“Nope. Because of her.” Owen’s arm looped tighter around me and he pressed a kiss to my temple. “But fate got me here in time for Walter, too.”
“Fate,” Simon said, like he was still processing.
“What was in that speech?” I asked, sliding my arm around Owen’s waist. We stood there as a unit—me and him—together.
“I was going to tell Owen no one can have it all. You try to get everything, you end up with nothing. Life’s about choosing.”
“Good speech,” I said, smiling even as the G lingered. I didn’t have to avoid hard consonants with these two.
“I have it all now. Nothing has ever made me feel like I do when I’m standing right here, like this,” Owen said, reeling me closer against his side.
Simon studied him for a second. Then nodded once, like it passed whatever test he’d set.
“Shall we toast to you being back? It’s not a funeral. It’s a good thing,” he said, shaking himself out of the mood he was stuck in.
“Deal,” Owen said.
As we headed back inside, Simon fell into step beside me. “So ... you’re sure? I don’t need to worry?”
“I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life,” I said, holding his gaze.
“Then congratulations, Rio. He’s a good man.” A beat passed. “Just ... wasn’t good at ... He’s a good man.”
“I know.” Then, right as we entered, I quickly added, “Do me a favor and tell Mom.”
“Rio!” I managed to hear him say as I picked up my pace.
“Please,” I tossed back over my shoulder without looking.
Nicole was descending the stairs as we reached the kitchen. “Emma’s in bed. I promised you two would come say goodnight later.”
Chloe stood near the counter, wearing earphones. She quickly tugged them out and blushed when she saw us. God, I remembered being at that awkward age. I was only a year older than her when I first met Owen.
“Hey, Chloe. Heard you joined the soccer team at your school,” Owen said.
Chloe nodded. “Yeah.”
Gotta love the monosyllabic responses.
“What position?” Owen asked while Simon and Nicole moved around the kitchen, pulling out glasses and uncorking a bottle of wine.
“I’m trying for goalie and back fielder. I’m kinda good at defense.”
“Excellent. If you need any tips, I’m here. I’d be happy to help you train.”
Chloe sucked in her lips, like she wasn’t sure if what she wanted to say was okay. “But aren’t you going back to England soon?”
“Nope,” Owen said, his voice easy, certain. “I’m here. So anytime.”
She nodded emphatically, her whole face lighting up.
Simon handed us glasses. “Chloe, pour yourself some juice,” he said, passing her an empty one.
“To having Owen back here—and to Rio and Owen,” Simon said, raising his glass.
“To Walter getting better,” I added.
“To family,” Owen said, clinking all our glasses together.
