Soft laughter rippled through the crowd. Mom’s eyes were already glassy.
“The truth is, you raised five boys—and let’s be honest, that’s a miracle in itself.” More laughter. “There were moments I wasn’t sure we’d all make it to adulthood in one piece. But you were patient, strong, and determined. And you never gave up on us, even when we probably deserved it.”
She pressed her fingers to her lips, tears spilling over.
Seth’s tone softened. “You’ve spent sixteen years taking care of everyone else. And now, finally, you have someone who’s vowed to take care of you.” He turned to Carl. “Carl, you’re a good man. And I’m proud to officially welcome you—and Cat and Blake—into this family. Family is everything. It’s what we lean on when things get hard. It’s what keeps us grounded. And I know that with you by her side, Mom’s going to have the life she deserves.”
He raised his glass. “To Carl and Grace. May your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of patience—because trust me, you’re going to need it with this crew.”
The room erupted in applause and laughter. His mom stood and crossed to him, pulling him into a tight hug. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
Seth held her close, his chest tight. Please remember this on Monday, he thought. Please remember how much I love you.
When they pulled apart, Carl stepped forward and gave Seth a hearty hug. “Thank you.”
Seth nodded and handed the microphone to his mom.
Before he could step away, Blake approached and extended his hand. “I guess that makes us brothers now. You already got a bunch. I hope you don’t mind one more.”
Seth shook it firmly. “I’m happy for another one. And a sister. Never had one of those…”
“I can’t believe I have five more brothers now. I’m definitely outnumbered.” Cat grinned, wrapping him in a brief hug. “That was a great speech. “
“Thanks.” Seth nodded her way.
Suddenly, his mom raised a hand, drawing the room’s attention back to her. “Before we go any further, I have one more announcement to make. Seth, don’t sit down.” She motioned for Hudson to join them. His son’s eyes widened, but he shuffled forward, looking both embarrassed and curious.
Mom beamed as she pulled Hudson close. “I’d like to introduce my grandson, Hudson Cooper. We didn’t know about this handsome young man for too many years, but now that we do, he’s officially Seth’s son—as of this morning.”
The room erupted in applause and cheers. Hudson’s face flushed as he grinned.
Mom continued, her voice warm. “And I’m beyond thrilled to have Hudson as a part of this family. Welcome!”
She raised her glass in toast. The crowd followed.
More applause. Hudson ducked his head, clearly rattled but pleased. Seth reached over and squeezed his son’s shoulder, pride swelling in his chest.
His mom kissed Hudson’s cheek, then turned back to the crowd. “Thank you all for being here to celebrate with us. Now let’s dance!”
The band struck up again, and people began moving back toward the dance floor. Mom was all smiles—completely unaware of the storm brewing.
When the reception ended, Seth helped Heavenly into the passenger seat of Grace’s SUV. Beck and Hudson climbed in the back.
As Seth pulled from the parking lot, warmth still bloomed in Heavenly’s chest from watching Grace and Carl pledge their vows, the way they’d looked at each other—like the rest of the world had fallen away. The soft glow of happiness that had lined their faces reminded her of everything she wanted. Everything she and her men were so close to having.
If Grace accepted them.
Letting out a shaky sigh, she glanced down at the engagement ring on her finger. One day soon, she, Beck, and Seth would recite their vows and live their happily ever after without hiding. Without pretending.
Maybe then she’d forget the sight of Beck sitting white-knuckled and frozen at Grace’s dinner table, forced to listen while Seth announced his engagement to her.
From that moment on, everything about this visit had stripped Beck of what made him him. No control. No dominance. He couldn’t claim her. He couldn’t even touch her, except like a casual friend. He had to be careful when he spoke to her. Even when he so much as looked at her.
Since then, she’d seen Beck bleed in silence while maintaining his carefully constructed mask. This subterfuge was killing him inside. And she hurt for him.
Seth wasn’t doing much better.
God, spending Thursday afternoon in that house he’d once called home, surrounded by the ghosts of his murdered family, she’d sobbed her heart out. Beck had been overwhelmed, too. But Seth had nearly broken in front of them.
