Page 81 of We Own Tonight
“They’ll love you,” he assures me for the fifth time, and I know I can’t put this off anylonger.
When we climb out of the car, a little girl comes barreling forward. “Untle Eli!” she screams as her brown curls bounce in thewind.
“Daria!” He scoops her in his arms and twirls her around. “I want you to meet someone.” He moves over to me. “This is Heather, can you sayhi?”
“Hello.” She smilessweetly.
“Hi, you are even prettier than your unclesaid.”
She giggles and tucks her hands under her chin. “Untle Eli always tells me I’m going to be bigtrouble.”
Daria wraps her tiny arms around his neck and squeezes. “You already are trouble,” Eli says before blowing raspberries in herneck.
“You’re silly!” Her sweet laughter fills theair.
“Look who’s late again!” A woman with long brown hair, dark brown eyes, and a loving smile comes walking down the drive. From what he’s told me, I assume this is Savannah. She’s much shorter than I imagined,though.
“Look who’s busting my balls, as always,” Eliretorts.
She rolls her eyes at him and then turns to me. “Hi, I’m Savannah, I’m so glad youcame.”
“Thank you for having me. It’s really nice to meet you,” I say as she pulls me in herarms.
“We’re all huggers, honey. Be ready, this family is small but crazy as hell.” I laugh, and Eli grumbles about her being the leader. “Anyway . . .” She dismisses him. “I’m so sorry to hear about yoursister.”
“Thank you.” I do my best to give her a small smile, but bringing up Stephanie is like a knife to myheart.
“We wanted to come for the memorial, but Eli said it would be better if Randy wasn’t in Tampa when he was. The press goes a little crazy when both Walsh brothers are around. One is much easier to hide. I hope youunderstand.”
I never knew they had planned to come. He never mentioned a word about it, and it touches me more than she’ll know. It also reiterates what Kristin said about him showing me how he feels. He told his family, and they thought I was important enough to him to come to my sister’smemorial.
“Of course. I’m so grateful you even thought to come.” I glance at Eli with surprise and then back toSavannah.
Eli puts Daria to his side and grips my shoulder. “Savannah has a strong sense of family. She was adamant until I put her in herplace.”
She snorts, and her eyes narrow playfully. “Youwish.”
Their banter is hilarious towatch.
“You don’t scare me,Vannah.”
“Don’t let him fool you,” she whispers conspiratorially. “He knows who reigns supreme and it isn’t either of the Walshboys.”
“Good to know.” I laugh and jab hisside.
“Everyone’s out back,” Savannah tells us and leads us through thehouse.
Eli holds my hand as I, once again, get lost in the wealth that he and his family have. This house is a little smaller than his, but itfeelslike a home. There are toys, warm colors on the walls, and it’s clear a family lives here. Even with the size, it feelscozy.
We exit out back, and Randy puts his beer down and comes forward. “Heather, I’m so glad you could makeit!”
“Thank you for havingme.”
Randy pushes Eli to the side and gives me a big hug. “Thank you.” I look up, not sure what he’s thanking me for until his gaze moves to hisbrother.
My cheeks burn, and I give a shortnod.
“All right, asshole, stop embarrassing mygirlfriend.”
