Page 62 of Legacy's Destiny

Echo shook her hand and grinned. "The brave one."

Charley laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I’m surprised he didn’t say ‘the crazy one.’"

Echo tilted her head and smiled knowingly. "He did. He absolutely did."

Charley pointed a finger at her, feigning outrage. "I knew it! Of course, he did. I havegotto talk to that brother of mine.” Turning to Anna, she asked, “When’s Deacon coming home?"

Anna shrugged. "I’m sure you can talk to him when he gets back."

Charley shook her head dramatically. "I’m not crazy. I’ve been tested."

Echo laughed. "Well, I’m glad to hear that."

Charley looped her arm through Echo’s. "Come on, I’ll introduce you to my husband, my sister, and her husband. Mom, do you need help in the kitchen?"

Anna waved her off as she headed in another direction. "I’ve got this!"

Charley led Echo into a stunning living room, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, a roaring fireplace, and plush furniturearranged in an inviting semicircle. The room exuded warmth, as if it were meant to host gatherings like this.

Two men stood up as they entered. Charley gestured dramatically. "Everyone, this is Echo—Deacon’s girlfriend. Echo, this is my husband, Dan."

Echo looked at the tall, broad-shouldered man and stopped, her jaw dropping slightly. "You know you look just like?—"

Dan lifted his hand, cutting her off with a good-natured grin. "I know, I know. I get that all the time. I’m not him. My name’s Dan."

Echo blinked and then burst out laughing. "Oh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to embarrass you."

Charley waved it off with a laugh of her own. "Don’t worry about it. Hereallydoes get that all the time. It’s uncanny how much he looks like that actor. But believe me, he’s nothing like that asshole."

The other man in the room laughed, the sound deep and warm. "Right, he acts like a completely different asshole," Connor quipped, earning a punch to the shoulder from Dan. Connor rubbed his arm and laughed. "I keep forgetting how fast you are for an old fart."

Dan smirked and gave Connor another punch, making Connor wince exaggeratedly.

"Old fart? Careful, I can still take you down," Dan warned playfully.

Gabby, who resembled Anna and Charley, laughed and stepped between them, shaking her head. "Please excuse my husband," she said, turning to Echo. "I’m Gabby, Deacon and Ronan’s older sister. And this"—she gestured to the man next to her—"is my husband, Connor. We call him Con for short."

Connor gave a polite nod. "Nice to meet you," he said with a genuine smile.

Gabby gestured to a woman seated nearby. "And this is Fleur, Ronan’s significant other."

Fleur’s cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink, and she waved shyly. "Welcome to the insanity," she said with a soft laugh.

Charley huffed dramatically. "It isn’t insanity. We have spirited conversations."

Her husband snorted into his drink, trying to contain his laughter.

Echo’s face hurt from smiling. The camaraderie and lighthearted banter among the family members were contagious. By the time they were called to dinner, Echo felt a growing familiarity with Deacon’s family that went beyond just knowing him—it was as if she belonged there.

Gabriel took on the role of gracious host, bringing Echo her preferred Chardonnay and serving everyone their favorite drinks. As they sat down at the beautifully set table, Echo couldn’t help but feel a pang of melancholy. She wished Deacon and Ronan were there. It was a bittersweet moment, but she pushed the thought aside. She knew that if anything went wrong, Anna and Gabriel would be the first to know—and she’d know soon after.

Her first bite of Anna’s cooking was a revelation. The roast was perfectly tender, the mashed potatoes creamy and rich, and the vegetables roasted to perfection. It was, quite simply, incredible. The lighthearted chatter quieted as everyone tucked into their meals, savoring every bite. Echo couldn’t help but marvel at Anna’s skill in the kitchen—it was nothing short of extraordinary.

After dinner, Connor and Dan began clearing the plates while Anna headed into the kitchen to retrieve dessert. Meanwhile, Gabriel and Fleur discussed potential charities for Guardian to support, with Gabby and Charley chiming in with their thoughts.Echo leaned back in her chair, glancing toward the kitchen door. When it swung open, her jaw dropped.

There he was.

Deacon.

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