Page 125 of Everlasting Promises

Raising an eyebrow, he takes a drink. “I feel like I’m missing something.”

I turn over the chicken. “I’ll fill you in over dinner.”

We’re all quiet as we dig into the delicious meal; the only sounds in the room are the utensils as they strike the plates. Seb’s watching us closely, and I can read the questions behind his gaze. He’s being unusually patient, waiting for us to spill the beans. His gaze flicks between Hope and me as he finishes chewing, clears his throat, and picks up his beer.

It’s sorta fun keeping up the suspense, but I should put him out of his misery.

I nudge Evan’s foot with mine to get his attention. I tip my chin toward Sebastian. “Do you wanna tell Seb our news?”

“Please, someone tell me already. I’m dying over here.”

Hope chuckles. “Quick, Ev. You’d better tell him. We don’t want Seb’s death on our hands.”

Seb turns as white as the counter behind him. “Shit! Sorry, I didn’t mean anything …”

Wearing a grin, Hope waves off his concern. “We know.” She turns to Evan and raises her eyebrows.

Evan’s smile is magnificent as he puffs up his chest. “I’m gonna be a big brother.”

Sebastian blinks several times, frozen in place, as if the words don’t compute. Slowly, a grin grows, and he jumps up from his seat, rounding the table to pull Hope out of her chair. Wrapping his arms around her, he lifts her from her feet in a bear hug, placing a kiss on her cheek. Her laughter is free, and her smile is broad, making my heart skip a beat. She’s so damn beautiful. “Congratulations!”

“Thanks,” she says between chuckles.

He gently places her back on her feet, then moves to Evan. They perform the complicated handshake they were working on while Hope and I made dinner. Then, Seb drags me from my chair and engulfs me in a bear hug—one I’m surprised doesn’t leave me with cracked ribs. “Congrats, man. I’m thrilled for you and the future you have spread out in front of you.” He pulls away and looks at the three of us. “In front of all of you.”

“Thanks, man.”

He jabs his thumb into his chest. “I’m gonna be the best damn uncle.” He looks at Evan. “I mean, I’m already pretty great, right?”

Evan grins and nods his agreement, realizing Sebastian already considers him to be family.

We finish our meal and clean up, then Hope sets her homemade birthday cake on the table. I can’t even remember the last time I had a cake for my birthday. Probably before we lost Tahlia; she used to bake them for me. My heart constricts a little at the thought of her. I think she would have loved Hope and Evan, and I know she’d be thrilled we’re having a baby together. That I’m creating a family of my own.

Sebastian nudges me. “This beats a couple of beers at the pub to celebrate your birthday.”

“It certainly does.” Satisfaction and a sense of peace roll through my body. It’s a feeling that’s been happening more often lately. At first, it was unfamiliar, and I couldn’t place it, but I’ve come to realize the feeling is contentment. I thought my life was satisfying. I thought it was everything I wanted … until Hope and Evan. They showed me how empty my life was.

They all sing to me, I blow out the candles, and then Hope cuts pieces of birthday cake for each of us. I watch Sebastian with my family, how seamlessly they fit together, and I’mgrateful I was the one to answer the call when Evan was caught shoplifting.

That call changed my life.

It saved me from loneliness. It’s given me a family to call my own. Sebastian’s always been the brother I never had, but now I have more. So much more. And I hope, one day, he has this, too.

I raise my drink. “To spending birthdays with family.”

Sebastian tips his chin to me as he raises his beer. “To family.”

Hope and Evan follow suit, and then we all enjoy the delicious cake Hope lovingly baked and decorated for me.

Leaning into Hope,I whisper. “I need to take Rex out. Back in a minute.” She nods, never taking her eyes from the television. I kiss her temple, then head through to the back door with Rex.

The cool night air hits me square in the face as Rex hobbles out into the backyard. I take the steps down to the grass and dig my hands deep into my pockets to keep them warm, then look up at the stars. I organize my thoughts and clear my throat. “You can rest easy, Wyatt. I’ve got them now, and I won’t let anything destroy their happiness.” I blow out a long breath. “I’m sorry for what happened to you and for everything you’ve lost, but I promise to love and cherish your family the way they deserve.” An arc of light shoots across the sky as if Wyatt’s giving his approval. “Thanks, man.”

Rex wanders up to me and barks, nudging his muzzle into my thigh. When I turn to go back inside, I freeze at the sight of Hope standing at the base of the steps. Shit, I wonder how long she’s been out here.

She smiles softly and swipes at her cheek. I guess she was out here long enough. I walk straight to her and wrap her slight frame in my embrace. She buries her face against my pecs and slides her hands beneath my sweater until her chilly hands rest flat against my shoulder blades. “Thank you,” she mumbles against me.

I kiss the top of her head. “I love you.”

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