Kicking back on the porch swing at my family home, I admire the multi-colored fairy lights that cover the buildings surrounding the farmhouse. Watching my brother Diego dance with his bride, Rae, makes me long for what they have. As I try to suppress the yearning, a shy brunette comes to mind, along with anger. After the amazing night of talking and connecting that we’d shared, come morning she’d just completely disappeared, leaving an ache in my heart. Nothing in my life feels right anymore, and as for other women, I can’t look at another woman without craving what I lost, even though I know I never really had her.

You’d think that after three months I’d be over her, but my heart had quickly become attached. Everything was so raw and pure, and I have a feeling that I won’t be forgetting about her anytime soon.

Aiden and Sarah have been married two months now, and just like today, I’d wanted Felicity by my side to celebrate with my family. I was probably being an idiot, but at thirty-two I knew what I wanted, and that is Felicity. One way or another, I need to find her because this has gone on for long enough. Even if she really doesn’t want anything to do with me, I just need to make sure that she’s okay. It would kill me to leave her to someone else, but I’ll respect her wishes. I just need to know. To see her . . .

“Kasey?”

At the sharp call of my name, my head snaps up and my eyes land on Andie, Diego’s new stepdaughter.

“Hey, what’s up?”

She rolls her eyes and sits next to me. “Other than the fact that I’m desperate for my bed and my feet are throbbing, nothing much.” She narrows her eyes. “But you on the other hand, keep avoiding me.” She raises a brow, almost daring me to dispute what she’s saying. “You know that I want to talk about Vegas, which is why I haven’t seen much of you lately. I want to know about the girl you disappeared with. She looked young.” There’s a judging edge to her voice that irritates me.

I close my eyes and recline back with the image of Felicity in my mind. “She was young. Too young.”

“Did you spend all night with her?”

“Yes.”

“Um, Kasey,” she starts with sensor in her voice.

“Nothing sexual happened between us and even if it had, she was legal at least…you know I’m not a total jerk. We talked for most of the night and I seriously felt a connection with her.”

“But?” she probes.

“She’s nineteen, Andie. Shy. Innocent. So damn sweet and beautiful that I can’t stop thinking about her.”

“I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but if she’s the one, then don’t you dare let her go,” she says fiercely.

Surprised, I glance at Andie. “You talking from experience?”

She blushes and looks away. “Not really.”

“Now you’re lying to me. Who is he?” I poke her in the ribs, making her cringe and slap my hand away.

Chuckling, her tone turns sad as she explains. “It doesn’t matter, nothing will ever come of it for me,” sighing she tries to sound more upbeat, “but unless you make contact with her, you’ll never know if she was meant to be the one for you.”

“I’ve thought of nothing else.” I groan loudly.

“Good.” She nods her head in approval.

“When do you go back to school?” I ask, changing the subject.

“Tomorrow afternoon,” Andie answers, but it sounds like it’s the last place she wants to be.

“And?” I prompt.

“There’s no and. I’m heading back to school and I’ll deal with my lonely existence there.”

Frowning, I take her hand into mine. “You know you’re like a sister to me, Andie.” She nods, and I continue, “That means you can tell me anything and it will stay between us.”

Smiling softly, she squeezes my hand before pulling hers free. “I know that, Kasey, just like I’m always here for you…it’s just not that easy to talk about what’s going on with me. To be honest there isn’t anything going on, which I guess is the problem.”

“Now you’re not making a lick of sense,” I grumble.

She laughs. “I know. Look, I’m going to change into my cowboy boots and then you can come back to the celebrations with me.”

I smile. “Be quick.”

She disappears inside the house and minutes later I’m joined by Dante and Emelia.

I’m sure Emelia is going to cause bodily harm to my brother with all the fussing he’s doing over her. I kinda feel sorry for him. “Lighten up, bro,” I tease.

Dante’s eyes narrow, but soften when he moves his gaze to Emelia, who sits next to me on the porch swing.

“I keep telling him that, but it makes no difference,” Emelia says, placing her hands over her swollen belly.

I wrap my arm around her shoulders. “He doesn’t want anything to happen to you, so quit grouching. I personally would make the most out of it while you can, because you won’t always look like there’s a beach ball shoved up your dress.”

Dante chokes on a laugh while Emelia glares at me before moving her narrowed-eyed stare to that of her husband.

“Now, honey,” Dante says smoothly while he crouches at her feet. “I love you and the beach ball.” He kisses her stomach.

“Hmm.” Emelia smirks. “In that case, I think you need to get us both to our room so that you can show me how much you love us.”

I jump up. “Emelia!” I look between them, and add, “Should you be doing anything while you’re like that?” I wave my hands in front of her.

“I’m pregnant, Kasey. I can assure you that everything still works just fine.” Emelia grins, knowing how uncomfortable she’s making me.

“You know what, stop right there. I’m not even sure how this conversation went in that direction.” I sigh and let out a laugh of relief when Andie walks out onto the porch.

“We’re going dancing.” I grab hold of Andie’s hand and pull her down the steps toward the dance floor, listening to Emelia and Dante laughing in our wake.

A rush of longing hits and I know that no matter the outcome, I have to find Felicity.