“European manners,” she said, smiling as she slid in. “I could get used to this.”
I leaned in and grabbed her waist. “And this?” I whispered against her lips.
Her answer was to cup my face and kiss me deeper.
On the way home, she told me she’d updated everyone about Walter’s recovery. “But I haven’t told anyone about us yet.”
“Then do. Tell your friends. We’ll talk to Simon together—want to drive there now? No point in delaying it.”
“It’s eight. They should be home.”
We looked at each other. I nodded once, then turned the wheel toward the newer neighborhoods of Blueshore.
45
Rio
“I TRIED CALLING, MAN,” Simon said the moment he opened the front door.
“Texted you back. We were busy—with Walter and all,” Owen replied.
“He’s fine now, right?” Nicole appeared beside him. “Come on in. The girls are still up.”
“He is,” I said, stepping inside with Owen behind me.
“Wio!” Emma launched herself from somewhere down the hall and straight into my arms. I bent to scoop her up.
I kissed her cheek. “Yes, sweetie, and Owen is here, too.”
She beamed at him and waved like a little Miss America contestant. He returned it with a high-five and a grin. “Hey, sweetheart.”
“Simon, can we talk to you?” I heard Owen say quietly while Nicole and I listened to Emma’s enthusiastic report about a birthday party at preschool.
Catching Simon’s sharp glance, I handed Emma to Nicole. “I have to ...” I gestured toward the two men already headed out tothe yard.
“I heard,” Nicole said, eyebrows raised in aI don’t know if this is a good ideakind of way.
I pressed my lips together. “I love him,” I said.
“Heard he loves you, too. Which is a first for him, so ...” Nicole tilted her head as if reversing how she’d reacted before. “Good luck.”
“Thanks.” I smiled at her, genuinely grateful that she was the first in the family to say something nice about this. I then hurried to follow the two.
“I already know,” Simon said once we stepped outside. He tapped his phone and turned the screen to us.
A headline blared:Wonder Wheaton Shocks Fans and Management Alike.
He swiped left to another.America Gets Them All: Wheaton to Join Messi, Giroud, and Beckham?
“Yes. About that,” Owen began. “I was going to tell you. I rejected their offer. I want to be here. You guys are my family. And Walter’s not getting any younger. But most importantly,” he pulled me to his side, “Rio.”
“Simon—” I tried, but my brother cut me off.
“Listen, I wish you two the best. I mean it. You love each other—it’s obvious just looking at you. I never imagined you together, but ... if you don’t fuck it up, I’m okay with it.” He locked eyes with Owen.
“It’s the real thing, Simon,” Owen said.
Simon gave a dry laugh. “I had this whole speech prepared when I saw the articles about the team wanting you back. Then you went offline, and then I figured you arrived because of Walter.”
