“Holy fuck,” I mutter. “This is… what, exactly?”
“Van Doren Estate. I’ll give you a tour after the wedding.”
“Are we staying in that house?”
“Nope. We can if you want to, but I planned for us to stay in my house.”
“Your house?”
Oxley smiles. “Yes. I have a house in the trees.”
I don’t get a chance to ask more questions as he turns his truck through a hidden opening in the tall shrubs, following a path that leads around the side of the enormous house. I’m further surprised when the road we’re following descends under the big house into a damn parking garage. What the hell is this place?!
“I have no words,” I say as he drives along the lines of parked cars until he finds an empty spot.
“There are a lot of employees,” Oxley says. “And during holidays, the whole Van Doren family gathers here. We needed parking, so Jalon made it happen without taking away from the aesthetic.”
I shake my head.
There are people walking as we get out of the truck. I’m thankful to be able to stand again. Sitting for long periods is just as uncomfortable as standing for long periods. Different kinds of pressure on my leg; different kinds of aches.
“You want to bring your crutch?” Oxley asks.
I chew the inside of my lip. “How far do we have to walk to get to the ceremony?”
“Just out of the parking garage. There will be a shuttle to take us.”
Of course, there is. “No. Let’s leave it here for now.”
He nods. His arm wraps around my waist, and we follow the others as they make their way to the stairs. I didn’t think of the stairs. Maybe I should get my crutch after all.
Another vehicle pulls in, and Oxley pulls me to the side. He raises his hand in greeting, and we wait there while the SUV parks. Minutes later, two men climb out. “That’s my brother,” Oxley says.
It’s not difficult to determine which brother. It’s not Jalon. The world knows what Jalon looks like. I’ve met Kairo. I can’t imagine it’s Noaz since he—they’re—likely here somewhere and getting ready for their wedding. That means this is Arath.
He looks remarkably like Oxley. Same build, though Arath might be a little… bulkier? Is that the right word? They’re the same height, with the same hair and eyes. Oxley wears glasses, and Arath doesn’t. Oxley reminds me of a university professor, whereas Arath looks like a CEO.
Arath hugs Oxley and exchanges some brotherly affection. Then, he takes a step backward. His eyes move to mine, and I wonder if Oxley even said he was bringing me.
“This is Elgin,” Arath greets. “My brother, Oxley.”
Elgin smiles and offers his hand. Oxley accepts it first, and then I shake it as Oxley introduces me. “My boyfriend, Huntley. This is my brother, Arath.”
“Or Ara,” Arath says. “Not many people call me by my full name. Oxley likes full names, though.”
“I’ve figured that out. He corrects me almost every single time I use Ox.”
Oxley presses his lips together but doesn’t comment. Arath chuckles. “I know what that’s like.”
Arath and Elgin accompany us to the exit, and I’m happy to see there’s an elevator. No climbing stairs for me. I don’t miss either Arath or Elgin watching me walk.
“I was shot recently,” I volunteer.
Arath nods, unsurprised. Though Elgin’s mouth opens in shock.
“I’m glad you’re walking again,” Arath says.
“You knew?”
