Greystone held out the gift bag. Carrera pulled out the Santini wine and grinned. “Smart move.”
Carrera and Slash brought them into the kitchen. All three of his brothers stood there, shoulder to shoulder. The people he’d once loved more than anyone in the world. The reasons he left, but not the reason he returned.
Now, sixteen years later, he was ready to deal with whatever shit they flung at him. No longer a scared teen, he’d stared death in the eyes, spent his life defending his country and chasing evil. If he couldn’t handle his brothers, then his entire life, and the sacrifices he’d made, had been for naught.
Teddy bounded over. “You made it! I got news, but we’ll talk shop later.” Next, Teddy hugged Caroline. “Welcome to the fam.”
Greystone’s brother, Gabriel, sauntered over. He hadn’t changed. Older, yes, but he still wore his dark brown hair to his shoulders. Still wore the same pissed-off expression on his face.
“Gabriel.”
“Greystone.”
The two brothers eyed each other like two bulls about to dobattle. Then, Gabriel broke into a grin and extended his hand. When Greystone shook it, Gabriel pulled him in for a hug.
And Greystone felt like his life was shifting back into place.
“Brother, it’s damn good to see you,” Gabriel said as he regarded him. “You look like a lion with all that hair. And you got big.”
“He’s bigger than I am,” Teddy said. “But he’s my motivation to spend more time in the gym.”
Luciano joined them. “Teddy, why is everything a competition with you?”
“I’ve been playing catch up with you three my whole life,” Teddy protested.
Gabriel jumped his gaze to Caroline and arched an eyebrow. “Make me a happy, happy man and tell me you’re not with this one.” Gabriel thumbed in Greystone’s direction.
“Easy there, lady eater,” Luciano said to Gabriel.
Greystone stroked Caroline’s back, had to make that connection. “This is Caroline. My brothers Gabriel and Luciano.”
“Hello,” Caroline said.
His grandmother entered the room. As she made her way over, the brothers stepped aside, like Moses parting the Red Sea. “Sono così felice che tu sia qui. Ero preoccupato che non ti saresti fatto vedere.”
Greystone pulled her into a hug. “No worries, G-ma. I made it.”
After she broke away, she clasped his hand, regarded him for a few seconds, then shifted to each of the brothers. “This is a very happy day for me. I’m sorry your dad can’t see this. He would be so proud.” Then, she regarded Greystone. “Grazie per essere tornato a casa, Greystone.”
“È bello essere a casa, Elsa,” Greystone replied.
“Translate,” Slash said joining the group.
“G-ma told Grey it’s good to have him home,” Teddy said.
“And I told her it’s good to be home,” Greystone replied before regarding Caroline. “G-ma, this is Caroline Austin. This is our grandmother, Elsa Santini.”
Elsa’s smile was a little guarded. “Welcome Caroline. I’m happy Greystone brought you with him.”
“Thank you for having me, Mrs. Santini.”
“Elsa, please. How do you know Greystone?”
“We work together.”
“You’re in the Navy too?”
“I’m an analyst,” Caroline replied.
