The Winter Wishes Festival is in full swing for its final night, and the air is electric with anticipation for the Rocktogenarians’ performance. I’m operating the register at Caspian’s booth while Marcus handles the pastries and Caspian works his magic with the drinks. We’ve fallen into an easy rhythm like we’ve been doing this together for years instead of hours.
“Well, well.” Addy’s voice cuts through the crowd. “Don’t you look domestic behind that counter, Nate?”
I flip her off without looking up from the register. “Don’t you have your own fiancée to harass?”
“Leave my man alone,” Caspian says, sliding a perfect latte across the counter. His smile is playful as he wraps an arm around my waist.
Addy clutches her heart dramatically. “Your man, huh? Nate Stone, I hope you know you’re dating way up.”
“Trust me,” I say, turning to press a kiss to Caspian’s temple, “I know.”
“Jesus, not again.” Marcus groans from behind us. “If I hear one more smooch sound, I’m opening Grindr to check out the local fare. A man has needs!”
Before I can retort, familiar voices catch my attention. Tate and Tristan are next in line with their families, but it’s little Bailey who steals the show, ducking under the counter with the confidence only a toddler can muster.
“Uncle Caspian!” he exclaims, and I watch Caspian’s eyes go wide and wet at the title.
“Hey, buddy,” Caspian says, voice slightly wobbly as he crouches to Bailey’s level. “What can I get you?”
Bailey shakes his head solemnly. “Daddy says I can’t have anything, or I’ll be too hyper for bedtime. But I made you this!”
He thrusts a piece of paper at Caspian, who unfolds it carefully. It’s a crayon drawing of what’s clearly meant to be their family, and in the middle, wearing what looks like a coffee pot for a hat, is Caspian.
Caspian stares at the drawing for a long moment, then wraps Bailey in a tight hug before moving around the counter to embrace the rest of his newfound family.
“This is beautiful, Bailey,” he says, voice thick with emotion. “I’m going to hang it up in my coffee shop.”
“Really?” Bailey’s eyes light up. “Right where everyone can see it?”
“Pride of place,” Caspian promises, ruffling his hair.
“We’re heading back tomorrow,” Tristan says, arm around Ben’s waist. “But we hope you’ll come visit us soon. Maybe before the christening?”
“The guest room is always ready,” Ben adds. “And the bookstore could use your expertise. Bailey’s already reorganized my romance section three times this month. At least the shelves he can reach, which I’ve made sure only contain material suitable for little curious eyes.”
Bailey tugs on Caspian’s sleeve. “Uncle Caspian? Can I video call you sometimes? To talk about books?”
Ben rolls his eyes and laughs. “And just like that, I’m no longer his favorite bookstore owner.”
“You can call me anytime you want,” Caspian says, crouching to Bailey’s level. “We can talk about all the books you’re reading.”
“Yes!” Bailey bounces on his toes. “Can I, Dad? Please?”
“Like father, like son,” Tate chuckles, watching his nephew’s enthusiasm. “Though I think between you and Ben, we’re going to have a proper literary critic on our hands.”
“Nothing wrong with that.” Caspian grins, standing to hug his brothers again. “And yes, I’ll definitely come visit soon. I want to meet Sienna.”
I catch Marcus’s eye and share a knowing smile.
After saying their goodbyes, the twins and their families head toward the concert area, Bailey waving enthusiastically at his new uncle until they disappear into the crowd.
“So,” I ask Marcus, leaning against the counter, “you staying in Maplewood for good?”
He laughs, shaking his head. “Pfft, no. Small towns are way too small for my big personality. Besides”—he winks at me—“someone needs to keep the Arizona mountain lions fed.”
When Caspian returns, his eyes are still shining with happy tears. The sound of instruments being tested drifts from the amphitheater where the Rocktogenarians are setting up.
“You two should head up front,” Marcus says, shooing us away from the counter. “Most people are watching the concert now anyway. I can handle things here.”
