Page 52 of Because You Loved Me

“I was going to say festive.” Noa laughed. “But yes, it’s obviously a much bigger house than anything else I’ve seen in Trickle Creek so far. To be honest, it kind of reminds me of the house I grew up in.”

Beyond the tragic story about her brother, they hadn’t discussed their childhoods, but it shouldn’t have been a surprise to Asher that Noa grew up in a big home, too. After all, her father was a lawyer, and he’d seen firsthand the bill he’d paid for the wedding at Trickle Creek Lodge.

“It is festive.” He put the truck in park but wasn’t in a hurry to go inside. “Chase really outdid himself this year.”

“You and your brother… are you…”

“It’s complicated.” They also hadn’t discussed much of Asher’s childhood either. “Chase left home fairly young, and we missed a lot of each other growing up. After a while, I just assumed he resented me, and he thought the same.”

“And now?”

“Now…it’s getting better. Ever since he moved back, we’ve been getting to know each other again. But sometimes, we still fall into those old patterns.”

Noa reached across the cab of the truck and squeezed his hand. “You’re really lucky to have so many siblings.”

It was true. He knew that. Even on days when they made him crazy. “You’re right. I am lucky.” He returned the squeeze. “And you’re about to be lucky, too.” He laughed. “They are going to pepper you with questions. I apologize in advance.”

He knew she was a little nervous about joining him, and why wouldn’t she be? It wasn’t like they were dating or anything, and all they knew about her was that she’d run away from her wedding, right into Asher’s truck—and arms. But Noa was tough. She’d be able to hold her own.

“Just a few hours, right?” She nodded toward the house and the door that had cracked open.

Annie’s nephew Grady and Craig’s daughter Meri poked their heads out, and Asher knew they were out of time.

“I guess we better get in there.”

* * *

“Merry Christmas, kiddos.” Asher bent down and ruffled the boy’s head and scooped up the little girl, who wrapped her arms around his neck. “What are you doing outside? You weren’t watching for Santa, were you?”

“No, silly,” the little girl said. “We were waiting for you, Uncle Asher.”

Noa couldn’t help but smile at the easy way he had with the kids.

The little girl peeked over his shoulder and, with wide eyes, stared at Noa. “Is she your girlfriend, Uncle Asher?”

Asher, the child still in his arms, spun to wink at Noa. “This is Noa,” he introduced her. “Noa, this is my niece, Meri.” He waved a hand toward the little boy. “And this is Grady. These are our resident rug rats.”

“We are not rats.” Meri wiggled out of his arms, and the two children took off in a fit of giggles.

“They’re cute.” What she really wanted to say was how cutehewas with the children.

She followed Asher into the foyer and was immediately greeted by the rest of the family.

“It’s about time you got here.” A petite redhead threw herself into Asher’s arms. “I was about to send Craig out searching for you.”

A man, who looked a lot like Asher, appeared. “Not that it would do much good,” he said as he gave his brother a hug. “Since I don’t know where the hell you’ve been hiding.”

Before Asher could respond, the redhead turned to face her. “You must be the woman he’s been hiding out with.” She wiggled her eyebrows dramatically and burst into laughter. “Just kidding. I’m Kat.” She thrust her hand out. “I’m the baby of the family, and Asher’s favorite.” She leaned in and stage-whispered, “I’m everyone’s favorite—they just won’t admit it.”

Noa couldn’t help but like her immediately. “My name is Noa.” She shook her hand. “And you must be…”

“I’m Craig.” He extended his hand as well. “I’m Asher’s youngest brother. It’s very nice to meet you, Noa. I’m glad you could join us.”

“Especially since we’re way overdue for some good gossip,” Kat added. “And you two are the talk of the town.” She wiggled her finger between the two of them.

Asher took her coat and gave her an apologetic shrug. “I’m sure we’re not?—”

“Stop torturing her.” Another woman appeared in the foyer. “She’s our guest,” the woman admonished Kat before turning in Noa’s direction. “Merry Christmas. I’m Charli.”

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