Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
THEO
This isn’t just another barbecue. One could be easily fooled by the smell of smoke and the sight of Everett at the grill, but I know it’s more than that. I bounce on the balls of my feet, anticipation thrumming through my body. The calm blue sea and bright blue sky can’t calm me down today.
No, this isn’t just another party—it’s my first party with Evie as a couple. It doesn’t feel all that different. She’s been busy at work with her cake. This is an important day for her, too, and it’s bigger than me.
For so long, my career was the biggest thing in the world.
My job is saving the planet, after all—spreading education about forestry, replanting trees, and creating recycled products.
If anything in our world is going to change, it has to start on a corporate level, and I’m trying to be a part of that. It is big.
Loving her is as big, and even though her dreams are different than mine, seeing how much she lights up over her work makes me fall in love with her every time. Whether she’s baking at home, working at the bakery, or talking about what comes next…
I’m proud to be at her side.
“Theo,” Everett calls. “Help me out over here, will you?”
“Sure.”
I’m glad he’s still talking to me. Everett hasn’t said much about my relationship with Evie, but he extended an invitation when the weekend came around. That feels like all I can ask for right now.
“How are you doing?” He looks at me from the corner of his eye and flips the steaks. The sizzle hits my ear before I can come up with a response.
“I’ve been… good. All right.”
Better than ever, technically speaking, but Everett doesn’t need to hear me bragging about how happy I am with his sister. Ridiculously happy—that’s how happy I am. I press my lips together to keep from saying so.
“Evie told me what you did,” he says. “About her tuition.”
“Oh…” I scratch the back of my neck. “Yeah. That was nothing.”
He shakes his head. “Don’t be like that. It was everything. I would have done it if I could, but I couldn’t, so… thanks.”
I clear my throat. “I’m thinking of making it an annual thing—starting a scholarship in her name. What do you think?”
He smirks and sighs. “I think she would like that. You know her pretty damn well, don’t you?”
“I like to think so.”
It’s another way to give back, which means I like it, too.
Making it a reality will take a few more steps—coming up with eligibility criteria, partnering with someone to manage the scholarship, and figuring out the legal side.
I won’t be rushing any of it, but Evie has done the opposite of ruining my career.
She’s inspiring my future.
“Watch this for a minute,” he says. “You shouldn’t need to do anything. I think Evie needs my help.”
“Sure.” I stand by the grill dutifully. I’ve grilled before, but don’t know what I’m looking for, staring at the browning pieces of meat with disinterest.
If I mess this up, I won’t gain any more points with Everett. These days, I could use anything he’s willing to give. I may not have lost my best friend over my relationship with Evie, but it had been a close one…
And his walls are still up. I can’t blame him for that.
The sliding door opens, and Evie comes out. Even though Everett goes to help her, she carries the three-tier cake alone. Frosted flowers are etched across the cake, and there’s glitter, pearls…
Usually, when she bakes for her brother’s events, I can tell it’s all for him. The designs are simple, and the flavors are, too. This? This beautiful, flamboyant cake? This is for her.
I smile proudly, catching her eye as she sets the cake down.
“Hey!” Everett holds his beer in the air as if that’s enough to get everyone’s attention. “I know we do this every weekend, but don’t forget—this is for Evie.”
“Everett!” Evie whispers, tugging at his shirt.
The little crowd cheers politely, but I forget to, my gaze stuck on her.
Her blonde hair flows past her shoulders, perfectly framing the bubblegum pink dress that clings to her form and goes down to her ankles. The sunlight catches the fabric, making the glitter sparkle in the light, and I hold back a sigh.
Every time I see her, she’s more beautiful than the last.
“My sister got accepted into one of the best culinary schools in the state, so she’ll be sticking around.
She also insisted on making her own celebratory cake, so the rest of you get a treat.
You may not know her well, but this isn’t anything new.
She started making her own birthday cakes when she was twelve. ”
I chuckle.
“Thank you, thank you.” Evie tugs at him again. “That’s enough. Thank you for coming, everyone!”
Damn the grill. I forget about the job entirely, crossing the patio to get closer to her. Everett’s eyes are still on us, but I ignore his sharp gaze. I bend low, pressing my lips to hers—so soft, but enough that she knows I care.
“I’m so proud of you,” I whisper.
Without answering, her fingers curl into my shirt. She drags me closer and kisses me hard.
“Thank you,” she says. “Thank you so, so much.”
“I would have done more if you let me.”
“How?” She shakes her head. “How could you have done more?”
“I don’t know.” I lift a shoulder. “Do you need an investor for your bakery?”
She presses my chest, playfully pushing me away. “That’s enough out of you. Will you help me cut the cake?”
“Yeah. Unless…”
When I turn to find Everett, he’s walking away—but I don’t miss the slight smile on his lips.
Everything will be okay after all. After years of telling myself I can’t have it all—love, friendship, and a career… perhaps I was wrong. Right now? It feels like I have the whole package. Or at least that I’m on the way to it.
Evie holds out the knife, smiling sweetly. I take it from her and slice it through the perfect cake.