Page 96 of Keep On Loving You

Craig slapped him on the back. “You don’t owe me an apology. But I do need you to accept mine. I really am sorry,Andy. I was out of line. For a lot of reasons. You’re a damn good man. I just…I think I lost my head. When it comes to Kat, I’ve just always felt like I need to take care of her, ya know?”

“She doesn’t need you to take care of her.”

Both men looked up to see Kat standing over them, her arms outstretched.

“She doesn’t need anyone to take care of her. But she does need you all to love her.” She laughed, and the happiness on her face made Andy’s heart squeeze. “And she also needs to stop speaking in the third person.” She reached her arms out to both of them. “Now give me a hug. Both of you.”

Andy let Craig get up first. He waited while brother and sister embraced and exchanged apologies.

“Now, you two.” Kat tilted her head. “Hug it out.”

Andy made the first move. He pulled Craig into an awkward man hug and slapped his back.

But it was Craig who tightened his arms around him and squeezed. “I love you, man. Can we move on from this?”

“You know we can.”

Craig released him and took a step back. “You’ve always been like a brother to me, but I guess now…” He looked to Kat, who only laughed.

“One thing at a time,” she said. “We only just made our relationship public…I don’t think anyone is getting married anytime soon.”

“I don’t know about that, Kitty Kat.” Andy grabbed herhand and winked. “Don’t worry, I won’t propose right now. It’s been a big day. But make no mistake, I’m going to put a ring on this finger.” He kissed her hand. “I meant it when I said I can’t live without you.”

He couldn’t resist any longer. He pulled her in for a kiss, but it only lasted seconds before Craig began to protest.

“Okay, enough already.” He groaned. “I told you I was okay with it, but it’s still freakin’ weird. You can’t just spring this on me.”

“Or me,” Asher called out as he joined them in the yard, followed by Chase, who was right behind them.

“Super weird,” the eldest brother agreed. “But also, super awesome.” He held out a hand to Andy as a peace offering. “Really, I mean it. I know you took us off guard, but you’re a good man, Andy. There’s none better.”

They shared a hug before it was Asher’s turn. He, too, apologized and embraced Andy. “Sometimes we can act without thinking.”

“Sometimes?” Noa appeared by his side and rolled her eyes affectionately.

The rest of the family made their way out into the yard with bottles of bubbly and sparkling apple juice for the non-drinkers, and glasses that were passed around.

“I would like to propose a toast,” Chase said when they all had a glass in their hands.

“Wait.” Charli stopped him. “I think it’s only fitting if Kat makes the toast.”

There were murmurs of approval, and everyone turnedto look at Kat. Andy took a half step to the side, giving her space.

They all watched as she dropped her head for a moment before looking up with tears in her eyes. “Damn,” she laughed, “I didn’t think I could cry anymore.”

Everyone chuckled.

“It’s been a ride,” Kat started. “And we’ve all been through it, haven’t we?” She smiled and continued. “But I wouldn’t change any of it. The last few years since Dad left us with ourinstructionshave brought us together in ways we never could have imagined.” She looked to Chase, who raised his hand in recognition. “We’ve learned things about ourselves and each other that I don’t think we would have otherwise. And most importantly, we’ve all found love.” Kat looked straight at him. “And learned how to open up to that love.”

She blew him a kiss before continuing. “I don’t know if he intended for any of that to happen, or if he thought it would just be a fun parting gift for us all.” A few people laughed. “But whatever his reasons, I’m sure glad for it because I don’t know about the rest of you, but I love this big, happy, totally dysfunctional family.” She raised her glass high, and everyone followed suit. “To Dad.”

“To Dad,” everyone chorused.

“And to family,” Kat added. And then to herself, “Always.”

“Just when I thought this day couldn’t get any better.” Kat rolled over into Andy’s arms and snuggled into his chest. “You proved me wrong.”

“Was it the first orgasm? Or that last one?” He kissed her on the nose, making her laugh.

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