Page 43 of Wildly Yours
"If he wasn't Cole's little brother, I'd kick his ass for you."
I sniffle out a laugh. "Thanks, Renee."
Zoe hands me a napkin and then she nudges me again. "The story isn't over yet. Why did he do it and how did you end up here today?"
"Thewhypart of your question ishisstory to tell. But the how is because he needed money."
My two friends stare at me wide-eyed.
Renée giggles. "Now this is getting really interesting."
"Not for himself. For the park. And that part I'm sure you both know. At least you do, Zoe."
"Yeah, he was hoping Caleb could get some of his fans from his Car Mechanics for Women YouTube channel to donate. If I was a less secure woman, that channel would drive me nuts. The comments section is insane, even though I make guest appearances. It's almost like I'm dating a celebrity with the things they say."
"Dinner is ready if you ladies are." Callie is standing on the back porch with her hands on her hips and a wide smile. She's always had a lot on her plate with the three boys, but she's looking at us like we are the gift she never knew she needed in her life. And with that smile, I already feel like I'm being integrated into this messy, beautiful family that has formed.
We gather up our glasses and the blanket, and Zoe does a makeup check on all of us, ensuring our mascara isn't smeared from crying.
When we walk in, Buzz and the boys are cackling about something, and the magic spell is complete. I want to be here. I want to work hard to trust Cody so I can be part of this again, only this time I want it for good. Forever.
Buzz has a gleam in his eye and he raises a glass. "Now that you gorgeous gals are here, let's raise a toast. First to my son Cole. You made us so proud when you became fire chief, andnow as the first of your brothers to walk down the aisle. I know you are going to be a good husband to Renée, and we are lucky to have her in our family."
Callie hands Cole a small present and kisses him on the cheek.
"Next toast is to my son Caleb. You've worked so hard to become the man you are, and your mother and I are proud of everything you've done with my old garage, your education of women, and of finally settling down with this lovely lady."
He winks at Zoe while Callie gives Caleb a similar-sized gift.
"To our son Cody. You've always excelled at school and work, but this week you excelled as a man. You demonstrated the courage it takes to be vulnerable, which is the most important quality a man can possess if he wants to excel in his relationships. And what would we be without these women?" Buzz presses a kiss on Callie's head before she gives Cody his parcel.
"And lastly, I want to toast this perfect woman who walked into my life nearly thirty years ago. I don't know what my life would be like if I hadn't found you walking down the side of the road with three babies, but I know it wouldn't have been as rich and rewarding as it has been. So with that…"
Buzz gets down on one knee in front of Callie, holding a ring in his hand. "Marry me, darling."
Whoops and hollers sound around me like thunder. The walls seem to be shaking with all the noise we're making, and I see Callie wipe at her eyes as she nods yes.
Chapter Twenty-Two: Cody
After we settle down from the excitement, we tuck into our dinner. I look around me and see the family that I have always known, and the family that we have created, Serena included. She belongs here with us, and I keep hoping that I can stay true to my promise to keep working to be the man she deserves. Because I can't lose her again. I can't push her away again.
When Mom starts dishing up desert, I know it's time to tell everyone what happened. Even though my parents and Caleb know, I've left Cole in the dark. And with his upcoming marriage and no doubt another if Caleb grows a pair and proposes, I think Zoe and Renée should hear this too. I want them to know they are part of this family, and this family has a darkness we are bringing into the light.
"I need to say something."
The room goes silent in an instant and all eyes are on me.
"I need to get this out in the open so everyone…so everyone understands that things are different now. I'm different now."
"Well that was obvious the moment you walked in with 'she who will not be named'."
"Cut it out, Caleb." Buzz gives him a sharp look.
"Sorry."
"Seven years ago I walked away from my best friend." I reach under the table and give Serena's hand a squeeze. "I walked away from the most important relationship outside this family. I did it because I thought I was protecting her. Because the truth is, I went down to find our father."
Cole and Caleb exchange a look, that I know is Caleb confirming he knew all along. Cole has always been the odd man out, since he's a few years older and not a twin.
