, but Ian shook his head. He thought the wine went better with their dinner. Lucas set the bottle down and went to get the Cabernet. He poured some into Ian’s glass.

“I think he is trying to get us all drunk,” Rowe said.

“Just wanting you all to enjoy this last night here.” Lucas sat in his chair.

Again, that pang went through Ian’s chest. “We have so many wonderful memories here.”

“I know,” Lucas agreed. “I was tempted to hang on to it, but it just didn’t make sense.”

“Your new home is gorgeous, so you probably won’t even miss it.” Ian forked another bite.

“Oh, I will. My family has gathered here for years. I fell in love with Andrei here. My daughter’s first night home from the hospital was here. This place will always be a part of me.”

“Oh brother, I need another drink.” Snow reached for the bourbon.

“Hush, I know this is hitting you just as hard as it is us.” Ian pointed his fork at Snow. “Even you and Jude have stayed here. Hell, you lived here at one time, same as me.”

Snow grinned. “Yeah, okay, I am sorry to see it go. But we also have so much more to look forward to. And Lucas’s new place has an indoor pool.”

“Skinny dipping!” Rowe chimed in.

Lucas rolled his eyes, and Snow chuckled as he nodded. “Yeah, I wouldn’t mind having one of those for me and Jude.”

They ate in silence for a few moments, and Ian was glad to see them putting away the food in addition to the alcohol. He poured himself another glass. Hell, he’d have Lucas’s driver take him home if he overindulged. He could crash here, but he didn’t want to be away from Hollis all night—not after they’d had that fight.

By the time they were cleaning up the kitchen, both Rowe and Snow were weaving a bit. There was a lot of laughter and once again, Ian felt that swell of love he had for these men. They were saying good-bye to a part of their lives, but they would stick together for life. Of that, he had no doubt. They were his family.

Lucas wrapped an arm around Ian and hugged him close. “You have nostalgia all over your face.”

“Ew, you should wipe that off,” Snow said with a swagger into the living room. He snagged the bottle of bourbon as he went, with Rowe following close behind.

“I can’t help it,” Ian said with a smile. “So many good memories. I can’t help but be sad that we won’t ever be coming back here.”

“We’ll turn the new house into the penthouse,” Lucas murmured, kissing his temple. “And we’ll all have families to bring even more joy.”

“And you guys say I’m the soft one.”

“Shh. I’ll never hear the end of it from Snow.”

“He’s been awfully quiet about his wedding tonight. I don’t know if that’s good or bad.”

“Probably bad, but don’t remind him.”

Ian hugged Lucas, then went to grab his wine and join his friends on the couch. Snow was half-sprawled, and Rowe had his head on Snow’s shoulder. They were looking at something on Snow’s phone. Ian leaned over the back of the couch to see that Snow was flipping through images of the four of them over the years.

“We need to get some of these printed.” Ian pointed to one of Lucas and Snow smiling. “Especially this one.”

“That’s a good idea,” Snow agreed as he swiped to the next image. It was of Andrei and Daci, and the sigh over Ian’s shoulder let him know Lucas had joined them.

“You have a beautiful family, Lucas.” Ian patted his chest. “Absolutely beautiful.”

“I’m a lucky man.” Lucas leaned over the couch. “Send that one to me.”

Rowe suddenly laughed. “Here we are, gathered for one last hurrah at the place we all considered part ours and we’re oohing and aahing over pictures. We’ve turned into a bunch of saps.” He paused as an image of Noah and his sweet smile came up. “Okay, okay, send me that one.”

Ian cracked up and walked around to sit next to Rowe. He sipped his wine and leaned back into the couch, putting his feet up on the glass coffee table. He wiggled his socked toes and watched as Lucas went to his original seat. It felt so good to be here with them.

“Let’s make a pact.” Ian held up his glass. “No matter how busy we get with our new families, we’ll always take at least one night every couple of months for just us four.”