Page 56 of Falling Again For My Best Friend's Brother

"Remember freshman year?" Susan murmured. "When you used to doodle 'Mrs. Amelia Phillips' in your notebook margins?"

Emily chimed in, "And now we're planning the real deal. Talk about a glow-up!"

As we untangled ourselves, I noticed Kevin approaching, carrying what looked like a wooden... something. Trevor walked up, his hand finding mine as we faced my brother.

Kevin cleared his throat, looking uncharacteristically solemn. "Amelia, Trevor, I wanted to give you something for your new garden."

My breath caught. Whatever Kevin was about to say, I had a feeling it was going to be big.

Kevin thrust the wooden creation toward us, his usual gruff demeanor softened by an almost sheepish smile.

I squinted, trying to decipher what exactly I was looking at. Was it some kind of abstract sculpture? A very artistic birdhouse? Oh! A bird feeder!

"I, uh, made this at Dad’s workshop. It’s been a while since I did any woodworking," Kevin mumbled, suddenly finding his shoes fascinating. "It’s for your garden."

I traced my finger along the intricate carvings—delicate flowers and vines that looked suspiciously like the ones in my shop's logo. My throat tightened at the thoughtfulness of his gift.

"Kevin, it's beautiful."

He cleared his throat, finally meeting Trevor's eyes. "I know I haven't always been the most supportive of your relationship, but I want you to know that I'm proud to call you my brother, Trevor. Welcome to the Carters."

I felt Trevor's hand squeeze mine, and I glanced up to see his eyes shining with emotion. "Thank you, Kevin," he said, his voice thick. "That means more than you know."

From the corner of my eye, I spotted my parents making their way over to us. Dad's eyes were suspiciously misty as he clapped Trevor on the back. "Welcome to the family, son. Try not to let it go to your head."

Mom enveloped me in a hug that smelled of home, childhood, and unconditional love. "My little girl," she whispered. "All grown up and running her botanical empire."

I snorted into her shoulder. "Mom, it's a greenhouse, not the Garden of Eden."

"Same difference," she said, pulling back to cup my face. "You're creating something beautiful. Just like you always have."

Surrounded by my quirky, wonderful family, with Trevor's solid presence beside me, I felt a wave of emotion so intense it nearly knocked me off my feet. How did I get so lucky?

"Thank you," I choked out, my eyes stinging. "All of you. Even you, Kevin, you big softie."

"I take it back," Kevin grumbled. "The bird feeder is for the shop mascot. You get nothing."

As laughter erupted around us, I caught Trevor's eye. His smile mirrored my own—part disbelief, part joy, and all love. Whatever came next, we'd face it together.

Preferably with fewer floral disasters and impromptu dance numbers with collapsing archways.

The party's hubbub faded as I slipped into the back garden, seeking a moment of quiet amidst the chaos. The heady scent of roses and lilies enveloped me like a floral hug. I ran my fingers along the velvet-soft petals, marveling at how much had changed since Trevor first thundered into my life—and my upstairs apartment.

"Plotting your escape already?" Trevor's voice cut through my thoughts. I spun around to find him leaning against the doorframe, holding the birdfeeder full of seeds. "I knew my dance moves at the butterfly ball would come back to haunt me."

I snorted, remembering his enthusiastic but rhythm-challenged attempt at the Electric Slide. "Please. Your dancing is the least of my worries. I'm more concerned about your desire to rescue every animal that crosses our path."

"Hey, I only mentioned adopting that three-legged kitten once. That's progress!"

I rolled my eyes but couldn't suppress my smile as Trevor crossed the garden to hang the feeder, then turned and wrapped his arms around me. We stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the only sound the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant hum of the party.

"So," I murmured, "on a scale of one to 'facing down a five-alarm fire,' how nervous are you about all this wedding planning?"

Trevor's thumb traced lazy circles on my back. "Hmm... I'd say it's about a 'surprise visit from your Aunt Mildred' level of nervousness."

I shuddered dramatically. "Ooh, that bad, huh?"

He chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest.

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