Ethan goes still. Then he lifts his head. Looks at me. "Say that again."
"I love you."
"Good, because I love you too."
The words settle into my chest. Heavy and real and perfect.
We lie there for a long time. Just holding each other. No need to talk. No need to define anything beyond what we just said.
Eventually, we shower. Dress. Drive to Luke's house for dinner.
He's on the back deck when we arrive. Grill smoking. Beer in hand. He looks up when we walk through the gate.
"Right on time," he says.
"What are we having?" I ask.
"Burgers. Only thing I can cook without burning."
Ethan laughs. "Sounds perfect."
We eat on the deck as the sun sets. Talk about normal things. Luke's business. My shop. Ethan's Denver job. Nothing heavy. Nothing complicated. Just three people having dinner.
After we clear the dishes, Luke pulls out a bottle of whiskey. Pours three glasses.
"To new beginnings," he says, raising his glass.
We clink glasses. Drink. The whiskey burns going down but warms everything after.
"I'm sorry," Luke says suddenly. "For making this harder than it needed to be."
"You didn't," I tell him.
"I did. I could've been clearer about being okay with this. Could've made it easier for you both."
"You gave me your blessing," Ethan says. "That's all we needed."
"Yeah, but I should've followed up. Should've checked in. Instead, I let you both twist in the wind thinking I'd be pissed."
"We were the ones who lied," I remind him.
"True, but I created the situation where you felt like you had to." Luke takes another drink. "I just want you both happy. That's all I've ever wanted."
"We are happy," Ethan says, reaching for my hand under the table.
"Good, then I'm happy." Luke grins. "Even if it's going to be weird as hell watching you two be all couple-y."
"We'll try not to be gross about it," I promise.
"Please do, I don't need to see my sister making out with my best friend."
"No promises," Ethan says, pulling me closer.
We stay until late, drinking whiskey and talking about nothing important. When we finally leave, Luke hugs us both.
"Drive safe," he tells Ethan. "And take care of her."
"Always."
