Epilogue
Grady
The party is in full swing, laughter and conversation mingling with the crackle of the fires from the braziers strategically placed between the picnic benches and tables. Music hums from the speakers someone set up near the food table, and the scent of grilled meat lingers in the air.
Todd strides toward me, two beers in hand, and offers me one without a word. I take it, twist off the cap, and tip it toward him in silent thanks before taking a long pull.
The first sip fizzes against my tongue, crisp and slightly bitter, the cold cutting through the bonfire’s lingering warmth. The taste deepens, malty with a faint citrus tang before settling into a smooth, hoppy bite that lingers at the back of my throat.
“So, she’s staying permanently?”
“Looks like it, huh.” He holds the bottle by the neck between two fingers and watches his woman talk with Diana from the B&B and our niece Mel.
“You’re a lucky bastard,” I say, feeling a bit envious. “You both are. She’s a hell of a woman, and she’s a hell of a mechanic. Didn’t expect to have someone who actually wants to work in the garage long term.”
“She loves it,” Todd says easily. “If it’s up to her, she’ll keep doing three days a week with you and spend the rest of the time with us on the boat.”
That piques my interest. “She wants to keep splitting time between both?”
Todd nods. “Absolutely.”
I take another sip of beer, watching Savannah throw her head back with a laugh. “That’s awesome. We can really do with the extra set of hands.” My gaze goes from him, to Savannah, to Colton, who is hovering near the three women talking.
Todd leans a shoulder against the porch railing and cocks his head. “If you got a question, just ask.”
I turn to face him fully. “How did you form this… relationship? It isn’t conventional.”
Todd grins, not the least bit fazed. “No, it’s not, but it works wonderfully for us.”
My youngest brother ambles closer, having caught the last bit of our conversation. “You already share everything with Callum and Finn,” Todd says, gesturing between us. “Running the garage and forming a household together. It’s the same for us. We own the boat and the house together. Sharing with Colton is natural for me. Like you’re used to sharing with Callum and Finn.”
Callum crosses his arms, studying Todd like he’s weighing his words. “Work’s one thing. A relationship is another.”
“Not really.” Todd shrugs. “Both need trust. Communication. Commitment. You work well together, so why not work together in a relationship with a woman?”
I blink. “But how does it work? Isn’t anyone getting jealous?”
Todd shakes his head. “No. Hasn’t happened for us. But that’s because each of us is willing to speak up. If something isn’t working, we talk . Just like you would in a relationship with two people, or like you would with a business partner. If you’re not honest, it won’t last.”
I roll his words around in my head, with a glance at Callum.
“Huh. Never thought about it like that.” Callum’s lips curve slightly, and he shrugs. “Maybe we should, though.”
I turn my head sharply, blinking at him. “You serious?”
He doesn’t answer, just takes a slow sip from whatever is in his Solo cup before tipping his chin toward the crowd.
My gaze follows, landing on Finn, standing a few yards away. Our middle brother watches silently as Colton steals a kiss from Savannah, his expression unreadable.
Hmm, maybe it is time to look for a woman ourselves.
THE END