“Are you going to tell the others?” he asks.
It’s been a bone of contention between us since Lottie arrived on his doorstep, having overheard Darra and me arguing. Not the way I wanted my thirteen-year-old at the time to find out I wasn’t her biological father, that her mother had tricked me into marrying her while carrying another man’s child.
“It’s not important. I won’t have Lottie suffering for her mother’s indiscretions. I’m her father. That’s all that matters.”
Gabriel’s reply is cut off as Quentin pops his head out of the door, making us both turn.
“Are you two coming back in? You’re missing all the fun.”
Gabriel responds, “Soon.”
They exchange a look, before he turns and disappears back inside.
I sigh.
Of course, I’m the poor divorcé who has escaped from a disastrous marriage. Everyone knows it. My ex was not exactly discreet.
“Lottie’s a great kid. She loves you. You’re her dad, first and foremost. Nothing is going to change that. Divorcing Darra means you can now move forward with your life. Move on.”
Running a hand through my hair, I sigh.
“I’m thirty-seven. I’m not sure what that looks like,” I tell him truthfully.
In my heart, I know Lottie is happier that her mother and I are no longer at each other’s throats. But I’ve remained trapped in a toxic cycle for so long that I’m numb.
“You need to be kind to yourself. Don’t overthink things. We Frazers do that. It’s a common trait.”
I can’t help the laugh that escapes. Since childhood, everyone has known Gabriel to analyse and re-analyse everything, looking for patterns. His ability with numbers is scary.
“All I’m saying is don’t shut yourself off. I understand the need to protect yourself, but let those who love you back in. Leanon us the way we’ve leaned on you over the years. You might be the eldest, but as I said before, you’re not an island. There is still time to reset and move on.”
The door bursts open behind us. An identical face to the one in front of me appears.
“Why are you two skulking out here?” Caleb claps an arm around both our shoulders. “You appear excessively serious for the night before my wedding. You should be celebrating. Someone has finally tamed me.”
Gabriel chuckles, and I smile. Caleb is right and more than a little tipsy. The beautiful April has tamed our playboy brother. His soulmate. She loves him as openly as he loves her. They complement each other, make the other better-stronger.
“Plus, I need your help. Those reprobates in there are not listening. I refuse to be hungover tomorrow. Tristan got out Uno. He’s making up the drinking rules. I need you both back inside.”
Gabriel shakes his head. “Grow a pair,” he tuts at his brother.
I can’t talk. I got plastered the night before my wedding. Drowning my sorrows, I think the word for it is.
“Go to the drinks cabinet,” I tell him. “There’s a bottle. It has a small red dot. Zero alcohol—tastes like shit, but if they test it, they won’t know the difference. Use that bottle for your shots.”
Caleb reaches up and pats my cheek. At six foot two, he’s not small, but against my six foot six, I tower over my brothers.
“Big brother always looking out for us. What would we do without you?” he says, his eyes shining with the amount of alcohol his friends have him drinking.
“Let’s get back inside before your friends trash my house,” I say, heading for the door.
Another cheer comes through the open door as we walk back inside and rejoin the festivities.
CHAPTER 2
PEN
Mum places a plate of food next to me.
