I rose up on my knees and wrapped him in my arms. His body felt so little, so vulnerable in my embrace. But like Lucy, he held on tight, and I knew right then I was done. I was as in love with him as I was with Beth, and I would be there for both of them. Going forward, they would be part of my life.
After a minute, he pulled back and surreptitiously wiped his eyes. “Don’t hurt her,” he whispered.
“I won’t,” I replied, my voice sounding thick and raspy. I cleared my throat. “My dad wants to meet you, talk to you about your leg. He wants to try to help if you would let him.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. We’re having a brunch next Sunday, and Beth is going to bring you to meet my family. If you want to,” I added.
“Yeah. Wicked cool! The BAM people? I read things about them all the time on the internet. All their buildings and stuff. We talk about them in school.”
“Really?”
He nodded enthusiastically. “My teacher, Mr. Humphries, likes to talk about current affairs. He loves entrepreneurs, and he is passionate about sustainability. We were discussing a new building that BAM was working on and their environmental design for it. I have to write a paper on it. Do you think—” he swallowed “—do you think they’d let me ask them some questions?”
I grinned. “My brother Paul is heading that up for them. You can talk to him about it on Sunday. He loves to talk environmental issues.” I paused. “And you can talk to my dad about your leg and have a swim in the pool if you want.”
His eyes grew round. “You have an indoor pool?”
I clapped my hand on his shoulder. “Bud, we got everything.”
* * *
I sat beside Beth on the front step, loath to leave her. I knew she was tired. I knew she had a long week ahead of her. I wanted to see her—as much as possible—but I also knew she needed some sleep. She sat with her head resting on my shoulder, the late evening descending around us. I had played video games with Evan. Helped him build another structure with Lego and took pictures to show my dad. We all went for a walk, Lucy perched on my shoulders. I kept one arm firmly wrapped around her as we walked, and she clutched my hair for stability. I didn’t breathe a word of discomfort when her little fist would tighten. I was too happy to care. Paige ever so subtly pumped me for information on Liam as we walked, and I made up lots of shit he would have to explain away. More than once, Beth slapped my arm, assuring Paige I was lying. I only shrugged and kept talking. They were both laughing, so I didn’t care.
And the best part? Evan slipped his hand into mine as we strolled, letting me bear a little of his weight so he was able to keep up easily.
I insisted on ordering in pizza for dinner, and the kids were both zonked out by eight. Paige picked up a book and headed to her room, her yawns a little unbelievable, but I appreciated them, nonetheless.
But now it was time to say goodnight.
“Can I see you tomorrow?”
She hugged my arm. “If you want to.”
“I do.”
“And Tuesday?”
She hesitated, and I pressed a kiss to her head. “Tacos here? I’ll bring the stuff, and we’ll make them together.”
“I’d love that.” She hesitated. “Please cancel the car, Ronan.”
I laughed under my breath. “Figured that out, did you?”
“Wasn’t hard,” she hummed.
“I will. I’ll be there to drive you.”
She inhaled. “And cancel the cake orders. I saw the standing order of four cakes a week. You can’t keep buying my cakes to make sure I have enough money.”
I shook my head. “That, I cannot do. There would be an uprising in the company. Besides, they are split between BAM and ABC. Addi would weep if there were no cake on Fridays.”
“Is she pregnant?”
“Yeah, she told us last week.”
“I thought so. I saw Bentley talking to her and saw him tap her stomach. He looked so excited and happy.”
“He is looking forward to being a grandpa. So is Maddox.”
“Is that odd for you? Them being married when they’re family, so to speak?”
“No. They were always closer than anyone. Always together. It was as if they were meant to be together. Just like Reed and Heather—although that developed after she moved here when she was grown up. He’s older, and they were friends…” I trailed off.
“Until they became more.”
“Yeah.”
“Anyone else?” she asked.
“Not that I know of.” I nudged her. “You let me know if you spot anything.”
She laughed and shifted to look at me. “Are you okay with us coming next Sunday? Meeting your family? Your brothers?”