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I lean in and peck him on the cheek. “I’ll make it up to you later.”

Gemma shrieks from across the table. “Oh my God. Could you two be any cuter?”

Glancing up at her, I arch an eyebrow. “We’re not doing anything.”

“Except being adorable,” Willa adds from next to Gemma. “I’m with your sister on this one. You guys are precious.”

Rex starts to fuss, so I hand him back to his dad. Spencer, with a bottle ready, starts feeding him. Sure, he’s a young father, but he’s definitely a natural at it. With Aubrey pregnant now, I know the new baby will fit right in with their strange family dynamics.

I used to take these family dinners for granted. Sitting around, counting the seconds until I could bolt and get back to my own house, away from everyone. I’m done hiding, though.

Callum is in an intense conversation with Hugo and Dad. Jamie is laughing as she and Aubrey chatter nearby. Everyone around me is happy.

Well, aside from Dempsey.

Ever since all the drama with Sean unfolded, he’s been different. Distant and more broody than usual. The shadows under his eyes seem darker too. He absently spins his skull ring around and around on his finger, lost in deep thought.

What’s going on with my baby brother?

Tate squeezes my thigh and shoots me an understanding smile before leaning in. “I’m going to grab him after dinner and see if he wants to talk.”

“Good idea. Thank you, sweet boy.”

Tate loves helping people because he’s a good, kind, compassionate soul, not because of a paycheck. Knowing he cares so deeply for me and my family is a priceless thing I certainly don’t take for granted. Sure, in the beginning, I was skeptical about him, but now I know it’s just the way he is.

Mom would have adored him.

Hell, everyone else does, especially me.

“I don’t deserve you,” I blurt out, eyes locking onto his perfect, pouty lips. “But I’m not letting you go anytime soon.”

Even though I don’t deserve someone so pure and sweet like Tate, I can certainly appreciate him for all he is and all he does. He’s the gift I’ve been given and I won’t ever stop cherishing him.

“Not letting me go anytimesoon?” he scoffs. “How aboutnever?”

I smile at him, heart filling with so many emotions, I doubt I’ll ever get a hold of them. “Never sounds really, really good.”