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“And I get to take care of you?”

“I wouldn’t complain.” He yawned.

I reached over to flip off the lamp.

Within moments, his breathing evened.

Much later, mine did as well.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Demetrius

“Stop fidgeting. You look amazing.”

Jai pursed his lips.

“I think you look handsome.” I eyed his brilliant-blue sherwani with its intricate silver thread. “You’re doing this for Arnav.”

“Ha.” Jai rolled his eyes. “He probably won’t even be here.”

“Want to bet?” I arched an eyebrow.

“He’s here.” Another eye roll.

“And he looks just as good as you.” Arnav’s sherwani was a deep burgundy and suited him. Foster held his arm and grinned.

He probably feels as lucky as I do.

“You knew he was going to be here.” I feathered Jai’s hair.

He bristled.

I grinned. “This is Rashmi’s shindig.” Arnav’s sister had organized this fundraiser for a not-for-profit language school she was opening.

For which Jai had done all the accounting. Once the school was up and running, he would be able to put it into caretaker mode. It would require an hour or two a week and more during tax filing season.

Alessandra and Smith, thrilled with the project, had donated money. They were in attendance this afternoon—Smith in a tux and Allie in a shimmering silver ball gown. Truly, they were the fanciest dressed in the room.

Arnav and Rashmi’s sister Beena had worn jeans.

Most of the guests were somewhere in the middle.

I’d dug out a suit, had it dry cleaned, and now tried to look grown up.

Keegan and Alaina were in the playroom with Arnav’s more than a dozen nibblets. Parvan, now a confidant of Keegan’s, was helping corral the masses. How Arnav kept them all straight was beyond me.

“I’m glad Stephanie and Taryn are watching Gus and Gizmo.” Jai brushed at his sleeve.

“Jesus, stop fidgeting. Yes, the dogs are better off with Taffy and Queenie.” Gus was Alaina’s dog while Gizmo had bonded to Keegan instantly.

Torah was keeping every member of our family busy learning how to train these two wonderful—but incredibly obstinate—schnauzers.

School was starting next week, and the kids were ready. Keegan was even talking about getting a part-time job—since he was of legal age to work. I got the feeling he wanted tocontribute. He was growing up way too fast. If he did work, I’d encourage him to save for either college or a car—or both.

Alaina, for her part, wanted to operate a dog-walking business.

Jai was taking her through how to start that up so she’d be ready—when she turned twelve—to launchher venture.