I’m about to be tested.
Can I look at Declan with indifference when my brother is so close?
No. I. Can. Not.
There is no sense in even trying. I have stupid butterflies in my stomach because I did the horizontal, vertical, and upside down with the guy who I’m sure I will be passing the salad bowl to in about three minutes.
“Hey, Declan,” my brother greets the guest of honor.
Declan swipes his sunglasses off as he walks into the yard, surveying the scene. There are teenagers splashing in the pool again, the sun is bright but beginning to dip low in the sky, and all the adults are around the table, ready to welcome this guy.
“Hey, everyone, looks like quite a setup,” Declan mentions then hands Brielle a small bag with tissue paper. “This is for the lady of the house for keeping all the Spears crew together.” He gives her a side hug before giving a high five to Spencer and a nod to April. His eyes pause on me for a second, then his focus is back on Brielle who is unraveling her box of chocolates. “Got something from Jolly Joe’s. Your sister-in-law convinced me not to buy from her shop.”
“You saw Declan today?” my brother asks, with creases forming on his forehead.
I nod. “Yeah, didn’t think it was worth mentioning.” My sight zips to Declan who has a subtle smirk on his mouth. “I knew Brielle was getting flowers already,” I explain.
“But you always say that a person can never have enough flowers.” Ford seems confused.
“True, but—” I begin.
Declan cuts in. “Don’t give her a hard time. She was closing up and busy writing a card for an important order. Between the talking parrot and her need to focus on her delivery, then I’m sure I caught her at the wrong moment. Did you get that order out?” he asks me with a hint of smugness.
“How considerate of you to ask. You know, you should try a burger. Ford seasons it with his own special spice mix.” I smile and do my best to keep this conversation moving and away from myself.
“Sounds delicious,” Declan replies.
Ford hands him a plate, and Declan sits down just in time for everyone to offer him something.
My nephew walks to our table, seeming to be on a break from his afternoon of friends, flirting, and swimming. “Hey, Declan.”
“There’s our future hockey star.” Declan and Connor bump fists together.
“When did you get the car? I wish Dad would go all-out.” He looks at Declan with a bit of worship in his voice.
Declan pats Connor’s arm. “First off, I can only fit one other person in that car, max. Your dad needs a good family car, and he still has a Jaguar for when he has a kid-free day.”
“Dad won’t let me drive it. I’m sure you’ll be the cool guy and let me drive your car.”
Ford scoffs, feigning hurt. “Oh my, Connor is the first kid whose parents won’t let him drive fancy cars because he only just got his license.”
“That car in our driveway isn’t even on the market yet. This is going to skyrocket my popularity at school.” Connor shakes his head then walks away, clearly annoyed that Ford isn’t taking him seriously.
Declan points his finger in the air. “And that is why having kids is not on my radar.”
“Never say never. By the way, are you still dating the model you met at some charity event?” Spencer pipes in.
“Nah, that ended like a year ago,” Declan confirms.
Brielle shakes her head. “Admittedly, I can’t keep up with your dating life, but I’m happy you’re here. Speaking of dating…” Her voice raises an octave. “Sheriff Carter completely has a thing for Violet. He asked me when you normally take a lunch break when I was at the park the other day.”
Here we go again. If the man has such interest, then he needs to make his move, as I’ve been hearing about this for months.
“Ooh, that is some high-quality Lake Spark stock, with deep connections,” April points out.
Ford raises his hand. “He has my approval.”
“She doesn’t need your approval,” Brielle says. “Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go get the ice cream out for the kids.” She begins to stand, but I quickly beat her to it.
