Page 114 of The Revenge Agenda

When they pull away, Rush nods. “Your hugs are good.”

“I passed.” She pretends to flick her hair back.

“I’m just going to shake your hand instead,” Dad says, reaching out.

“Better not make it awkward,” Mom teases.

I steer them away from the back door. “There are plenty of other people for you to meet. No need to crowd my boyfriend.”

“Yeah, if you think you’re getting away from the embarrassing stories that easily, you’re mistaken.”

Ehh. She can bring out all the embarrassing stories she likes. I want Rush to know them all.

As soon as they’re gone, I turn to check in with him.

“How are you feeling?”

“Great. Amazing. That was good, right?”

“That was very good.”

I watch as relief floods over him. “I’ve been so anxious.”

“I know.” I pluck at the front of my sweater. “But we got through it.”

“Think I should grab my presents for them now?”

“Whenever you’re ready. Don’t feel like you have to babysit them all day though, okay?”

He sends me a cheeky grin. “Are you kidding? They have embarrassing stories. They’re not leaving until I hear them all.”

He ducks back inside to grab the presents, and I look out across the yard. From what Rush has said, the group is twice the size as it used to be, and I’m honestly not surprised. From the first moment I stepped into Big-Boned Bertha, I felt at home, welcome, comfortable. Rush and his brothers might have had a hard time of it growing up, but it’s shaped who they are now. And who they are now is pretty incredible.

I’ve gotten close with them all over the last year, and if the newcomers are anything like me, we’re happy to be included. To be welcome in this bubble where judgment doesn’t exist. Just support. Respect. Understanding.

My place right here is what I was fighting for all along.

Seven appears at my side and holds out a beer. “It’s cold as balls out here.”

“It’s December. We’re just lucky it didn’t rain.”

“True. Even Madden’s wearing a sweater.”

“Yeah, but is it because he’s cold or because Rush gave it to him?”

“Either way, no one is in danger of being poked in the eye by his nipples.”

“I … umm. I’m thinking of asking Rush to move in with me.” I can’t look at Seven after getting the words out. The guys are close; I’d never want to get between them, but after renting a place I wasn’t feeling for six months, last month, I moved into a place that I can see myself staying in long term.

And I can see Rush there with me.

“Wow,” he mutters.

“I know. I don’t know what he’s going to say, and I’m worried about him feeling torn about whether he wants to stay here or?—”

“Nah, I don’t think you need to worry about any of that.” Seven smiles wide. “You ask, he’ll be there in a flash. He’ll always have his atelier here, even if he moves out. Once a Bertha Boy, always a Bertha Boy.” Seven nods toward Gabe. “No matter where we live, we’re family. You too.”

“Me?”

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