Chapter 53

Linny

“You weren’t kidding.” I wave my fork in the air toward Zach. “This is awesome spaghetti.”

“I know, right?” He spins his fork on his plate, picking up another long noodle. “If we all work together, it turns out just right.”

That’s exactly what they did.

I sat by the large granite island in the massive kitchen, while Jeremy and his siblings worked side-by-side to create a meal of homemade meat sauce and pasta, garlic bread and a side salad.

They teased each other while they maneuvered around the kitchen, each with a specific job.

“Sorry again about the wine,” Jeremy apologizes for a second time.

It’s what I asked for when he offered me a drink after we got here. He was quick to explain that he doesn’t keep any alcohol in the house.

It’s admirable.

I settled on an iced tea with lemon.

“How did you meet Germany?” Breccan asks from where he’s sitting opposite me at the dining room table.

The brownstone is large, covering three floors.

I was given a tour by Athena right before dinner was served.

The main floor is home to the kitchen, the formal dining room, a library, a living room and a bathroom.

We went up one flight of stairs to three bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, and then another flight to where the master suite is.

The entire townhouse is decorated in a contemporary style that compliments the dark hardwood floors and antique light fixtures.

It’s a home. A warm home filled with love.

“Do you remember when I went to Las Vegas a few months ago?” Jeremy takes a sip of water. “I met Linny on the flight there. She was wearing a pink tutu and a tiara.”

A chorus of laughter fills the room.

“A tutu and a tiara?” Athena’s thickly lashed blue eyes widen. “Do tell, Linny. What was that about?”

I place my fork on my plate. “I was going there for a bachelorette party. I was a bridesmaid. There were three of us on the airplane dressed like that.”

Breccan looks down at a spot of meat sauce that has settled in the center of his white T-shirt.” Jeremy’s eyes must have bugged out of his head.”

I laugh as I glance to my left to see a smile on Jeremy’s face. “I looked ridiculous.”

“You were beautiful,” he says with a chuckle. “I saw Linny again when I hired her father’s advertising firm to help with the launch of the vanilla vodka.”

“Fate put you together twice?” Athena brushes her hand over her bare shoulder. She’s wearing a pink off-the-shoulder sweater and dark jeans.

They’re all dressed casually, including Jeremy who is wearing jeans and a football jersey.

I tried on three outfits at my place before I decided on a denim dress and black ankle boots.

“It was meant to be.” Jeremy winks at me. “I’m grateful every day that I met her.”

“Do you love her?” Zach looks at Jeremy.

“Zach.” Breccan’s voice comes out with a snap. “You don’t ask people that.”

“Very much,” Jeremy answers. “I think it was love at first sight for me.”

“Was it for you too, Linny?” Zach looks across the table at me. “Did you love him the first time you saw him?”

“I felt something I’ve never felt before.” I reach for Jeremy’s hand under the table. “He made me feel safe. Love grew pretty fast from there.”

“Can we eat the chocolate cake that Linny brought for dessert now?” Zach moves to stand. “I’ll clear the plates.”

“Let’s load the dishes into the dishwasher and then we’ll pick a movie and have dessert.” West is on his feet too.

As they leave the room, followed by Breccan, Athena moves to sit next to me.

“He needed you,” she says in barely more than a whisper. “He’s given everything to us for years.”

“I needed him too.” I smile at her.

She circles her finger on the linen tablecloth. “Take really good care of his heart, Linny. It’s been through a lot.”

I nod. “I promise I will.”

“I’m glad he found you.” She rests her hand on mine. “My brother saved us. He showed us that it was okay to be happy again. We want him to be happy now.”

“I want that for him too, Athena.”

“When he told us about you, he said you were an angel.” She gently squeezes my hand. “He was right.”

The sound of glass shattering pulls her to her feet.

“Zach isn’t great with one hand.” She laughs. “I’m going to go help. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me too,” I say, trying to level the emotion in my voice. “There’s no other place I’d rather be.”