Page 91 of The Promises We Broke
I was meeting Blake for coffee at Books and Beans, our weekly tradition that had become even more important since Gage and I had navigated the storm and its aftermath together. Having someone who understood the complexities of loving a Farrington man was invaluable, especially when that someone had also lived through her own share of relationship challenges.
"You look disgustingly happy for someone whose house renovation got set back by months," Blake observed as I slid into the chair across from her.
"I am disgustingly happy," I agreed, unable to suppress my grin despite the reminder of the storm damage. "Is that a problem?"
"Only if you don't share details. How's the whole living situation working out since the tree decided to redecorate your roof?"
I thought about the past few weeks since the storm. How we'd handled the disaster together, the way Gage had taken the setback in stride, the deeper sense of partnership that had emerged from facing our first real crisis as a couple.
"It's actually brought us closer together," I said honestly. "We're looking at late January, maybe early February now for moving into the house."
"And the roof repair?"
"Booker says they got the worst of the damage fixed before the really cold weather hit. The interior repairs are taking longer than expected, though. Something about water damage to the subflooring in two of the bedrooms."
"Gage mentioned that. He's handling it better than I expected, honestly. I thought he'd be devastated by the delay."
"He's got perspective now," Blake said, stirring her latte. "And he's got you. That makes all the difference."
"I hope so."
Blake leaned forward, her expression growing more serious. "Can I tell you something? Watching you two together, especially since the storm, has been like watching two people remember who they were meant to be. You handle everything as a team now. It's beautiful."
"Thank you," I whispered, touched by her words.
"Now, speaking of family news..."
"Wait, did you just compliment me so you could make me a co-conspirator to something again?"
Blake laughed a little too evilly for comfort and then her expression shifted to something that looked suspiciously like barely contained excitement. "I have something to tell you about Jasper's plans."
"Blake, please tell me you haven't been meddling in his personal life again."
"Not meddling. Just... being consulted." She leaned forward conspiratorially. "Jasper wants Caroline and Leigh to come spend some time in Willowbrook. To get to know his sons properly."
My pulse quickened. "That's wonderful. How do you know about it?"
"He asked me how I thought Xander would feel about it." Blake's grin was slightly sheepish. "Apparently I'm now the unofficial family feelings consultant."
"And what did you tell him?"
"That Xander would be cautiously thrilled. They all would be. It's a difficult situation, but the Farrington men have never met a person they didn't immediately want to protect." Blake's eyes were practically sparkling. "He's thinking maybe after the holidays, when things settle down. Give Caroline and Leigh time to really experience what this family is like."
The words hit me with warmth and excitement. "That means Gage will finally get to meet his half-sister."
"And Leigh will get to see what she's been missing all these years. Can you imagine? Growing up without knowing you had four brothers who would move heaven and earth for you?"
"It's going to be amazing," I said, thinking about how the family had welcomed me back without question, how they'd embraced me as one of their own. "Caroline and Leigh have no idea what they're in for."
"The good kind of overwhelming," Blake agreed. "The kind where you realize you've never been alone, you just didn't know where your people were yet."
I thought about Jasper's transformation over the past few months, about how much lighter he seemed since reconnecting with Caroline. Adding Leigh to the mix, getting to know thedaughter he'd never known existed, would complete something in him that had been missing for decades.
"How does Jasper seem about it all?"
"Nervous but excited. He keeps asking if we think Leigh will like Willowbrook, if she'll understand why he never came looking for them before." Blake's expression softened. "I think he's terrified she'll judge him for the choices he made."
"She won't," I said with certainty. "Not once she meets him, sees who he really is. And definitely not once she meets her brothers."
