He had a rough time of it a few months ago, afraid to love that sweet woman and her daughters, but with the help of a counselor and my fist to his face, he came around and finally married Brynna.

“You both look great. Italy must have agreed with you.”

“Dominic has a helluva place.” Caleb nods. “It’s quiet and beautiful. Perfect if you want to romance a woman.”

“I’m glad you both enjoyed it.” I chuckle and watch my brother. His cheeks redden, and I tilt my head as my eyes narrow. “What’s going on?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Something’s up. You never blush.”

“Fuck you, I’m not blushing.”

“Just say it.”

He sighs as his eyes turn to the top of the stairs. “We weren’t going to say anything for a while yet because it’s early, but Bryn’s pregnant.”

“That’s fucking awesome, bro.” I pull him in for a quick hug, truly happy for my younger brother. “How early?”

“Only a few weeks, but the sticks say she’s pregnant, so she’s going to go see a doctor next week. Don’t mention it to the rest of the family.”

“That’s your story to tell,” I reply and clap him on the shoulder. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks,” he replies and pulls two beers out of the fridge, pops the tops and hands one to me. “What’s up with you?”

I shrug and take a long pull on the beer. “Work. Had dinner at Will’s last week.”

Been sleeping with the woman I’m in love with since you left.

“I heard. Will said you brought the baker with you.”

“Will never could keep his damn mouth shut,” I grumble.

“Ashamed of her?”

“Fuck no!” I shake my head adamantly. “No, I just would have rather you heard it from me.”

“So what’s going on with her?”

I sigh and lean back against the countertop, trying to figure out how to form the right words.

“I’ve been sleeping with her.” But that doesn’t sound right. I’ve been more than sleeping with her. I’ve been consumed by her, falling in love with her.

“Is she okay with what you’re into?” he asks softly.

“Yeah. It’s new to her, so I’ve been honest but taking it slow. Took her to the club last weekend.” I smile as I recall her tied up in my red ropes, pulled up tall, panting and turned on. “She enjoyed herself.”

“Good. She seems like a really sweet girl.”

“She’s the best, Caleb.” My eyes find his. “She’s smart, funny, loyal. So fucking sexy.”

“You’re in love with her.”

“I am,” I reply without hesitation.

“It’s fast,” Caleb remarks, rubbing his hand over the light stubble on his square jaw.

“I know,” I reply honestly. “But it just feels right. I want to be her friend as much as I want to be her lover. She makes me laugh. I’m proud of her. She’s accomplished a lot on her own, and she’s so damn good at it.” I shrug and laugh at my brother’s stunned look. “What is that look for?”

“You’re really fucking in love with her.”

“I thought we just came to that conclusion.”

“I’m just…wow. Okay, well, that’s awesome. I want to spend some more time with her.”

“You’ll get to. I’m bringing her to Nat’s birthday party tomorrow.” I grin and take another drink of my beer. “Nic’s bringing a new cupcake recipe. She made it up just for Nat.”

“Cool.” Caleb grins, and then his face sobers as he watches me. “Just be careful, man. You’re the best person I know, and seeing you hurt is the last thing I want.”

“I don’t relish the thought of that myself.” I chuckle and shake my head. “We’re not throwing the love word around yet. We’re learning each other and enjoying our time together.”

“Good.”

“Uncle Matt! Look at our T-shirts!”

The girls come bouncing down the stairs, their dark brown ponytails flying around their heads in their excitement to show off the souvenirs their parents brought home for them.

“And backpacks, too! For our coloring books!”

“This is all very cool,” I reply. “Where is mine?”

“You don’t want a backpack,” Josie responds with a wrinkled nose.

“Why not?”

“Because you’re a big boy,” Maddie informs me. “But I’ll share.”

“I’m just teasing, darlin’.” I pick her up and kiss her cheek loudly, then bury my face in her sweet little neck and blow raspberries, making her squeal in delight.

“I love you, Uncle Matt.”

“I love you, too, baby girl.”

Chapter Eleven

~Nic~

Today is the perfect day for a pool party. The warm Seattle sun is high in the cloudless, bright blue sky. Luke Williams’—the Luke Williams of the Nightwalker movies—and his wife Natalie’s home is absolutely breathtaking. It’s a large two-story stone home that sits near the jagged Washington coastline, just north of Seattle.

We are in the backyard next to a large pool. There’s a large covered outdoor kitchen off the patio, and luxurious chaise lounges next to the pool with individual sun umbrellas to keep the hot rays off of delicate skin.