Page 134 of Love Without Control

Monty stepped up behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders. “Evie was taken, and she’s going to tell us everything once we’re with Dad and Auburn. This is her husband, Dane.” He still looked incredulous that I was married.

Kassie did too. “You’re married?” she gasped.

I wanted to tell them I was also a mother, but I held back. We had enough to deal with first. While Kassie greeted Dane, I turned to the other man who was trying to look inconspicuous, though he wasn’t succeeding. He was the same size as Monty, tall and muscular.

“So,” I said, opening my arms for a hug, “I hear you’re my brother.”

Cruz Estrada laughed and embraced me. “Apparently so. It’s really nice to meet you, sis.”

“I saw the press releases a few months ago,” I explained. “Welcome to the family.”

“And welcomebackto the family. I’ve heard so much about you from Monty and Auburn,” he replied, and I liked him instantly.

“So, your mom was my nanny when I was a baby?”

“Yes, she and our dad got together while he and Chloe were separated.”

“I want to hear the whole story some time,” I requested.

“Absolutely. It’s kind of complicated.”

“I bet mine would beat yours as far as complicated goes.”

“No doubt,” Cruz laughed, and then his face turned serious. “Are you okay, Evie? I know we just met, but I still care about you.”

Yep, I definitely liked my new brother.

Dane and I introduced Garfield and Snoopy to the group, and everyone gave them pets and scratches. Monty watched me the entire time and never got more than a foot away from me. He was probably afraid I’d disappear again.

Then he pulled Cruz aside, and they had a brief conversation before returning to our little circle. Monty pulled me into another hug and whispered, “I’m so fucking glad you’re home, Evie.”

“Me too,” I said, tearing up again.

“Auburn’s apartment is within walking distance. Cruz is going to pick up Dad, and he’ll bring him to us.” His lips tightened for a second before he took both my hands. “Dad had a heart attack last year.”

“What?” It would have been a scream if my throat hadn’t been attempting to close up. “Is he… I mean… oh my god. Dad.”

“He’s okay,” Monty soothed. “He had surgery, and he’s fine now, but we thought it would be best if Cruz broke the news to him gently to minimize the shock of seeing you. I’m guessing you heard about Chloe?” Our mother’s name came with a slight curling of his lip, almost a sneer, but not quite.

“I did,” I confirmed.

“Well, Dad is with Estrella now, Cruz’s mom. I just thought I would give you a heads-up. And Cruz is…” He huffed out a breath.

“Our brother. I know. I saw the press releases, and I’ve seen pictures of Dad with Estrella. It was big news for about a week, and then the media moved on to the next thing.”

Monty chuckled. “You have been keeping up.”

“I was a total stalker.”

His eyes searched my face one more time, like he wasn’t quite sure I was real. “I’m so happy to see you, Eve-ster Egg.”

“I’m happy to see you too, Montague.”

He cringed. “I don’t care how long you’ve been gone. You’re still not allowed to call me by my full name.”

It felt like old times, as though the years separating us had shrunk and we were back to our younger selves, teasing and laughing.

“Remember when we used to call ourselves the Wonder Twins?” I asked, and my brother laughed.

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