“This is awesome.” His wide grin threatens to split his face in two. “You’re gonna be the best mother, Thena. You basically raised me, and I didn’t turn out so bad.”
I lean over and hug him. “Understatement of the century.” I mess up his hair. “You’re incredible, and that’s all on you.”
“See.” He waggles his brows. “Perfect mother material right there.”
Warmth mixes with pain in my veins. “That’s one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me, but I don’t know if it’s in the cards for us. We’ve been trying for a year to no avail.”
His expression softens. “I’m sorry, sis. That must be hard, but don’t give up hope. I heard what Dad said, and we both know how stubborn he is. He’ll make it happen.”
“Thanks, Arlo.” I lean over and hug him again. “Have I told you how proud I am of you?”
“Don’t start. I got enough of the mushy-gushy stuff earlier.”
Drew chuckles as he lifts me off his lap. “Just keeping it real, son.” He sets me on my feet and hauls me into his chest. “Better?”
“Yes.” Talking it out with Drew has helped. The crying was cathartic too. I fling my arms around his shoulders and plant a fierce kiss on his lips. My husband, being the man he is, takes it and raises it, dipping me down low as he kisses me deeply.
“Should I go warm up shit in the sex room?” Arlo quips, forcing us to break apart.
“We’ll restrain ourselves until after dinner.” Drew smirks, tapping my ass, and the look he gives me is loaded with wicked intent.
My core clenches in anticipation, and I shiver all over. My man is still a beast in the bedroom, and I’m a very lucky girl.
“Fucking gross.” Arlo turns a sickly shade of green.
“You started it.” Drew slaps him on the back as he walks toward the kitchen. “Go sit outside. I’ll bring wine and beer, and dinner will be on the table in twenty.”
We do as we’re told, and a few minutes later, we’re seated on the couch sipping our drinks. “So, catch me up on your life,” I say in between mouthfuls of the crisp white wine.
“Nothing much to say.” Arlo shrugs before swilling from his bottle of beer. “Work is fine, and things are cool at the house.”
“Are you running into any issues at Manning Motors?” I ask, wondering if this is what he wants to talk to us about. Drew said he has something to tell us.
“Not really. There’s always a few jackasses who throw the nepotism card my way, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“I don’t see how they can justify throwing that shade at you. It’s not like your father appointed you to a management position. You’re starting at the ground and working your way up, just like all the other college graduates.” It’s not quite the same thing, but it’s unfair to level those kinds of accusations at Arlo when he is having to prove himself. Drew could have elevated him, but he wants him to learn the business from every angle, and I supported the decision. Arlo didn’t have any issue with it either.
He winces before he’s quick enough to disguise it, and I’m guessing whatever he has to say is about Manning Motors.
“How are you getting on with Jake?” I ask, purposely switching the topic.
“Fine. He’s a good guy, and Vera seems happy.” Poor Vera hasn’t had it easy. She told me once that Arlo saved her. He gave her a purpose, a reason to survive. They are super close, which isn’t that surprising considering there’s only four years in age between them. She dated a little, but mostly it was a disaster. Until she met Jake. They’ve been together a year, and he’s just moved in.
“Do you think you’ll keep living there?” Vera was lonely rambling around that big house by herself, so she asked Arlo to move in at the start of his junior year of college. Drew was devastated, but he didn’t hold his son back, and it’s been good for Arlo and Vera. We still see a lot of him; he’s always popping back and forth. Drew and Arlo have an incredible relationshipand a strong bond. They’ve fought hard for it, and it’s a delight to see. Abby positively glows every time she sees them together, and Olivia dotes on Arlo like he walks on water.
Moving here was the best decision, and I’ve never regretted it.
“It’s fine for now. The house is big enough that we don’t step on each other’s toes. If they decide to get married and start a family, I’ll probably move out, but for now, I’m happy there.”
“Any girls on the scene?” I ask, lifting a brow.
Drew pokes his head through the double doors. “Dinner’s ready.”
“Perfect timing.” Arlo waggles his brows, grinning as he stands. My brother-slash-stepson is forthcoming about most things except his love life. Any time I mention women, his lips glue tight. There hasn’t been anyone serious—to my knowledge—and I’d love for him to meet someone special.
Dinner is delicious as usual. My husband is a fantastic cook.
Arlo clears his throat and finally speaks after we finish eating our meringue dessert. “I have something I want to talk to you about. Before you say anything, just let me get this out.”
