“Do you know you are my least favorite brother, Gabe?”
“Really? Who is your favorite today?”
“Nathan. He doesn’t annoy me constantly.”
“Now those words are set to warm my heart on this cool day.” The second eldest Deville, Nathan, walked in. Behind him came Michael next in the line. Lastly was Forrest, their cousin.
“Why are you all here? And I did not mean it, Nate. I don’t love any of you.” Which of course was a whopping untruth. He loved these men and would protect them with his life if need be.
They each sat around his table which was luckily big enough and began to eat his food. Nathan was the tallest and had a slimmer build than his brothers, and he also had a fiery temper. Michael was steady natured with brown hair and blue eyes unlike the others. Lastly was their cousin. Forrest had deep blue eyes and dark hair. Gentle like Michael, he could be a lion when provoked.
“We are staging an intervention,” Nathan said.
“I don’t need an intervention,” Zach snapped and then wished he hadn’t. He rarely snapped, and now was the focus of all eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Michael asked.
“Nothing. I am well, fine. Dandy, in fact, and any other number of words to explain my current situation.”
“You don’t sound fine,” Forrest said.
“Don’t you all have women and children in your lives? Surely that would suggest you don’t have time to harangue me.”
“Come now, harangue?” Nathan drawled. “Concern, gentle enquiry, and always love.”
Zach swore under his breath.
“Talk to us, little brother,” Gabe said.
He exhaled slowly.
“You have always been there for me, us,” Forrest said slowly. “When I came to England, I was jealous of this. What you all have together, and then I was part of it, and never for a day will I not be both honored and humbled. If we can help you, Zach, please let us.”
“Well hell,” Zach muttered.
“It is our honor to have you in our lives also, Forrest,” Gabe said solemnly. “Now talk, Zach.”
“I am well, just feeling a bit maudlin. There is nothing to concern yourselves over.” He made eye contact with each of them. “I am feeling pathetic and sorry for myself. It is no more than that.”
“Because?” Forrest asked.
“It is selfish and shallow,” Zach muttered.
“All of which we know you are, so carry on,” Nathan said.
“Extremely amusing.”
“And yet we are none the wiser,” Gabe said. He sipped his tea and winced again.
“Losing Warwick to wedded bliss has left me a bit rudderless,” Zach said, sounding pathetic, but he knew he had to give them something or they’d sit exactly where they were until he talked. “You are all married, but I had Warwick, and now he is wed I don’t have anyone else to…to…”
“Cause mayhem?” Nathan asked.
“Create a disturbance?” Michael added.
“Overindulge?” Forrest said.
“Those things,” Zach said, waving a hand about. “I don’t like anyone else so much I’d want to get close to them. I am just going through an adjustment period is all.”
