“Zach!” Heavenly moved in to hug him, keeping it brief since he still seemed reluctant to touch his brother’s girlfriend. “I’m so glad you could make it. Where’s your date?”
“Hannah and I decided to take a step back. After what she endured in her sect, she’s not ready for more yet. I respect that.”
“Understandable.” Heavenly hoped he wasn’t hurt. She had no doubt he was lonely. “Tried the pool again?”
“Since I’m still closer to drowning than swimming, no.” Then he turned to Jericho. “Hey! I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“Good to see you, man.” Jericho shook his hand. “How’ve you been?”
“Pretty good. You?”
“Can’t complain.” Jericho clapped him on the shoulder. “Let’s grab a beer.”
The two headed out to the patio.
Together, she and Raine finished plating the last of the appetizers and side dishes. As they worked, Heavenly could see the men gathered around the grill, their laughter carrying on the evening breeze. Hudson and Casen splashed around the pool, clearly enjoying themselves.
“Are we waiting on anyone else?” Raine asked.
“No. Ready to join the party?” Heavenly picked up a tray of food.
Raine grabbed another platter of food and paused at the patio door. Heavenly watched Seth laugh at something Hammer said while keeping an eye on Hudson in the pool. He looked relaxed, happy even, surrounded by friends and family.
But tonight they were announcing their engagement and introducing his long-lost son. Soon, Seth would have to devise a strategy for telling his mother about their unconventional relationship. So many life-altering decisions up in the air and out of their hands. How long would Hudson stay with them? What kind of impact would he have on their lives? And, Heavenly wondered, what if she got pregnant?
Would settling all those uncertainties finally heal Seth…or push him over the edge?
Seth leaned against the patio railing, watching Hudson and Casen cannonball into the pool with the reckless abandon typical of teenagers. Their splashes sent water cascading across the deck, but neither boy seemed to notice or care as they surfaced, laughing and immediately plotting their next stunt.
The late afternoon sun cast the backyard in golden light. Seth took it all in, enjoying both the anticipation and normalcy of the moment. Beck, Hammer, Liam, and River stood nearby, drinks in hand, the easy camaraderie of old friends settling over the group like a comfortable blanket.
At the patio table, Raine and Heavenly set out the food, the women’s laughter mixing with the splash and chatter from the pool.
“Ready to eat in five,” Beck called out.
“Perfect,” Heavenly said back.
“So…” Liam appeared at Seth’s elbow, nursing a beer. “How does it feel? Being a father again?”
Seth blew out a breath, his gaze drifting back to Hudson, who was now attempting to dunk Casen. “A shock. Still is, sometimes. I look at him and think, ‘Jesus, I have a sixteen-year-old son.’”
“But you’re managing?”
“Beck and Heavenly have been incredible. And Mom…” Seth paused, remembering his mother’s initial reaction. “She took the news pretty well, all things considered. Though she did point out something I hadn’t thought about before.”
“What?”
“All the milestones I missed. First steps, first words, first day of school…” Seth’s throat tightened. “It’s weird, you know? I’ve been a father twice, and I’ve missed most of the firsts with them both.”
Liam’s expression softened with understanding. “That’s not your fault, mate. You didn’t know.”
“True. But it doesn’t make missing out any easier.”
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, watching Hudson and Casen attempt increasingly elaborate pool tricks, their whoops and hollers echoing across the water.
“How’s he been integrating into the house?” Liam asked.
“Pretty easy so far, actually. The kid loves video games, which gives us something to bond over. He’s on the quiet side—well, except when he’s snarky—but he seems to be settling in. School’s been good for him. Gives him focus and structure. And he’s already making friends.”
