Page 134 of Chasing Sarah

We laugh at Liam’s comment and pull away.

With how crazy our lives continue to be, Paige has made it a tradition to have a weekly dinner whenever possible.

It’s brought us all that much closer together.

These people are my family.

We might not be blood, but I’d gladly bleed for each of them.

I remove my helmet and set it on my bike. Rhys takes my hand, and we walk toward where everyone stands.

“If you’re hungry, why are you out here?” I tease.

“I made them come outside because Liam kept reaching for the food,” Paige says with a smirk in Liam’s direction.

Ingrid steps outside. When she sees us, she plants her hands on her waist and scowls. “Now, I know you are not our here while the food I spent hours making goes cold.”

Declan rolls his eyes playfully. “Ingrid, we all know Niall is the cook of the house.”

“Either way, you better get your arses in this house and eat.” She spins of her heels, muttering in Gaelige as she goes inside.

The rest of our evening is filled with laughter and good food.

I hadn’t realized just how much I missed simply enjoying the company of people I love. My brothers and I were always getting into some sort of trouble, and while I miss that more than words can explain, it’s nice to just… be. My eyes begin to burn at the sensation of tears building.

“Hey,” Rhys whispers, gripping my chin with his forefinger and thumb. “What’s wrong?” His brows are furrowed, and I see the genuine concern in his eyes.

“My brothers would have loved you,” I whisper.

Surprise flashes across his face, then it’s replaced by a softness that tightens my throat. “I would have loved to meet them.”

The table falls silent. Rhys releases my chin, and we turn to face our family.

Paige and Emily’s eyes display a huge amount of empathy. Liam and Declan watch with affectionate expressions.

“Can I ask you guys for a favor?” I swallow tightly and clear my throat as I meet each of their eyes.

“Anything,mo réalta.”

Everyone nods in agreement to Rhys’ statement.

“Will you come with me to see my brothers?”

* * *

Apprehension coils tightly around my throat and lungs, making it hard to breathe. I stand facing the gate leading into the cemetery. Behind me, my extended family stands, waiting for my cue.

I appreciate them letting me have the time to gather my thoughts and emotions. I haven’t been here since I was 18, since I watched my brothers being lowered into the ground.

Too much is happening in my mind. Too much is happening in my heart.

Everything right now is just… too much.

Rhys steps in front of me and cups my face, bringing his forehead to mine. I close my eyes and breathe in his comforting scent.

“Tá mé ceart anseo, mo réalta,”he breathes in a soothing tone.I’m right here, my star.

He takes my trembling hands in his and lifts them to his lips, he places gentle kisses to my knuckles.

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