“Told you there wouldn’t be a problem.” He kisses my temple. “She could be a good friend to you if you let her.”
“I’m not good at letting people in.”
“I’m not asking you to let her be your best friend straight away. But you two could build a friendship.”
I lean in against him, and he wraps his arm around my waist. “I’d like that.”
“Caleb, Mum and Dad are here. Can you sort out drinks? I need to change Eve’s nappy,” Chloe calls.
“Sure thing, Chlo. Emma did you want a drink?”
“I … sure. Orange juice if there is one. Or something fizzy.”
“I’ll sort it.”
Caleb disappears inside the house, and I draw in a deep breath before I approach the barbecue.
“You must be Hunter.”
Hunter looks up and smiles. “Hey, Emma. How’s it going?”
I suck in a deep breath. “Good. We’re getting there.”
Hunter nods. “Glad to hear it. Caleb’s a good man. I’m glad you found each other again.”
I look down at my feet. “Me too. I was a bit scared of coming to see Chloe.”
He chuckles, and I raise my gaze. “Chloe’s glad you’re seeing each other. She just wants her brother to be happy.”
Shifting my gaze across to the kids, I can’t help but smile. They’re already splashing away in the pool. Chloe’s twins are sitting at the edge of the pool, all of them talking and laughing, having more fun than they have in years.
Caleb crosses the grass, a beer in one hand, an orange juice in the other, and a big grin on his face. He hands me the juice and hooks his arm around my waist. I lean my head on his shoulder.
“They’re so happy,” he says.
“It’s so good to see.”
“Good to see you two are happy too.” Hunter winks at me and raises his beer.
Caleb clanks his bottle with Hunter’s. “It’s a start. Anything that makes Emma happy makes me happy.”
He gives my waist a squeeze.
I love this. And I think I love him all over again.
It’s almost impossible not to.
I was so scared when he found out about Noah that he’d reject the rest of us, but all he’s done is take us all under his wing.
Chloe and her parents emerge from the house as one of Chloe’s boys enters, and Chloe walks straight toward me, slipping her arm in mine and leading me away from the group.
“I thought you might like a moment before Mum accosts you.”
I frown. “She’s not happy?”
“She’s over the moon about Noah, but I also thought that Caleb should introduce him.”
I nod. “That’s a very good idea.”
