Page 71 of Everlasting Promises

We talk about my work for a while. “If you’re ever thinking about leaving the police force, I could use someone like you on my team,” Nix offers. “Rex, too.” He glances at Shane. “I need to cut back and spend more time with my family.”

I’m unsure what he’s talking about, so I tilt my head to the side a little. “He owns a security firm.Steele Security. You may have heard of it,” Shane tells me, filling in the blanks.

I nod. “I’ve heard of it. You have a fantastic reputation.”

Pride lights Nix’s eyes. “Good to know.”

Shane glances over my shoulder, and I turn to follow what he’s looking at. Hope and Violet are chatting in the kitchen as they plate the hot food. I turn back toward the guys to find both of their eyes locked on me. The need to escape pumps through me, but I lock my feet to the ground.

“So, you and Hope …” Shane prods, but leaves the sentence hanging.

I’m not sure what he’s getting at, so I’m unsure how to respond.

Nix slaps Shane’s abs with the back of his hand. “What he’s asking is this: what are your intentions with Hope and Evan?” My eyebrows shoot up, and he holds his hands out in a placating move. “We promised Wyatt we’d always keep an eye on his family. This is us watching over them.”

I glance around us, satisfied that nobody is listening to our conversation. Picking at the label on my beer, I consider my response. I respect the hell out of Shane and Nix, so it’s important to me that they understand how I feel about Hope and Evan—and what I’d like to happen.

“Hope and Evan have quickly become the most important people in my life, and I’d like to keep them in it if I can. Evan and I have already discussed how he would feel if I asked his mom on a date.”

Both of their eyebrows shoot up, and grins tug at their lips.

“And after ensuring I was aware his mom still loves his dad, I have his support. Especially after explaining she never has to stop loving him.”

They both nod their approval.

“I’ve also explained to Hope I’d like to take her on a date some time …” I glance away, then back to the two men in front of me. “I’ve told her I’m prepared to wait until she’s ready.” I lockmy gazes with both of them. “I’m not going anywhere—unless Hope sends me away.”

They’re both quiet for a long time, but I sense they approve of what I said.

Nix takes a drink while Shane studies me. “A few months ago, I would have said you’re wasting your time. That she’ll never be ready to open her heart to someone new.” He pauses and I hold my breath, waiting for him to finish. “But after hearing Evan talk about you and Rex … and watching Hope’s reactions when it was just the three of us, and then again today…” His eyes flick over my shoulder, then return to me. “She’s changed.” He turns to Nix. “Have you noticed?”

Nix nods. “Yeah. It’s hard to miss. She seems happier.”

Shane hums his agreement, and warmth spreads throughout my chest as it swells with a sense of pride. “I agree.” His brown, assessing eyes find mine. “I don’t think you’ll have to wait all that long.”

A long breath escapes my mouth and my entire body sags. Man, I had no idea how tense I was. “You think?”

“Absolutely.” He adjusts his crutches and looks at Nix. “I think Wyatt would approve?” Even though he makes the statement, it sounds more like a question aimed at his friend.

Nix turns his stern gaze my way. “I agree. I think he’d want Hope to move on, and I believe you’d be the man he’d want taking care of his family.”

Shane casts his gaze to me. “But don’t think we won’t kick your ass if you hurt either of them.”

I hold up my hands in surrender. “You won’t have to; I’ll kick my own ass. Hurting either of them is the last thing I’d ever do.”

Hope calls out, gaining everyone’s attention as she tells us the food is ready.

I spend the afternoon talking with Hope’s friends and family, who all make Seb and me feel welcome. Some conversations andside glances have me believing I’m under the microscope, which, I guess, is to be expected. My earlier discussion with Nix and Shane has me feeling hopeful, and their observation that Wyatt would approve of me for his family bolsters my belief that I’m where I’m supposed to be.

Cake is served, gifts are opened, and guests slowly trickle out. Sebastian left with Lucy about an hour ago, but I wasn’t ready to leave. I don’t want to overstay my welcome, but I want some time with Evan and Hope. Just the three of us. I want to know if Evan liked the journals I bought him. Hope wanders back inside alone after saying goodbye to her parents—the last guests to leave.

32

BEN

“Where’s Ev?”

“He practically begged to have a sleepover at Mom and Dad’s.” She titters. “She can never say no to him.” Walking further into the kitchen, she blows her hair out of her eyes as I’m washing the last tray. She still looks beautiful, even though she didn’t stop once all afternoon, but she also looks exhausted. Her eyes widen when they land on me. “You don’t have to do that. You’ve already done so much.” She looks around the kitchen and steps closer as if to take over the task.

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