A server offers me a beer, and I take it faster than necessary, gulping a quarter of it down at once. “Have some class, Cove,” Nathaniel berates in my ear, but I ignore him.
“I am. It’s lovely here.” I take a moment to register the faces at the table, recognizing most of them from the first night here. It’s clear some are staying elsewhere, only joining us for events throughout the week. “You’ve done a beautiful job, Stetson.”
A gritty chuckle vibrates across the table, and I swear to all things holy, his anger is tangible through the perfectly carved wooden surface. “Well, you know, I’m loyal to the things I care about. I invest my time.”
Oh, he wants to be a dick now, does he?
Two can play that game, Stetson Cole.
“Oh, trust me. I understand that well. Isn’t that right, Daddy? Our bond is something incredibly special.” I turn to face Nathaniel, waiting for his response.
“Of course,” he nods, playing the part. “That’s what we do for the people and things we love. We protect and take care of them.”
Something tells me he’s not saying that to me…
What a fucking joke. I’m pretending to love my father, and he’s pretending to love me. This is so sick and twisted.
Austin’s arm wraps around my shoulder leisurely, pulling me into his side. Stetson dials into his hand, running circles along my bicep.
He has no idea how much I hate Austin’s touch. How much I actually crave him more than my next breath. If there’s anything I’ve learned while being here, it’s that I’m useless at fighting how I feel about Stetson.
Not that my understanding of that benefits me in any way now.
If anything, it just hurts more.
“How about a toast?” Nathaniel stands, holding his whiskey glass high.
“Great idea!” Abigail proclaims, ushering everyone to lift their glasses to join.
“To Stetson,” Nathaniel announces with pride in his voice. “My best friend. My brother. My family. You’ve always been steadfast in everything you do. I trust you more than I trust myself. And I’m confident that’ll never change. Happy birthday. Here’s to fifty years of age and only getting richer.”
“Cheers!” the table shouts, sipping their drinks in unison. Stetson locks eyes with Nathaniel as he sips his whiskey with a look of skepticism he makes no effort to hide.
“Okay. My turn,” Abigail squeals, standing to her full height. Her long brown hair is curled in bouncy waves, paired with the prettiest black cocktail dress. She’s stunning, and there’s no mistaking that she and Stetson are siblings. “To my brother. You’re old as molasses now, but you’d never know it. Actually, that’s a lie. I know it. You do the same thing every day and never take risks. I want youto take risks, big brother. Do something out of the ordinary. Live your life in a way that matters. Find the thing that matters to you and never let it go. Don’t wait until we’re celebrating your life after death to start. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. You know how much I love you. It’s an honor to be in your village, Stetson. Cheers!”
I smile genuinely at her words, only to find Stetson’s eyes on me. I drop it quickly, feeling guilty. But I wish I didn’t have to because it feels authentic and pure, despite the frustration he clearly feels toward me.
However, our eyes? They lock without wavering as we sip our drinks together, tuning out the rest.
My heart is in such a tight place. It hurts to hear the love Abigail has for her brother. I’ve never had that. Someone other than my mom loving me so fully that they want to express that love publicly. Like it’s impossible to contain it. But I’m also so happy for Stetson. Happy that he has someone like Abigail to cheer for him. Someone who wants to see him win at life and make it count.
It’s a beautiful thing to witness.
Beautiful until Austin stands and ruins it. “Stetson, if you don’t mind, I’d like to make a toast.”
“I mind?—”
Abigail places her hand on Stetson’s shoulder to stop him. “Go right ahead, Austin. The floor is yours.”
Austin grins and reaches for my hand. “Princess.” He guides me to stand, and I try not to panic, joining him with uncertainty. I’m spiraling. My nerves bundle inside of me, fearful of anything unexpected as is, but even more so in close proximity to Stetson.
I know this is killing him, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it without ruining everything.
Austin pushes his shoulders back and runs his thumb along the backside of my neck as he addresses the table. “First off, I want to thank Stetson and Abigail for allowing my girlfriend, Cove, and me to join you this week. You’ve made us feel like family, and for that, we are grateful. And Nathaniel”—he looks down at him with a grin—“you’ve given me the greatest gift. Your daughter.”
A cough resounds from the end of the table, followed by the slamming of a glass. “Stetson.” Nathaniel directs his attention. “Is there a problem?”
Stetson lifts his cowboy hat with the shake of his head. “Something in my throat.”
