We’ve arrived ahead of Lyall and Soren, so I have more time to prepare what I want to say or do, or so I thought. Yet when they walk through the door together, I find myself speechless, but not out of fear.
Lyall’s smile is big and bright as he holds Soren’s hand as if he never wants to let go. Gods, it’s been ages since I’ve seen him so happy. When his gaze collides with mine, I can’t help but smile myself.
“Lyall. Soren,” I say in greeting as they sit across from us.
“How are you, darlings?” Arlo asks.
Lyall puts an arm around Soren’s shoulders. “We’re well. You two seem to be quite close.” He gives my foot a kick under the table, and I feel myself blush.
“Aye, well…”
Fortunately, Helga offers them drinks and lavishes attention on Soren. I never missed the misery that always furrowed Lyall’s brow when we dined together in the past. We all knew why. He’d been lonely, aching for the connection Anders and Wulfric have with their mates. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t envy their happiness at times myself.
Now there’s a light in Lyall’s eyes. He’s quick to laugh and smile.
My brother has found happiness after so long.
I wonder if I can, too.
Arlo coughs to get everyone’s attention. “Sooo, not to steal your thunder, Soren, but Gunnar and I have an announcement to make.”
Soren lifts his eyebrows. “Really? What is it?”
I take a breath and steel myself. How will they react? Will they believe us?
Arlo looks at me expectantly. Face heating under everyone’s attention, I clear my throat, then take Arlo’s hand. Helga gasps, hands over her mouth and tears in her eyes. Seems she believes us already. I deserve a place in Helheim for my deceit.
Arlo smiles big and bright, almost convincing me of his excitement. “We’re getting married!”
Wulfric spits his drink across the table.
Lyall’s wide gaze snaps onto me. “That is… great news, brother!”
“What?” Wulfric wheezes. “Why?”
My grip on Arlo’s hand tightens.
Arlo frowns. “Well, you see, when two people love each other, they may decide to spend the rest of their lives together!”
Wulfric glowers at him. “I am aware of what a marriage entails. It’s just… surprising, is all.” He looks at me as if I’ve grown two heads.
“You’ve been pestering me to take a mate, and now I will. Happy?”
Arlo pats my chest. “How could I resist such a handsome brute?” He squeezes my hand hard. Could have played my part better, I suppose.
“Should be interesting,” Anders murmurs, a devious smile curling his lips.
Well. That was… not as disastrous as I’d feared. Judging from Wulfric’s glare, however, I doubt we’re done with this conversation. “Stew, Soren?” I grab a bowl of fish stew and hold it out to him. “It always was your favorite.”
He smiles and accepts the bowl. “Thanks. It smells great.”
Lyall’s warm look makes me flush.“Thank you,”he says through our bond, which flares with love and affection. A mountainous weight falls from my shoulders, unburdening me. Lyall should be angry with me, and I would not hold it againsthim. Somehow he’s found it in his kind heart to allow me a second chance with his mate. A lump thickens in my throat.
“Hush and eat, snowbrain,”I tell him.
The rest of supper flies by in a blur of laughter and storytelling. I tell them how I proposed to Arlo. Anders’s mate Jamie swoons, and Helga blots her damp eyes. Wulfric leans back in his chair, mouth lifted in a smile. “When is the ceremony?” he asks. “We’d be happy to host the festivities.”
Arlo smiles. “Oh, that’s all right. We’ve decided to wed at my parents’ home in the countryside. You’re all welcome to come! There’s plenty of space for everyone.”
