Page 24 of Shattered Promise

Because the truth? The guys at this table were always more like brothers to me than Cal ever was. But that’s not something I say—even now.

Beau's halfway through his second helping of lasagna, and Hazel’s already slicing into a pie Cora brought for dessert—some kind of summery thing with a lattice crust and peaches that makes the whole room smell like sugar and sunlight.

But Theo’s rubbing his eyes now, fists dragging across his cheeks with a little whine building in the back of his throat. The kind that starts soft but ramps up quickly if I don’t get ahead of it.

I shift in my chair, catching Hazel’s eye. “I think that’s our cue.” I slip some wipes free from the backpack and start wiping down his face and hands.

Hazel nods knowingly and pats Theo’s chubby foot where it dangles from the high chair. “Thanks for coming, sweetheart.”

Lucas rises as I stand, rounding the table with his easy gait. He claps a hand on my shoulder—firm and familiar, saying more in the gesture than he ever would out loud. “Drive safe, son.”

I nod. “Thanks. And thank you for dinner tonight.”

Beau pushes back from the table and stands, already reaching for his hoodie draped over the back of his chair. “I’ll walk you out.”

I wave him off. “Nah, stay and enjoy dessert. It looks delicious.”

“It is,” Jasper mumbles around a forkful, grinning at Cora like she’s his whole world.

I reach for our plates to take to the kitchen, but Lucas beats me to it. “Leave it. Get that boy home before he turns into a pumpkin.”

“Appreciate it,” I say, lifting Theo into my arms. His head drops onto my shoulder like he’s melting into me, that soft baby weight that makes you feel like the safest place in the world. For now, at least.

Francesca waves from her spot beside Graham. “Next time, I’m holding him first.”

“Gotta be fast,” I say, nodding toward Vivie with a wink. “She’s got the home field advantage.”

Vivie perks up. “I’m getting certified in babysitting. Eloise found a Red Cross class in Rosewood.”

“You let me know when you get that certificate,” I say, adjusting Theo and grabbing the diaper bag. “I’ll put you to work.”

“Oh, I will,” she chirps, pride blooming on her face.

Beau holds the door open for me as I step onto the porch. The screen creaks, then slaps shut behind us. The porch light casts everything in gold.

“Thanks for coming,” Beau says after a beat. Quiet. Sincere.

I glance at him. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

“You okay?” he asks.

I hesitate. Not because I don’t trust him—but because I don’t have an easy answer. “I’m good,” I say finally. “Just tired.”

Beau nods like he gets it. “Yeah. I get that.”

Theo shifts in my arms again, a soft sound escaping his mouth, half yawn, half sigh.

“I’ll see you soon,” I say, already stepping off the porch.

Beau doesn’t stop me. Just leans against the doorframe and calls out, “Tell your kid I expect a snuggle next time.”

“I’ll let him know,” I say over my shoulder.

The porch light flickers once, like a wink goodbye, and I head for the truck.

By the timeI get Theo home, the house is quiet in a way that only small towns can manage. Crickets chirping beyond the tree line, porch light casting a soft yellow pool at the front door, the scent of pine and something else settled in the air.

I park the truck, lift Theo out of his car seat, and feel the weight of him settle into my arms like something sacred. He’s groggy but awake, blinking slowly up at me as I carry him inside.

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