A parade of vehicles filed into our driveway, and my brothers, parents, Maddie, and Wren piled out, all grabbing boxes and starting for the house.
“Where should we put these?” Holt called.
“Just pile them in the living room for now,” I answered. “I’ll figure out where to put it all later.”
Caden winced, and I grinned as I patted his chest. “Just remember, you’re the one who asked me to marry you. Gonna mess up your organized existence.”
He kissed me long and slow. “I think I’ve needed that all along.”
A car door slammed, and I looked up to see Jocelyn walking away from her Mercedes with a wide smile. “I brought sustenance.”
Her transformation over the past month had been nothing short of miraculous. Casting off Harrison and taking control of her life had been just the ticket. She’d been absorbed into the fabric of my family as if she’d always been there, joining in on family dinners and game nights. And most surprising of all, she’d taken control of the family company instead of hiring someone else to take the helm. The new job had made her come alive at a time she desperately needed it.
I crossed to Jocelyn and gave her a big hug. “Thank you so much for helping.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. And I brought some new samples to go over with you and your mom.”
Caden groaned. He was already losing it over the wedding talk.
Jocelyn shot her son a warning look. “Don’t you even start with me, young man.”
I choked on a laugh.
Nash grinned at Caden. “You’d better watch your step if she’s young-manning you already.”
Caden grimaced but didn’t argue. “What can I get out of your car?” he grumbled.
“Now that’s better,” Jocelyn huffed.
We made quick work of unloading all the vehicles, me sticking to only the lightest items. Then we descended on the feast that Jocelyn had brought. We devoured it while sitting on our back deck, the sun streaming down around us.
Caden leaned over and pressed a kiss to my temple. “Need anything else to drink?”
“I’ll take another diet.”
“You got it.” He squeezed the back of my neck, disappearing into the house.
Roan lowered himself into Caden’s empty seat. “How are you feeling?”
I smiled at my brother. “Good. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.”
A softness filtered into Roan’s eyes, one I rarely saw. “I’m glad, G.”
I stared back at him. “Want this kind of happiness for you, too.”
Roan’s face closed down, and I cursed myself. I knew I shouldn’t have said anything, but I couldn’t help it. With all this joy swimming around in me, I had to want it for the people I loved most, too.
His gaze shifted to the trees. “Some people aren’t built for that. Part of them is too broken.”
My heart cracked at his words. “Nothing’s too broken about you.”
Roan shook his head, standing. He bent and kissed the top of my head. “Enjoy your happy.”
I watched him wind through our small crowd and disappear down the porch steps into the forest where he’d always felt more at home.
“Everything okay?” Caden said, sliding back into his chair.
I forced my gaze back to him. “I’m worried about Roan. He’s pulling away more and more.”
