“They already do.” Seth shrugged. “We’re used to being judged. We just don’t care what strangers think.”
“But you do care what the people you love think.”
“Exactly.”
“I don’t have a problem with it. And if knowing you have backup to watch your woman and your kids gives you peace…I don’t blame you.”
Seth blinked. He’d never consciously thought about it like that, but yeah. That was at least part of the appeal. Mitigating the risks of losing the people he loved again. The comfort of knowing he wasn’t alone in protecting the ones who mattered most to him.
“I appreciate that. But we both know it’s not that simple. You have Maggie to think about, and her opinion matters to you. As it should.”
“Yep, and that’s my only hesitation.” Danny nodded slowly. “She’s probably going to be a little weird about it at first. But she already adores Heavenly. So far, she seems to like Beck. And she thinks you’re the best. She would never want you estranged from the family because of who you love. She’ll come around. I’ll help her. But…it may take time.”
“Thank you. A little time and understanding is all we need to show everyone we’re good together. Really solid. The three of us are hoping to come back for Christmas—as a committed unit, not the lie we’ve been peddling for Mom’s benefit.” Seth held his brother’s gaze. “To make that happen, Maggie needs to accept us. If she doesn’t, Mom might follow suit, thinking she has an ally.”
“You’re right. But if all us boys are on your side—I’m assuming the others know?” At Seth’s nod, Danny went on. “Mom can’t fight all of us. She won’t.”
Seth hoped like hell Danny was right. “That was my assumption, too. But I need you to keep this from Maggie for a few days. I can’t risk her telling Mom before I’ve had the chance to sit her down and explain.”
“I don’t love keeping things from my wife, but for you?” Danny sent him a reassuring nod. “I’ll keep this to myself until you tell me otherwise.”
Relief crashed over Seth, so strong he damn near felt faint. He’d done it—gotten all the men in his family on his side. That was more than half the battle.
Time would tell if he won the goddamn war.
Seth stepped forward and clapped Danny on the shoulder, his grip firm. “Thank you. Really.”
Danny scoffed as he pulled Seth into a real hug—tight and meaningful. “You disappeared once. When you went dark for that year, it almost destroyed us all, especially Mom. The Cooper clan isn’t the same without you.”
Seth’s throat tightened. “It almost destroyed me, too.”
“I don’t pretend to understand what happened then. I never asked?—”
“Don’t.” He was better off not knowing.
Danny pulled back, meeting his stare with a tight smile. “I figured. Look, Mom can’t not welcome you, Beck, and Heavenly back for Christmas. Since Dad died, you’ve been the glue that’s held us together, man. So if I have to fight to keep it that way, I will.”
Seth swallowed past the lump in his throat and smiled. “I appreciate that more than you know. Your support and help mean everything.”
“You got it.” Danny clapped his shoulder. “Always.”
Together, they headed back toward the reception. Half the weight Seth had been carrying around finally lifted. Every single person he needed was in his corner now—Matt, the twins, Carl, and now Danny.
Together, he hoped they could collectively bring his mother around.
But only time would tell.
He grinned as he returned to the table with a nod that made Beck and Heavenly smile from ear to ear.
By the time the waitstaff cleared the main course and people began filtering onto the dance floor, Seth noticed a shift. His brothers—all of them—had started gravitating toward Beck. He’d caught Jack and Connor handing Beck a beer earlier as they all laughed about something. Matt had pulled him into a conversation about sports, joking with him like they’d known each other for years. Even Danny had spent a few minutes talking with Beck near the bar, their body language easy and relaxed.
Their behavior was subtle, but deliberate. They were signaling acceptance without making it obvious. Seth was grateful for it—more than he could put into words.
The music suddenly stopped and the emcee’s voice crackled over the speakers. “And now, the bride’s son, Seth Cooper, would like to say a few words.”
Seth stood, grabbing his glass and tapping it lightly with a fork. The room quieted, all eyes turning toward him. He cleared his throat, his gaze settling on his mother.
“Mom,” he began, his voice steady. “I could stand here and tell everyone how you held this family together after Dad died. How you worked two jobs, kept food on the table, and somehow still managed to make sure we all felt loved. But honestly, if I did that, we’d be here all night.”
