Chapter Twenty Four
GABE
On Grandfather’s birthday, we headed to their place for lunch.
"This is so cozy. Is it the same house they've always lived in?" Diane asked as we went up the steps to the porch.
"Yeah, for as long as I can remember." I put a hand on the small of her back.
"I have a lot of memories on this porch.
They made some changes in the meantime, because back then they had bedrooms for us.
But now they've converted all of them. They’ve got a study for Grandfather, a reading corner, and a room where Grandmother can stay with her friends. I'm not too sure what the rest are."
"Wow. The house doesn't look that big."
They'd put a sign on the front door that said Unlocked. I opened it and heard voices inside resounding through the living room and entrance area. We went straight to the living room. Cade and Meredith were already here, as well as Jake and Natalie. The rest hadn't arrived yet.
"Excellent. You came just in time for the debate. The more the merrier," Cade exclaimed. "Hey, Diane.”
"Hi! What are you debating?" I asked.
"How long everyone else will take."
I rolled my eyes at my brother.
Diane looked at Grandfather. "Happy birthday. Thank you so much for inviting me."
"Happy birthday, Grandfather," I added.
After I shook his hand, he focused on Diane. "I'm very happy that you've joined us."
Then he glanced at Grandmother. "You know, when you started with your matchmaking project, I thought it would be a disaster, but it's turned out to be quite the opposite."
She scoffed. "Really, Abe? That's how little trust you have in me?"
"No, but our boys are headstrong, and I didn't think anything would come of it. If anything, I suspected you’d clash, but you've done well."
He kissed Diane's hand, and she laughed nervously.
"All right," I said, looking around. “Are the snacks in the kitchen?”
Grandmother huffed. "The catering company is going to be ten minutes late, so no."
How the fuck were they late? I was certain that this would be the last event Grandmother would agree to have catered. I carefully avoided looking at Jake and Cade or we would burst out laughing.
"I know you boys plotted today and tried to fool me," Grandmother said. "But Gabe came with Diane, so we'll forgive him for now."
"What's one thing got to do with the other?" Jake asked. "Just so we know for future reference."
Grandmother shook her head. "You boys will always give me headaches."
Meredith and Natalie laughed.
"Yes, they will. We’re sure of that," Meredith said.
Cade put an arm around her shoulders. "Babe, don't side with Grandmother. It's a slippery slope."
"I’m on that slope, and I'm very happy," Grandfather declared.
Then he focused on Diane, who was staring with her mouth open at everyone. Maybe I should have given her a 101 on how things worked in our family, but it didn't occur to me.
“Jeannie’s usually on her best behavior when someone new joins the family. I don’t know what got into her today,” Grandfather said, and Diane stiffened.
"Grandfather! Way to put her on the spot." I should have warned her that no one had a filter.
And yet he was right. Diane felt like a member of the family, like she'd always been here, part of the group.
Part of me.
The front door opened, and Zoey and Colton came in. Then Maddox, Nick, and Leo. Helen had already left town, although my brothers said she’d never just pop up for a birthday party.
"Ah, everyone's here except Penny, Spencer, and Ben," Maddox declared.
They all congratulated Grandfather and then quickly turned to Diane. I swear to God, it was almost comical. Maddox, Leo, and Nick were grinning but also theatrically each running a finger over their necks in a throat-cutting motion.
Colton shook her hand and said, "Diane, don't pay attention to these losers." He pointed at our half brothers. "They like you but are afraid of the fact that Grandmother had yet another successful matchmaking outcome. And what that means for them now."
Maddox stared at Colton. "Yeah, exactly what he said. Even I couldn't explain it that well."
"You have a gift, man," Nick said.
Leo ran a hand through his hair. "You know, him voicing it doesn't make this less dangerous."
Diane grinned. "Well, I think your grandmother is on to something."
Maddox turned to me. "Gabe, you didn't explain to Diane how things work in the family?"
"No," I admitted. "Didn't think it was necessary."
Nick groaned. "We're toast anyway, Maddox."
"I'm glad everyone is so amused," Grandmother huffed.
The door opened again. "Hello?" called a voice we didn't know. It was definitely not Penny.
"The catering company must be here," Grandmother said, walking with quick steps.
After she disappeared into the hallway, there were more voices and the sounds of dishes being moved in and out.
Colton and Maddox started to get up. "Need our help?"
"No, no," the same female voice replied.
"It's best if all of you stay out of it," Grandmother said. "They know what they're doing."
They set up a few folding tables with chafing dishes in the living room. I noticed my grandparents had rearranged some of the furniture to make space for us all.
Everything was ready in less than twenty minutes. The entire team left and promised to be here to clean up as soon as Grandmother gave them the green light.
"That was efficient," Grandmother said.
Once again, I exchanged a glance with Cade. If she could get used to this, it was a win.
The door opened again, and we all knew Spencer and Penny had arrived because Ben was giggling.
Diane smiled. "I love this family gathering," she said.
"How come?" I asked.
"I don't know. Everything's just so loud, and all of you are saying—"
"What’s on our minds without any filter whatsoever," I finished for her. "You find that appealing?"
"I think it's awesome that you don't tiptoe around and just give one another the business."
"You're not wrong."
When the trio came into sight, I felt Diane melt against me. "Oh, he's so cute today."
"You like kids?" I asked her.
"You know I do. I think they're adorable, not that I've been around too many. Oh, just look at Ben. He's so precious."
"Hey, Diane," Penny said after wishing Grandfather a happy birthday. Spencer was carrying Ben, and Diane's gaze was glued to him.
"Can I take over the world's most spoiled nephew?" I asked.
"Sure."
I took him easily from Spencer. Diane was right at my side, cooing at him and smiling, then kissing his head. I liked seeing her with him. She was so at ease, already showering him with affection as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
"All right, let's get the party started," Grandmother said.
As everyone went to load their plates, Leo nodded at me. Maddox and Nick were next to him. I instantly knew Leo had news and joined them right away.
“What’s this about?” I asked.
“Dad. The property is cleared to be used as a hotel,” Leo informed me.
"I want to see it," I said immediately.
"Why?" Maddox asked.
"Because I want to buy it. And build the distillery and the hotel there.”
Maddox looked at me intently. “I have an idea. It's been percolating in my mind for a while. You don't have to decide now, just keep it in mind.”
“I’m all ears.”
"Let's go into business together. I’d handle the hotel, and you can focus on the distillery."
I didn't see that coming. It had never occurred to me before. We’d always focused on our respective businesses, but the idea instantly took root in my mind.
“I’d like that.” The more I thought about it, the more I wanted him as my partner.
"Besides," Maddox said with a smirk, "you're already starting to resemble Colton a bit too much when it comes to being a workaholic."
I grunted. "Will everyone give it a rest? The bar is new. It needs more of my attention."
"Exactly. I've got more time to spare than you do," Maddox said. In a more serious tone, he added, "And I've always liked the idea of adding something new to the Whitley legacy."
Leo nodded. "I'll make arrangements. It might take a while because the owner communicates at a slug’s pace, but I'll let you know once everything is in motion."
"Thanks," I said. “Now, I’m starving.”
“Yeah, let’s get food or everyone will be suspicious if we keep talking,” Nick agreed.
I filled my plate as I balanced Ben in one arm. The chafing dishes kept everything piping hot. It was a good thing Ben was too small to walk around on his own; it could be very unsafe for him wandering around these scalding pans.
"Do you want to put him down?" Spencer asked him.
"No, I can multitask," I said, putting some mashed potatoes on my plate with gravy and roast beef.
As we sat down at the table, I held him firmly with my left arm and ate with the right. When I took my third spoonful, Ben's sounds changed. I looked down at him. The poor guy was salivating.
"Aw. I’m sorry. He does that ever since we introduced solids," Penny said.
"Think he wants to taste it?" I asked.
"For sure," Spencer said. "The little guy will eat anything, I swear to God."
I put mashed potatoes on the fork and held it to his lips. He licked a bit and scrunched his face but then gave me a huge smile.
Holy shit, this is amazing! He'd never smiled like this. I loved it. I switched to a spoon and fed him more of my potatoes.
"You're really good at this," Spencer said. He sounded stunned.
"I'm just as surprised as you are."
Diane smiled at me and said, "You’re a great uncle. I can hold him so you can eat if you want. I've already finished with my food, and I have some mashed potatoes left." She sounded very eager, and that stirred something inside me.
"Sure," I said, and she took him, settling Ben on her lap.
She looked really good with a baby in her arms. She kissed his forehead before starting to feed him. I couldn't look away. The image spoke to a primal part of my brain that I wasn't even aware existed until now.
I forced myself to focus on my food, which wasn't too difficult since I was starving.
Everyone made small talk around the table.
No one brought up work and Whitley Industries.
We rarely talked shop among ourselves, and it didn't make much sense anyway, since each of us was focusing on our own companies.
Once we were done, the caterer who’d stayed behind rolled the chafing dishes out of sight on the porch and brought in trays with dessert.
"I can’t believe you didn't want cake," Maddox exclaimed.
"That's like the best part of a birthday party," Leo added.
"What are you guys, four?" I asked them, but I kind of agreed. It didn't feel like a birthday party without a cake.
Grandfather chuckled. “What can I say? Not a fan of cake.”
There was a good assortment of sweets, and everyone circulated around the room while eating the dessert. Spencer took Ben back from Diane, who was now chatting with Penny.
Meredith and Natalie had their heads together, looking at me. At first I thought it was a coincidence, but I kept glancing at them while I filled my plate with macarons and figured they were definitely talking about me. I headed over to them.
"Gabe," Natalie said, sounding a bit on edge.
"So, you two were clearly gossiping about me. Why don't you fill me in?"
Meredith's cheek hollowed like she bit it from the inside. Natalie looked at her feet, hesitating.
"What's wrong? Jake or Cade need help with anything, or you two? Or do you know anything about our grandparents that—”
"No, no," Natalie said quickly.
Meredith sighed. "Dammit, we do need to tell him because now he's going to make up stuff in his mind."
I nodded. "Exactly. And you'd better fess up fast because I'm damn good at jumping to conclusions."
"You know, Diane doesn’t seem convinced that this is a long-term thing," Natalie murmured.
"She told you that?" My heart sank.
Meredith pressed her lips together. "Honestly, she told us that in confidence, so I feel bad just talking to you about it at all. I’d rather not give more details."
No way. They have to be wrong.
I waved my hand. "You probably misconstrued what she said. Diane isn't worried about anything."
It was true that she and I had never discussed anything further down the line, but we were both on the same page, I was sure of it.
It was probably something Meredith and Natalie wouldn't understand since Meredith was engaged to Cade and Natalie and Jake were already married.
But Diane and I didn't have to talk everything out.
I looked around for her. She was with Penny and Spencer, holding Ben again. I usually couldn't take my eyes off this woman, but right now, watching her with Ben was something else entirely. I walked straight to her, and she and my brother abruptly stopped talking.
"What's that?" I asked. "Why did you fall silent?"
"Because they were gossiping about you, obviously," Maddox said helpfully, appearing from behind us. Nick and Leo weren't too far away either.
"So everyone eavesdropped?" Diane asked.
"I mean, it wasn't that hard," Leo said. "You weren't keeping your voice down."
"There is very little respect for private conversations in this house," I informed her.
She nodded. "Right, right."
"You’re holding up really well, actually," Leo said.
"You know, I thought I’d be more overwhelmed, what with all of you being here," Diane said, "but this is surprisingly fun."
I had no idea where Natalie and Meredith got the idea that Diane was worried about something. She was just like me—laid-back and taking things easy. No overthinking, no pressure, just enjoying each day as it came. It was one of the reasons why we fit together so well.