Chapter 63
Colin
“Why are all these people here?” I pull Heath into a quiet corner of the house.
“Hey, Killah,” Ian and Brody both say at once. Makayla waves and Malcolm nods. On the other side of the room are Raven, Amira, and Ernestine.
“Well, Raven was calling people, so I called Uncle Milton and Colin the First and told them what was going on. They’re on their way. And then your phone rang, and it was Ian, so I answered. I know he’s one of your best friends. He must have told these other guys. The nerve, right? He should have asked you first if he could go and blab.”
“Why are you answering my phone?”
“Well, it rang. What else was I supposed to do? And Ernestine was worried about the Ice Princess, so when she called, I answered. You act like it’s my fault all these people are here.” He crosses his arms as if he’s indignant.
“Did you tell them to come over?” I ask.
“Well, yes, but only because I heard Raven tell someone to come over too.”
“Give me my damn phone.” I hold out my hand, and he puts the phone in it.
“I ordered dinner for everyone,” he whispers. “I used your credit card, though. I don’t want you to think that I paid.”
I ignore him and go toward the room to warn Brynne that everyone we know is here, but she comes out before I can reach her. She doesn’t seem surprised by the crowd.
Amira and Raven notice her first. They run to her, and the three of them hug. Everyone crowds around her, and I’m relieved when she takes the comfort they offer.
I’m distracted when there’s a knock on the door. It’s my brother and uncle, and right behind them are two men with the food.
“Take care of that for me,” I say to Heath, and he runs to take action, bossing the two men around. I leave him to it.
When I notice Uncle Milton and my brother talking to Brynne alone, I run to her and slide my arm around her waist.
“Brynne, I’m so sorry,” Uncle Milton says. He grabs both her hands. “Whatever you need, you let me know. You can rebuild that house; whatever the insurance won’t cover, Paddy will. If he’s too cheap, you come to me or Colin the First.” He points at my brother, who nods. “I know someone in the DA’s office, so don’t worry.” He squeezes her hands, and I hold my breath while I wait to see what she does next.
“Thank you, Milton, but I’ve already decided not to rebuild. We’re going to focus on the future, and I will design a house for me to live in with my husband.” She pulls her hands away and rests one on my chest.
“Okay, good. I think that’s a good idea. And it’s Uncle Milton.” He taps her shoulder and leaves us alone with my older brother.
I stare at him, unsure of what to say. I don’t know how to interact with him, but he calls me regularly.
“Thank you for coming, Colin the First,” Brynne says. “I appreciate it.”
“Well, you’re family now,” he says. “And I’m sorry about the house. Uncle Milton told me how important it’s always been to you.”
“Thank you. It was,” Brynne says.
“I want you to know that you always have a home with us. The house belongs to all of our dad’s kids. Please don’t wait for an invitation. The door is always open to you. I know Paddy hasn’t always felt like that’s his home, but it is.”
A tear slides down Brynne’s cheek, and she quickly swipes it away. She smiles widely, but her brown eyes are brimming with more unshed tears. My brother opens his arms, and she hugs him. It’s a quick and awkward hug, but I appreciate his effort toward her. Brynne pulls away. Heath snatches my brother and pulls him into the kitchen.
Heath lays out all the food on my kitchen island while he talks nonstop to Colin the First. Everyone serves themselves and finds a spot at the table or in the living room. We don’t talk about the house or the fact that her former stepbrother set it on fire anymore. We talk about the wedding that’s taking place in a few weeks and the plans and activities we have scheduled.
For Ian’s bachelor trip, we only planned a few things ahead of time and played the rest by ear. The wedding planner Brynne hired planned activities for us leading up to the wedding.
After we get married, we’ll spend two more days on the island, but we plan on being together either in the house or by the pool. Then we’ll fly to Bali for the rest of our honeymoon. She doesn’t know where we’re going, but Raven told me that’s one of the places she’s always wanted to go.