Chapter 62

sixty-two

PAUL

Tears filled my eyes as Alex told everyone how important Dylan was in his life. Their engagement party was everything I thought it would be, and more.

A white handkerchief appeared in front of me.

I took it out of Liam's hand and wiped my eyes. "Thank you," I whispered.

His mouth tilted at the corners. "You're welcome."

I wondered what it felt like to be so sure that what you felt for someone was the lasting kind of love. I thought I'd found it with my ex-fiancé, but I'd been completely wrong.

But Liam was different. I knew how much he cared about Amy and me. My mom would have called him a keeper and my dad would have loved listening to his stories about working with the FBI.

Instead of opening my heart to the possibility of a future together, I'd pushed Liam away. I was scared of being hurt, of having to rebuild my life again.

When Alex's speech was over, everyone toasted the happy couple and started chatting amongst themselves .

Amy tapped me on the arm. "Can I play with Dylan's little cousins?"

"Of course, you can. Make sure you stay inside."

"I will."

Liam watched Amy zigzag through Alex and Dylan's family and friends. "She's happy here."

"Amy loves babies, and one of Dylan's cousins has three-month-old twins. If I'm not careful, she'll keep asking for a puppy."

"I thought you were going to say she'd want a baby sister or brother."

My cheeks felt as though they were on fire. "I can't see that happening anytime soon."

Before Liam could reply, Dylan arrived and hugged me.

"I'm so glad you came. Alex has been a different person since he met you."

"I hope he hasn't been too different."

Dylan looked across the room at his fiancé. "He's the nicest person I've ever met. And he understands program code. What more could I want?"

A man with dark hair leaned over Dylan's shoulder. "How about a suit that knocks the socks off your fiancé? If you're interested, I've got one hanging in my closet."

Dylan sighed. "Paul and Liam, this is my brother, Luke. He was supposed to get married, but he called it off at the last minute."

Luke held out his hand. "Mom and Dad still haven't forgiven me. How do you know Alex and Dylan?"

"I'm Alex's brother," I said quickly. When Luke looked confused, I added, "It's a long story."

"Don't worry. There will be lots of family events where you can tell me about it. But I promised Steve I'd bring him one of Alex's famous ice cream sundaes. Would you like one?"

I shook my head. "I'm okay, but Liam might want one."

He shook his head. "Not for me, thanks. I had too much chocolate cake."

"It was wonderful, wasn't it?" Luke said. "I'll have to get the recipe off whoever made it."

Liam smiled. "You're standing beside the baker. Paul made the cake."

Luke looked impressed. "As soon as we've eaten our sundaes, I'll be back. It was the most delicious cake I've ever tasted."

By the time I moved out of the path of a runaway toddler, Luke was halfway across the room. Next time there was a family gathering I'd have to bring a notebook. It was difficult keeping track of everyone's names and where they fit into Dylan's life.

"How are you feeling?" Liam asked.

I looked at the people around us and sighed. "As if I've landed on Mars. I can't believe I'm related to half of these people."

"Enjoy every minute. Families like this one don't come around often," he said, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "Do you feel like a cup of coffee?"

"I'd love one."

Liam's smile was enough to make my heart race. He was kind, patient, and sweet—and the sooner I talked to him about our future, the better everyone would be.