My flight landed at midnight and Trent wasn’t the only one who decided to pick me up from the airport. My parents, along with my cousin, Caleb, joined in on the ride.

With tears in her eyes, my mother jumped out of the truck and flung her arms around my neck. “I’ve missed you so much.”

I held her tight. “I’ve missed you too. But I’m here now.”

She stepped back and placed her hands on my cheeks. “Yes, you are.”

My father stepped out of the truck and I hugged him. He patted my back. “It’s good to see you, son. Your brother told me the reason why you’re late. Is it true? Did you really gain Stan Whitfield as a client?” He stared at me, proud and full of admiration. His approval was all I’d strived for as a kid. Now that I had it, I didn’t want to let him down.

I couldn’t stop the wide grin that spread across my face. “I did. His land is worth millions. I could retire.” I tossed my suitcase in the back of Trent’s truck.

Trent snorted from the driver’s seat. “Must be nice. Guess I can see why you almost missed my wedding. Hop in, so we can get out of here.”

I met his stare. “I’m really sorry I wasn’t here for the rehearsal. Please tell me you understand.”

Trent sighed, but then smiled. “I’m not mad at you, brother. Blair Realty is important to you and Father. I’m just glad you’re here now.”

“So am I.” I hopped in the backseat of the truck between my mother and father.

My mother clutched my arm and squeezed. “You missed a wonderful party tonight. We had a lot of fun.”

Caleb turned around from the front seat and winked. “We sure did. The guys played a round of night golf. And I also filled in as Adeline’s partner. You’re a lucky man, Will.”

My mother stared at me curiously. “Is there something going on between you and Adeline?”

Trent spoke up first. “Not yet. Jessica wants to set them up on a date. I tried to tell her it wasn’t going to work out, but she didn’t want to hear it.”

“Adeline’s a sweet girl,” my father added, looking at me over my mother’s head. “With the way you work, I’d hate for you to break her heart. She’s a good egg.”

My mother nodded and patted my hand. “She’s also very beautiful. There’s not a lot of people out there with the whole package. Just do us a favor and don’t hurt her. You’ll have Jessica to deal with if you do.”

“And she’s the last person you want on your bad side,” Trent said, and everyone laughed.

I was beginning to think meeting Adeline wasn’t the best idea. I didn’t like hurting the women I’d dated over the years; it just always happened that way. I was a busy man, and found it hard to give people the quality time they hoped for. Who knew, maybe she wouldn’t want anything to do with me once she met me. That would make things a lot easier.

I was tired, but I couldn’t sleep. My body was still on California time—three hours behind. Trent’s house had changed over the years. It wasn’t a bachelor pad anymore. Everywhere you turned, there were pieces of Jessica. Whether it be a painting on the wall, or the fancy candles on the mantle. Not to mention, the Christmas decorations everywhere.

Standing by the fireplace, the heat on my skin felt good. On the mantle, there were pictures of mine and Trent’s family, as well as Jessica and hers. There was even one of her and Adeline, laughing so hard it looked like they were about to fall out of the porch swing they were on.

“Can’t sleep either?” Trent said, his voice low and sleepy.

I turned around and shook my head. “I blame it on West Coast time. What’s your excuse?”

Sitting down on the couch, he rubbed a hand over his face and through his hair. “I’m nervous.”

“You’re not getting cold feet, are you?” I made my over and sat across from him.

He looked at me like I’d lost my mind. “Of course not. I love Jessica.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

Taking a deep breath, he huffed it out. “I’m nervous that I won’t be enough. What if I can’t give her everything she wants?”

“I think we both know I’m not the best suited to tell you it’ll be okay. I wouldn’t know what it’s like to be in love with someone.”

He snorted. “It’s scary.”

“I have no doubt. But from the outside, looking in, you and Jessica fit together so perfectly, I honestly don’t see how you could ever not be enough for her. There’s nothing you wouldn’t do for her.”

Trent met my gaze, the doubt slipping away. “You’re right.”

I placed a hand on his shoulder. “Then there’s nothing to worry about.”

Slowly, he sucked in another breath. “Thanks, Will. I love her so much. It scares me to think that one day she might fall out of love with me. I don’t want to lose her.”

“Just don’t do anything I would do, and you’ll be okay.”

That brought a smile to his face. “One day, brother. One day, you’ll know what it feels like.”

I scoffed. “I’m starting to think I don’t want to.”

“Yeah, it’s terrifying to fall in love, but the rewards outweigh it all. There’s no greater gift.”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

Trent patted my shoulder. “You won’t have to. You’ll find it on your own. I have faith.” He yawned and stood, stretching his arms above his head. “I think I’m about ready to go to bed now. Thanks for the talk.”

“Anytime.” Once he was gone, I sat by the fireplace and looked at the fire until my eyelids grew heavy. The clock struck two and that was the last thing I remembered before falling into a deep sleep.