Twice the Temptation

For a few moments, Brie was caught up in a round of hugs and questions. The moment he saw the tears blur her eyes, Cody went to her and drew her close. “Take a deep breath.”

“I know. I keep forgetting to do that.” Once she did, she met his eyes. “I’ve always had these dreams about having three big brothers. I thought it was a fantasy, but it’s real. Then you were my fantasy. And you’re real, too.”

“You can count on it. For keeps.”

Behind them, the three MacFarland brothers had moved to the piano again. Mac was playing. All three of them were singing about wishing on a star.

“I should join them,” Brie said.

“We all should.” As Cody led her to the piano, he glanced back at Avery.

The man was still at the bar. He grinned at Cody as he gave the fantasy box another approving pat.

And Cody was almost sure he could hear Hattie’s voice and another deeper one join in the song.