Page 49 of Thanking Her Brother's Best Friends

"To the contrary," I continued, joining him and peering out into the horizon. "I like knowing that I have eyes watching the place while I sleep."

Dom walked over to stand beside us. His eyes traced the outline of the city. "It's so funny, thinking back on how we grew up and the kind of lives we lead right now."

Somehow, this talk was putting me on edge. Today, I didn't want to think about all the dues I'd paid to get where I was. Because that was an unspoken, established rule—you lose some, you win some.

Distant sounds of music and laughter wafted up from the streets below, blending harmoniously with the gentle hum of the city.

The panoramic view showcased the iconic landmarks of Boston, from the illuminated waterfront to the silhouette of the historic buildings.

I looked down at my outstretched hands, fixating on my carefully manicured nails.

I'd done them myself, and it had taken two hours of my time—but hey, I'd also recorded ten new recipes via voice notes while I worked on the French tips. So I didn't feel all that guilty about them.

"It doesn't matter, if you ask me," Niall said, his eyes fixed on me. He folded his muscled forearms, showcasing an impressive play of blue veins rippling upon his tattooed skin.

Dirty thoughts awakened in my already unruly mind, and I turned my gaze away. "What doesn't matter?" I asked lightly.

"Whatever it took to get here. I mean," he continued speaking, "it does from the POV of growing and learning, but other than that, I don't think we need to keep beating the past until it curdles. It can just stay where the fuck it belongs."

I smiled at him, appreciating the glint of protectiveness that was etched on his features. "Come on," I finally said. "Let's go meet my kid."

I guided them toward the nursery where Oliver was busy in a world of his own making—though it was mostly homework.

His geography teacher loved letting her students sketch and make maps. Oliver loved her and his geography homework because of this.

I opened the door, revealing a room filled with colorful books, educational toys, and a small desk where Oliver sat, engrossed in painting a gateway to some demonic underworld. Good God, this child perplexed me sometimes.

Franny was nannying for us this week. She was a college student and very good with Ollie. But even she looked up at me with a resigned face. "He said demons are cleverer," she said blandly.

Aiden burst out laughing. "They're definitely sharper."

I engaged in an eye-rolling performance worthy of an Oscar. They'd just arrived, and Aiden was already making headway with my son, who looked up appreciatively at him.

"Are you a chef like Mommy?" he quipped innocently, brandishing a pencil like a sword at him.

"Boys, meet my greatest joy, Oliver," I announced.

Oliver's bright eyes widened with excitement. "Mom! Are these the guys from your famous cooking show?"

I laughed, ruffling his hair affectionately. "No, darling. These are Mom's friends from work."

"Can they cook like you?"

"Look at you, going all gender equality on us," Niall drawled, chuckling slightly as he observed my kid. "You'll make a Major League boyfriend someday."

"Don't go putting ideas in his head," I retorted, scowling at Niall.

Aiden knelt down to Oliver's level, a playful twinkle in his eye. "Well, well, Oliver. Your mom has told us all about your genius mind. Are you plotting world domination in here?"

Oliver giggled, his face lighting up. "Nah, Aiden. I'm just learning some math and geography. But who knows? World domination might come later."

Dom joined in the banter, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Watch out, world! Oliver, the mastermind, is honing his skills as we speak."

Niall added, feigning seriousness. "I, for one, welcome our new pint-sized overlord. What's the plan, Oliver?"

Oliver leaned back in his chair, a mock contemplative expression on his face. "First, ice cream for breakfast. Then, unlimited playtime. Oh, and mandatory nap time for everyone except me."

Okay, that was cute. That tugged at my heart and reminded me of all the little reasons Ollie was my North Star, my compass, my whole fucking world. He had a way of infusing everything with a sense of wonder.

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