Page 31 of Harvest of Love
Hecan’t what?
I glance at Gio, then at Xander. Both have them wear worried expressions. What could possibly be so fucked up with Riv that he doesn’t want to get involved with anyone?
When I look at Miles, I expect him to smirk and jab, but he’s frowning, just as confused as the rest of us, waiting for River to finish.
“I just don’t think I can make anyone happy,” River finally admits. Not what I expected. Is he really that clueless? Any woman would be thrilled to have him.
“And before anyone decides to tell me how wrong I am, save it. I don’t want to hear it.” He tosses back the rest of his scotch and slams the glass down on the coffee table with a loud thump.
No one speaks for a long minute.
“River, I know you don’t want to hear us. But I need to say something.” Merlin shocks us all by moving closer to his brother. “You might not think you have what it takes to be in a relationship, but when Dad passed, you were the one who stepped up and took the reins of the farm.”
All eyes turn to him as he continues to speak from his heart. “I’m sorry you had to carry the weight of that responsibility, but I’m here to tell you—you don’t haveto anymore. We’re all grown now, and I promise you, we wouldn’t think any less of you if you decide to pursue your dreams.”
I think something got in my eye because my vision is blurry, and water is leaking down my cheek. I shove my glasses up and wipe my face fast—only to jolt when a deep cackle cuts through the silence.
River is sprawled in his seat, clutching his stomach, tears running down his face. I can’t tell if they’re from laughing or crying, but soon the entire porch erupts, everyone’s faces wet.
“Did this little shit make us all cry?” River asks once his laughter dies down.
“Speak for yourself, brother. I didn’t spill a drop,” Miles says, wiping his cheeks.
River flips him the bird, but instead of his usual scowl, he’s smiling at Miles.
“I knew I’ve always liked Merlin,” Xander says, pulling his youngest brother-in-law into a hug. “Who knew you'd be the one to crack Riv’s armor?”
Miles and Gio stand to pat Merlin on the back.
“I just want him to be happy. All my other siblings seem to have found their place in this world. I don’t want Riv to miss out.” There’s no hidden edge inMerlin’s words—no judgment, no mocking—just pure, unshakable love.
Maybe that’s why he got through to River.
“Thanks, Merlin. I appreciate that,” River says, pulling his brother into a rough embrace. Both men sag with relief.
“I think this moment deserves a toast.” Gio produces a very expensive-looking bottle from his liquor shelf.
Miles fetches fresh glasses while Gio pours.
“I’m grateful for my blood family—though they're thousands of miles away, they’re always checking in on me, my wife, and my kids. I’m grateful for the family who embraced me as one of their own.” He looks around at River, Miles, Merlin, and Xander. “When I married Ruin, I didn’t expect to gain so many siblings, but I’m grateful for each of you every single day.”
They all smile, and I can’t help but feel the same. These men, they’re my family too.
“And I’m really grateful for the friends who become family—the people who might not have known you for long but are already in sync with you. The friends who always show up, no matter what,” I say, lifting my glass.
“Here’s to an amazing Thanksgiving with family—blood-related or not.”
Glasses clink, and I catch myself smiling—because somehow, against all odds, I ended up right where I’m supposed to be.
Soon the women join us, and although I’d love to linger with our friends, there are other things I’d much rather be doing.
“Ready to head out?” I ask Daisy when I catch her stifling a yawn.
“Yes, Dr. Gutierrez. Take me home.”
Chapter 11
Manny
