Everyone laughs, and Luka shrugs, admitting, “This is true.”
“We didn’t spend a lot of time together as kids…until we did,” Emzee continues. “And suddenly, the ass kicking turned into foul-mouthed name-calling, which turned into you tolerating me with annoyed silence. But then something major happened.
“Stefan went off to college, leaving us without our north star, and overnight, you became my best friend. It was like the Luka who lived to kick my butt no longer existed, replaced by one who looked out for me and even pushed me to apply to a photography program for college.”
Oh wow. I was not expecting that. Tears sting at my eyes and cling to my lashes. Tori sniffs quietly as she dabs at the corner of her eye with her cloth napkin.
“That’s the Luka I see today,” Emzee says. “Changed. Resolute. Ambitious, and finally—can I get an amen—focused! I like to think that Brooklyn is doing the ass kicking now. If she is, it’s working. So, big cheers and happy birthday. Love you both.”
We do another round of cheers and I finally get myself under control. There’s so much I want to say, too, but I’m not sure how. My husbandhaschanged since we first met. Considering all the struggles we’ve had, I really can’t take the credit for his growth, but it doesn’t matter. I’m just happy that he’s made changes for the better. His family has certainly noticed. I’ve noticed.
My entire life has changed because of this man. And despite the tension between us, I do care for him—more than I ever thought would be possible. I trust him. And I admire him. He’s worked so hard to turn his reputation and his family’s business around, and now? He’s working his ass off to get me the Maxilene contract. He doesn’t stop until things are exactly the way he wants them to be, even when impossible obstacles are constantly thrown in his way. Sure, he frustrates me to no end—but I’ve been completely transformed by his presence in my life.
My pulse quickens with urgency. I should tell him all of this. I should make my own toast and tell him right now.
Glancing briefly around the table, I wonder if he’d want this to be shared with his family, or if he’d prefer I offload my deepest feelings in private.
I don’t get the chance to ponder it for very long when Luka moves off his cushion and puts one hand on Stefan’s shoulder, the other on Emzee’s.
“Thank you both for your words. I know how pleased you are not to have to come pull my drunk ass out of a different strip club every night.” His eyes twinkle, but his voice is thick. “Jokes aside, I know dealing with me wasn’t easy on you guys. So thank you for always trying to keep me on the right path. And you know what? It worked. I wear a suit now and everything.”
He pulls them both in for a group hug, and then says softly to his sister, “I know I was a real shit when we were kids, but I always loved you, Em. Sorry it took me a decade and a half to let you know. Thanks for never giving up on me.”
I swallow a lump in my throat as he goes to Tori next, kissing her cheek chastely.
“You know, Tor, I thought my father was insane for arranging your marriage to my brother. I ran away from that craziness as fast and hard as I could. But, considering the hell of our lives at the time, you coming into my brother’s life was the best possible thing that could have happened to him. I legitimately never saw Stefan smile before you. Thank you.”
She throws her arms around him and her tears start to fall. Fanning her face, she rolls her eyes and says, “This is nothing. It’s jet lag.”
Luka smiles. And then he’s coming toward me. He tips his water glass in my direction, his lips pressing together into a soft yet serious line.
“And then there’s you, Brooklyn. And I understand now why Stefan stopped fighting what he and Tori were meant to have. I understand now, that running away from the people in your life that make you scared—because really caring about someone else, putting yourself out there, is scary—doesn’t mean that you stop caring about them.”
A shiver goes through me. I manage to smile, though I can’t tell if he means it. But I want him to mean it. I’m hoping for it with every part of me.
“Brooklyn, my wife, thank you for standing by me and being willing to grow with me, seeing the potential in our marriage even when you had other options.”
He grins wryly, and I feel my cheeks flush. He’s talking about the Elite contract. Is this all some underhanded way to shame me? But then he comes over to me, taking my face in his hands, and looks at me with such warmth in his gaze that I can’t doubt his sincerity.
“Thank you for pushing me to always be better, to do better, even when I didn’t show up for you the way that I should have,” he says. “We’ve had our ups and downs but I know now that you came into my life at exactly the right time. Without you, I don’t think the progress we’ve all made, both as a family and a business, would have been as strong.Iwouldn’t be as strong.”
He’s still looking deeply into my eyes, as if we’re the only two people in the tent. There’s something between us, I can feel it. Something real. I have a quick memory of his hands on me at the spa, stroking circles into my skin. How tender he was. How unrushed. Had that been an attempt to show me how he felt? Was he ready to forgive me once and for all and move on?
The candlelight is glowing softly all around us, and I just know that we’re glowing too.
Luka comes in for a kiss and I can’t tip my chin up fast enough. Looping a hand around his head, I press my lips to his, letting myself fall into it. Emzee lets out an ear-piercing whistle, and Luka and I pull away, both of us flushed.
This is finally my chance to tell him how I feel. But before I can pull myself together, Tori announces, “Since we’re all here together, Stefan and I have something to share.”
All eyes swivel to Tori. Stefan takes her hand in his and kisses her knuckles.
That’s when I realize she’s glowing from more than just the candles…and I think I can guess what she’s about to say.
“I’m three months pregnant!” Tori gushes. “We’re going to have a baby.”
Our little group explodes in surprised laughter and chatter, everyone bursting to their feet to give Tori and Stefan hugs. The hotel restaurant staff arrives with our main course and stands just outside the tent entrance to wait out the enthusiastic flurry of congratulations.
I’m thrilled for Tori, and beyond excited about my soon-to-be niece or nephew. But there’s no way I can follow that announcement with one of my own.
