“I never hated you, Taylor. There was a lot going on back then, and I’m sorry if the way that I handled things made your relationship with Grant harder. He wasn’t the same after you left. Our relationship wasn’t the same after you left and that’s on me. That’s not on you and that’s not on him, but I am happy that you’re back together.”
Color me shocked and confused because there’s no way my hard ass oldest brother just apologized unprompted.
“Thank you,” Taylor says softly, obviously as surprised as Iam. “What are you doing down here? I didn’t know Reginald Davenport IV ever left the Upper East Side,” she playfully jabs at him.
“I’ve been put in charge of the Seaside Pines Davenport property for the time being.”
“I’m sure Grant would like to see you.”
Would I?
“Is he here?” Reginald asks. Is that hope I hear in his voice?
“Not right now, but I’m sure he’ll crash this girl’s trip any day now.”
Try any second, wife.
Reginald laughs and it’s been a long time since I’ve heard him do anything joyful. “Sounds about right. He never could go without you for very long.”
“Good to see you. We’re going to get some lunch,” Taylor says, and I hear their combined footsteps.
“Yeah, see you, Taylor.”
I step out of the shadows and come face to face with my brother. He freezes, unsure how I’ll react to him speaking to Taylor after my threats in the past to never talk to or mention her name again.
“That was big of you,” I say, rocking back on my heels.
“It was overdue.” Reginald nods, holding out a hand.
Sliding my hand into his, I give it a firm shake. “So the resort?” A smile spreads on my face and it feels good to have a remotely friendly conversation with him.
“You should come by,” he says.
“We have a tee time in a couple hours.” I gesture to the guys behind me, who’ve been standing quietly.
“Reginald,” my brother introduces himself. Preston, Chase, and Miller return the gesture.
“You should join us,” Preston says, ever the inviting one.
“I’ve got a busy afternoon, but stop by the clubhouse after and maybe I can meet you for a drink,” Reginald offers.
We part ways with a curt nod and I watch as he walks to hiscar down the street. What a wild turn of events this weekend has brought and the girls don’t even know we’re here yet.
“Was that a good or bad thing?” Chase asks, slapping me on the shoulder.
“Progress, I think.”
“Let’s go crash this party.” Miller rubs his hands together and starts walking to the cafe. Stepping inside, I find Taylor immediately.
Her head falls back in an uninhibited laugh. “So you guys lasted a total of thirty-six hours. Very impressive.”
Chase moves toward Gabby and drags her out of her chair for a hug. “Technically, we didn’t last twenty-four hours, but we stopped at a hotel outside of town so you wouldn’t know.”
“Ridiculous.” Gabby shakes her head before kissing him.
“So we’re obsessed with our girls. Where is the crime in that?” I ask, lifting Taylor and then taking her seat, planting her in my lap.
“No crime. I’m equally obsessed with you, and I got a house big enough for all of us because I had a feeling that you wouldn’t last without us.” She scratches the stubble of my beard and brings her mouth to mine softly.
