Drew slid the door from the deck open with his foot, carrying a platter of burger patties and hot dogs. “Food’s almost readyif anyone’s hungry. And Luke, fair warning—Ryan’s planning a water volleyball tournament later.”
“I wanna play!” Eli exclaimed. “Can I be on your team, Uncle Luke?”
“Actually,” Ryan called from the deck, “I thought we could make it Thompson-Garrett versus Garrett-Wilson. I’ll be on your team and then Rachel and Archer can pick where they go.”
Typical, Ryan had everything figured out. Luke wasn’t so sure about the kids playing. His siblings and brothers-in-law could get a bit too competitive at times.
Luke watched as Noah’s eyes widened slightly. “Should I be worried?”
“Probably,” Megan laughed. “Last summer’s badminton tournament ended with Drew sleeping on the couch for a week.”
“That’s because someone”—Drew shot his wife a pointed look—“is a terrible loser.”
“I prefer to think of myself as passionately competitive,” Megan retorted.
The banter continued as they filled their plates and moved outside to the deck overlooking the lake. Luke hung back, watching as Noah and Eli seamlessly integrated into his family’s dynamic. Eli was already deep in conversation with Mason about the best fishing spots. He was proud of both boys. Mason for not getting annoyed by a “little kid” pestering him and Eli for getting out of his comfort zone to spend time with someone other than Livy and Emma.
Luke’s dad paused on his way to the tables. “Your mother’s thrilled you finally found someone. She’s always worried about you.”
Luke shifted uncomfortably. “Dad?—”
“Let me finish,” he interrupted gently. “We’ve watched you keep people at arm’s length for years, son. It’s good to see you let someone in. And that little boy? He looks at you like you hung the moon.”
“They both mean a lot to me,” he admitted. “Sometimes it scares me how much.”
His dad squeezed his shoulder. “That’s how you know it’s real. The best things in life usually come with a healthy dose of fear.”
Before Luke could respond, Noah appeared at his side, slipping an arm around his waist. “Your mom’s insisting we eat before the kids get in the water. The girls are already asking about going on the boat, but she says they’ll have to wait thirty minutes after eating. I tried telling her it should be fine to take sandwiches with us for when they’re hungry, but she’s adamant.”
“We all know it’s just an old wives’ tale,” Luke said, grateful for the distraction. “But good luck arguing with her about it.”
Luke’s mom fussed over Eli, making sure he had enough food and asking about his favorite subjects in school. Ryan and Noah talked about literature while Megan gave Drew a hard time about how much food he’d grilled.
It was nearly perfect.
Luke lookedout the bedroom window, in awe of the moonlight reflecting off the lake. Nights up here had always felt a bit magical to him, and tonight, there was an extra charge in the air.
Across the hall, Noah said goodnight to Eli one last time. The afternoon had been amazing—filled with laughter, family, and memories that lasted a lifetime. His skin felt warm from the sun, and his muscles were pleasantly tired from hours of swimming and playing with the kids. Livy and Eli were so excited about spending the weekend together he’d doubted they’d be able to get either kid to sleep. Luckily, Mason stepped in and told Elihewas going to bed, which made Eli follow suit.
The sound of the door clicking shut made him turn. Noah leaned against it, a soft smile on his face. “Eli’s finally settled. Your mom gave him and Mason cookies and milk, so I’m sure they’ll be up playing video games for hours.”
“Yeah, sorry about that. She can’t help herself when it comes to spoiling kids.” And since there was a strict no electronics rule during the day, he had no doubt Mason would stay up playing until he passed out. Luke crossed the room, drawn to Noah like a magnet. “Did you have fun today?”
Noah wrapped his arms around Luke’s waist, pulling him close. “I did. I’m not sure your mom realizes how much it means to me that she included Eli like he’s one of her grandchildren. That’s something he’s never had with my parents, and I’ve always wished it could be different.”
“As far as she’s concerned, heisone of her grandkids,” Luke said softly, even as a familiar twinge of uncertainty flickered in his chest. “And I’m pretty sure you’re higher on her list of favorite kids because you gave her another grandson.”
Noah studied his face, his expression thoughtful. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”
Luke shrugged, trying to sort through his jumbled thoughts. “Do you ever wonder how something that feels this good can last? Eli with the other kids, you with my family, all of it.” He paused, struggling to find the right words. “Sometimes it feels too good to be true, you know?”
“Hey.” Noah’s hand came up to cup Luke’s cheek. “It’s okay to be happy. We don’t need to walk around waiting for something to happen.”
Luke leaned into the touch, drawing comfort from Noah’s steady presence. “I know. And I am happy. Happier than I’ve ever been.” He took a deep breath, meeting Noah’s gaze. “That’s what scares me sometimes. How much I want this. Want you and Eli. I feel like it’s too soon for me to imagine years and years of the three of us coming up here with my family in the summer, watching the kids grow up together.”
Noah’s thumb traced Luke’s jawline. “We want you too. You know that, right?”
Luke nodded, letting himself be drawn into a gentle kiss. The lingering doubts didn’t disappear entirely, but they faded to background noise, overshadowed by the warmth of Noah’s embrace and the certainty of his feelings.
