“Well, I’m simply observing that she's an attractive young woman with excellent qualifications. If she happens to make my eldest son smile more than he has in years, well, that's just a bonus." His mother shrugged.
Riley laughed. "Anyone who can make Devon blush deserves a place at this table."
"I'm not blushing." Devon shot Riley a stare. Not a hostile one. More of a pleading one to let it go.
"You absolutely are," Hasley said. "Your ears are practically glowing."
“This is giving me fodder to bust his ass for days to come.” Bryson shook his head, chuckling.
Devon was saved from further torture by the sound of tires on gravel. A silver Honda Civic appeared in the driveway, headlights sweeping across the meticulously landscaped front yard before coming to a stop near the house.
"That would be our new team member," Walter said, rising from the outdoor sofa with the easy strength of a man who'd spent his life working with his hands.
Devon's pulse quickened as the car door opened, and Emery stepped out. She was dressed professionally but not overly formal—dark jeans, a cream-colored blouse, and a blazer that probably cost more than she could afford right now. Her dark hair was pulled back in a low ponytail, and even from across the yard, he could see the careful composure she wore like armor.
"She looks nervous," Devon’s mother observed.
"Wouldn't you be?" Riley asked. “Coming into all of this. Back to Stone Bridge after only three months. I remember that sensation well, and it wasn’t fun."
“Ah, but look what you gained.” Devon’s mom smiled so wide, it was brighter than the flames. “You and Bryson—back together—as it should be.”
Emery gathered a small suitcase and what looked like a laptop bag from her backseat, then turned toward the house. The firelight caught her face as she approached, and Devon saw the moment she spotted the group gathered around the fire pit. Her step faltered almost imperceptibly before she straightened her shoulders and continued forward.
"Emery,” his mom called out, rising to meet her with the warmth that had made every friend the Boone siblings had ever brought home feel like family. "Welcome. I hope the drive from Arizona wasn’t too bad.”
"It was long but not horrible. My parents say hello. It’s been a long time since they’ve been in Stone Bridge, but they’ve always loved your wine.”
“So glad to hear that.” His mom smiled. “The guesthouse is all set up for you, but if there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Boone. I’m sure it will be lovely. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this opportunity." Emery's voice was steady, professional, but Devon caught the slight breathiness that suggested she was more nervous than she was letting on. He stood as she approached the fire, and when their eyes met across the flames, he felt the same jolt of electricity that had been arcing between them for months.
“Please, it’s Brea,” his mother said.
“You remember my daughters, Ashley and Hasley," Walter said, making introductions. "And, of course, you know Bryson and Riley."
"Riley, it's so good to see you again." Emery's smile became more genuine as she greeted the other woman.
"We should let you get settled," Ashley said, standing and brushing off her jeans. "Tomorrow's going to be a full day of orientation and paperwork."
"All the exciting stuff," Hasley added with a grin. "Don't let Devon overwhelm you with spreadsheets on your first day."
"I make beautiful spreadsheets," Devon protested.
"I'm sure they're works of art," Emery said, and he caught the hint of humor in her voice that had been missing during her interviews but he knew was part of who she was from the time they’d spent together in private.
Bryson pushed off from Riley's chair and offered his hand to help her up. "We should head out, too. I keep trying to convince this one to move in with me, but she's stubborn."
"I'm not stubborn, I'm cautious," Riley replied, accepting his hand but rolling her eyes. "We're not there yet."
"When will we be there? I'm thinking of making a timeline, maybe some charts..." Bryson glanced toward the sky.
"Charts will definitely change my mind," Riley said, laughing as she swatted his arm. "Come on, walk me home before you start planning our entire future."
“Oh, he’s got a plan,” Devon said with a devilish smile. “One that I’m sure doesn’t include coming home tonight.”
“Not sure he’s slept in his own bed all week.” His mother laughed. “I really wish that the two of you would sometimes stay here.”
“I believe it’s those comments that keep my girlfriend from wanting to move in with me,” Bryson said.
