“Want to bet?” He has this determined scary look on his face.
“All right, all right. Sheesh. Don’t get your panties all bunched up.” He laughs. I roll the word in my head. Feel my cheeks heat up as I open my mouth and say, “Cock. Satisfied?” I’m surprised I haven’t exploded or something. It’s not a bad name though. Why was I having trouble saying it? “Batman sounds cooler though.”
He steps back laughing and smacks my butt. “All right woman. Feed me.”
After dashing back to the bathroom to straighten my appearance, I cringe when my gaze falls on my flushed cheeks. Everyone is going to notice. Megs will be dying to lock me in a room so I can give her the details. I rush out and scuttle around Cole, dart for the door and bound downstairs before he can think twice and haul me over his shoulder to carry out his threat.
We are all sitting around the table, our wine glasses poised in the air, ready to toast to the most amazing brother. Dad nudges my mom’s arm, passing her a handkerchief as tears run down her face. She leans to the side to kiss my dad’s cheek. I feel my own tears burn my eyes when my parents turn to look at me and nod. Dad mouths, “You did great” and I have to blink several times to stop myself from bawling my eyes out.
Nick waves his hand to get my attention. “What time did Elon say she would be here?”
I glance at my watch and back to him. “In twenty minutes. Keep your cool, bro. Your lipstick is showing.”
He scowls. “Fuck you.”
He startles and swings around when Mom smacks him on the head. “He started it, Mom.”
Mom glares. “Mind your manners, Nick.”
I laugh and he looks at me, shaking his head. “I will get you for that one, big bro.”
After Nor takes her seat next to Cora and picks her glass up, she glances around the table, a soft smile on her lips.
“To the most wonderful, selfless man in the world, my best friend and a great father,” Nor says, her eyes finally finding mine, and I smile at her.
I swallow around the lump in my throat and say, “To my brother, my hero. A great son.”
After the toast, bowls of food are passed around. I pause and look around the table. My family and friends. Every one of them means the world to me. I couldn’t be any more blessed or happy.
The lights flicker several times, indicating someone is at the door. As soon as Nor leaves the table to answer the door, I notice the way Tate trails after her with his gaze. I nudge shoulder and glare at him.
“Stop staring at my woman before I punch your face,” I sign, glaring at him.
He sets his cutlery on his plate in favor of rubbing the spot on his shoulder, and then signs, “Calm down man. She’s a knock-out, I’ll give you that. But I wouldn’t risk our friendship like that.” He sneaks a look in Nor’s direction and turns back to face me. “Do the scars bother you?”
I shake my head. Most people don’t understand what I see in Nor. What lies beyond those white scars. “It’s simple. I see the beauty in her broken soul. I see a fighter who wears her battle scars with pride. I see my soul mate.”
He holds my gaze for a few minutes before blowing out a breath. “Dude, I think I’m crushing on you.”
“Sorry, man. I’m already taken.”
He grins at me. “You mentioned you might be working on a new project? In Jacksonville?” Tate asks. He picks up his knife and fork and continues wolfing down the food.
He looks away from me as his attention is claimed by the return of Nor, with Elon and Elise in tow. Tate straightens in his chair, subtly puffing out his chest. I can’t wait to teas the shit out of him. I go ahead and introduce him to the sisters. He keeps on staring as they settle in their respective seats across the table. His gaze lingers on Elise a little longer before he peeks at me and mouths, “Wow.”
I laugh, watching him dart a look in her direction again.
I touch his arm to reclaim his attention. “We’ll talk about this project without distractions,” I sign, smirking.
Later, when everyone has gone home, I slip between the sheets next to Nor and wrap my arms around her, then bury my nose into her hair. She shifts on the bed, and snuggles into me, her legs tangled with mine. I close my eyes and drift into sleep, a sense of completion filling me.
Summer
THE PAST FEW MONTHS HAVE been amazing. Cole finally moved in with us and the transition has been smooth.