Rue muffled a laugh against his shoulder, and the warmth of her breath penetrated through his shirt, momentarily distracting him from the tension splitting the room. He found himself leaning slightly toward her.
The party fractured into uneasy clusters—Dom and Celeste trying to keep things light with a group by the food table, Davey holding court near the bar with Liam and Fiona, Cade and Griffin huddled near the windows with Weston. The easy flow of earlier was gone, replaced by strained conversations and watchful glances.
By the time Elliot’s mom brought out the cake for the official candles and singing, the celebration felt more like an obligation than a party. Everyone played their parts—singing, clapping, cheering as he blew out the candles—but it was colder in the room than it was outside in the late winter wind.
“Make a wish,” Rue whispered beside him, her smile genuine even as tension crackled around them.
He wished for his family to be whole again. Ha. Fat chance of that.
As the cake was cut and distributed, Elliot noticed Cade checking his watch, Nova’s head drooping against his shoulder.The little girl was fighting sleep, her eyes heavy as she clutched her stuffed bunny.
“I should get her home,” Cade said to no one in particular, though his gaze lingered on Elliot. “She’s got a schedule.”
“Already?” Elliot said. “You just got here, man.”
Cade’s smile was tight. “Some of us have responsibilities outside the family business.”
The barb landed exactly where Cade had intended. Davey’s shoulders stiffened, but he said nothing, just took another pull from his beer.
Like dominoes falling, the gathering began to disperse. Weston left with Cade. Griffin muttered something about still needing to pack for Chile. Fiona made an excuse about an early meeting with the legal team. Daphne dragged her twin out, with Celeste protesting every step of the way. Liam and Bridger signed to each other—arguing—before Bridger made their excuses, too.
Within twenty minutes, what had been a packed celebration thinned to just immediate family, Rowan, and Rue.
“I should probably head out, too,” Rue said, gathering her purse from the counter. “Early day tomorrow with all the final expedition prep.”
“I’ll drive you,” Elliot said immediately, grateful for the excuse to escape. “Let me grab my keys.”
His mother caught him in a tight hug before he could make it to the door. “Happy birthday, sweetheart,” she said. “Be careful down there, okay? That girl’s got adventure in her blood.”
“I know, Mom.” He returned the hug, breathing in her familiar raspberry scent. “I’ll be careful.”
“And call your father when you get back. He misses you boys.”
Elliot nodded, guilt twinging in his chest. He hadn’t made enough time for family lately—for any of them. Work consumed everything.
“Ready?” Rue asked, appearing at his side.
“Yeah.” He glanced around the room one more time, taking in the scattered remains of his thirtieth birthday party. “Let’s go.”
They headed toward the elevator, but as they passed the door to the terrace, low voices caught his attention. He slowed, recognizing his father’s voice.
“—can’t just sit back and watch them tear each other apart,” Dad was saying. “The boys need us, Greer.”
Elliot paused, hand hovering over the elevator button. Rue looked at him quizzically and opened her mouth, but closed it again without making a sound. She must have just heard the voices, too, because her head tilted slightly.
“My son’s hurting, Greer,” Uncle Cam said, his voice tight with emotion. “Cade’s been practically exiled from the family business, from family gatherings—he only showed up tonight for Elliot.”
“We’re grateful he did,” Dad said. “But this can’t continue. Did you see how everyone split into sides the moment he walked in? It’s tearing the family apart.”
Elliot glanced at Rue, who raised an eyebrow in silent question. He held up a finger, signaling her to wait. He shouldn’t be eavesdropping, but something kept his feet rooted to the spot.
“What exactly do you propose we do, Jude?” Uncle Greer’s voice carried that familiar authoritative tone, the one that had commanded respect since Elliot was a child. “Force Davey to rehire Cade? Make them shake hands and play nice?”
“Something,” Dad insisted. “Anything. This isn’t who we are as a family.”
“They’re grown men,” Uncle Reece pointed out.
“Davey had his reasons,” Uncle Vaughn added. “And Cade made his choice.”
