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Nate glances toward me and gives me a small wave. I walk down the steps and looked down the driveway since the gate is open. “Where’s Evan?”

He nods toward what would be our garage or Evan’s office. “Filling the coolers. McCoy just pulled in with a truckload of ice.”

“Surely, not a truckload.”

Nate laughs. “This is McCoy we’re talking about.”

I stare in the direction of Tucker’s truck and sigh. He would be the one to pull pranks today. “I guess I better check on them.” Nate laughs again, and I can’t tell if it’s because he’s joking or not. I ease around the corner to find Evan and Tucker in the garage, drinking a beer.

“Starting early?” I ask.

Evan smiles and reaches for me. I’m safe in his arms. This is where I want to spend the rest of my life. “McCoy found a new brew. We’re just testing it out.”

“Well, don’t drink too many. We have a lot of people coming over, and there is still a lot to do.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Tucker says as he tips the bottle toward me.

“And maybe take one to Nate.” I step out of Evan’s hold and watch for his reaction. It’s slight, but the irritation in his features is there. If he had his choice, Nate wouldn’t be around me at all. But then that wouldn’t work for Evan. He trusts his brother to protect his family and run a business, but that’s as far as that goes.

The guys follow me out of the garage and into the backyard, where Tucker hands Nate a beer and tells him all about it. It’s all foreign to me. I don’t really need to know about barley, hops, or any of the other stuff that goes into making beer. I’m not a fan. Give me tequila or vodka, and we can talk.

I head back into the house and start pulling trays of food out. While my mom didn’t get her way with where the dinner would be held, she did get her way on who would cater. She was adamant that I do not cook or prepare anything for the party, and I just had to be home to accept delivery. I’m setting the trays on the table when EJ enters the room.

“May I go swimming?” He’s already dressed in his trunks and has his towel resting on his shoulders.

“Ask your dad. He’s outside right now,” I say this as a test to our son, wondering if he’ll holler ‘hey dad’ or if he’ll wait and assess the situation before he says anything. I am praying for the former. Evan desperately wants to hear EJ call him dad. I follow EJ outside but hang back enough to eavesdrop without anyone noticing me. Sure enough, he walks up to Evan and asks. As soon as Evan gives EJ permission, I head back to my tasks.

“Hey, Ryley,” Tucker says my name as he stands in the doorway. “Is it cool if Chloe brings her swimsuit over?”

“Of course. Grace is bringing hers as well.”

“Thanks.” Tucker waves with his phone in his hand. I suppose this is his way of saying he will text Penny and let her know.

The doorbell chimes, and I take a deep breath before answering. Livvie and Julianne stand on the other side. I had hoped my mom would show up before Evan’s, but no such luck.

“Hello, come on in.” Livvie and I hug. I’m not expecting anything from Julianne and am completely caught off guard when she hugs me. “Thanks for coming.”

“Thank you for the invite.”

“Well, have a look around. The guys are outside, and EJ is in the pool. Can I get you something to drink?”

“Beer?” Livvie blurts out, and her mother’s mouth drops open. “What?”

“Olivia, don’t be so rude,” Julianne says. “I swear you act like you were raised by wolves sometimes.”

Livvie rolls her eyes and then looks at me. “Outside, with your brothers. What can I get you, Julianne?”

“Do you have what it takes to make an Arnold Palmer with some kick?”

“I do,” I tell her. “I brewed the tea yesterday. Would you like a tour?”

She nods, and I show her around the house, saving the kitchen for last. She sits at one of the barstools and makes idle chit chat with me while mixing her drink. This is the first time in ages that she’s said more than ten words to me, and I’m not going to question her motives. I want everyone in my family to be happy.

The doorbell chimes again, and I tell Julianne to take a look at the backyard and see if she can coax EJ out of the pool. Justin, Penny and Chloe, and my parents arrive at the same time, and before I can close the door, Cara gets out of her car. I walk to meet her and give her a hug.


Tags: Heidi McLaughlin Romance