“Everything’s subject to change. I don’t know anything concrete, but I can’t shake an uneasy feeling. I even consulted my mum about it.”
“What did Bryn say?”
“She didn’t have any specific insight, but she shares my sense of…disquiet.”
Before Seth could press for more details, Liam’s attention shifted to the pool, where the boys were attempting to see who could hold their breath underwater the longest. “Keep an eye on Hudson’s friend.”
“Casen seems like a good kid, but the two of them together…” Seth shook his head. “They’re troublemakers. I already overheard Hudson telling him that his girlfriend Brielle is ‘hotter than hell.’”
Liam chuckled. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Better make sure Hudson has condoms, or history might repeat itself.”
As much as Seth hated to think about it, Liam was right. “I know I’m not going to stop him from being sexually active. That genie is out of the bottle, so the best I can do is keep him stocked.”
“Aye. Come on. Let’s mingle with the others.”
As Zach moved toward the cooler to grab a drink, Seth sidled up to Jericho. River joined the bunch.
“Great party,” the FBI agent said, extending his hand. “Thanks for including me.”
“Of course.” Seth pumped his hand in return. “How are things going? You settling in okay?”
Jericho’s face lit up. “Actually, things are going great. I moved in with my old friend Dean.”
River froze, staring at Jericho. “You’re living with Dean? Dean Gorman?”
“Yeah. We’ve been friends for years, and we make a good team. So why not?”
“A good team.” River’s voice went dangerously quiet. “So you’ve taken my place as his new wingman.”
“I…” Jericho looked between River and Seth, clearly confused. “What?”
“It’s not his fault,” Seth rushed to say, recognizing the dangerous gleam in River’s eyes. “Don’t get pissed off.”
River didn’t look happy, but he let it go…for now.
“Burgers are ready, everyone,” Beck hollered. “Grab one off the grill, then fill your plates with all the apps and sides.”
After most of the guests had dished up, Seth grabbed his own burger.
Beck took a bite of his burger, then swallowed it down. “When do you want to make our announcements?”
Seth glanced around the patio. Most of their friends were talking, drinking, and laughing.
“Now,” he decided, looking to Heavenly for confirmation.
Heavenly’s face lit up, and she squeezed both their hands. “You’re right. Let’s do it!”
“Hudson,” he called to his son, who was sitting with Casen, guzzling sodas. “Come here for a minute.”
Then Seth stood. His angel got to her feet beside him, and Beck flanked her. “Everyone! Can I get your attention? Beck, Heavenly, and I have some announcements.”
Conversations quieted as all eyes turned their way.
Seth took a breath, his hand resting on Hudson’s shoulder as the teenager stood beside him, looking equal parts nervous and curious.
“First,” Seth began, his voice carrying across the patio, “I want to introduce someone important. Most of you have met him already, but you might not know the full story.” He squeezed Hudson’s shoulder. “This is my son, Hudson.”
A few surprised murmurs rippled through the group. Hammer raised his beer in acknowledgment. Liam smiled knowingly.
