“Whatever possessed her?” he asks, trying to remove his sleeve from the puppy’s teeth.
April appears in the doorway and follows Caleb to the floor, rescuing her husband by scooping up the puppy and holding it in front of her face.
“Oh my goodness, you’re adorable.”
Pen joins them on the floor, dropping next to Lottie.
“Pen,” April says, leaning forward and pulling her in for a quick hug. “It’s great to see you.”
It amazes me how Pen has always had this effect on people, especially my family. They all love her. But then, what’s not to love? She’s one of the most genuine and kind people I’ve ever met.
“Good to see you too,” she says honestly. “How was your honeymoon?”
Twinkling, love-filled eyes turn to Caleb, who returns her stare with one of his own. My chest constricts. I couldn’t be happier for them both, yet I also recognise envy, knowing I never once looked at Darra that way or vice versa.
I turn to find Pen watching me. I shoot her a smile, but her eyes are serious.
I sit on the sofa and watch as the others play with the puppy, listening as April and Caleb tell us all about their trip. They visited Australia, Bali, Singapore, Thailand and spent their last week in a water villa in the Maldives, soaking up some sunshine.
“It was amazing,” April says breathlessly, her gaze once again moving to Caleb.
Pen smiles, clearly happy for them both, but I wonder. This was about to be her life, despite what she says about Kris and their relationship.
There’s no doubt, however, about April and Caleb’s love for one another. It shines like a beacon. And that’s saying something when I’m known for my cynical outlook on love.
“Did I hear Gabriel and Leah?” Pen asks.
“You did. Leah is sorting out Callum’s dinner. Gabriel is dropping their bags upstairs,” Caleb says, his eyes turning sombre. “I’m sorry about your engagement ending, Pen.”
Pen looks at him and shrugs. “It wasn’t meant to be,” she tells my brother. “Kris and I didn’t have what you and April have.”
She doesn’t say anymore, and April’s hand comes over and squeezes hers.
Caleb gets up off the carpet, placing a kiss on April’s lips as he goes.
“Well, it’s lovely to have you here. Kris’s loss is our gain,” he says, running a hand down her cheek.
“Don’t jinx it,” I say, scooping up a puppy.
I catch Pen watching, her eyes softening as a flush darkens her cheeks.
“I think this little one needs some rest. Come on, Lottie, let’s get Diana settled back in her crate. Mum says she’s been crate-trained. You can play with her later when she wakes up.”
Lottie takes the puppy from my arms and follows me from the room. The sudden need to pull Pen into my arms and claim her in front of my family more than I can resist.
Lottie and I return the pup to her crate and wait while she settles. It doesn’t take long, all the stimulation has worn her out.
“It’s okay, Dad, no one is going to guess about you and Aunty Pen. Not that I think they’ll worry. Everyone loves her.”
“I know, but Pen is worried about what people will think, and I respect that.”
“But family won’t care, they’ll just want her to be happy,” Lottie says.
“I know, you’re right.”
Mum said as much to me when we met up.
“Aunty Pen is very lucky. I hope I meet someone like you when I’m older,” Lottie says, making my breath catch.
