Page 4

Arden

We pull into the parking lot and Levi is nervous. I know it’s because he is about to see his brother, so I wave Macie off for a second before she opens my door. “You’ve got this, baby,” I say, turning his face so he looks at me. “Your brother loves and misses you.”

“Thank you for getting me to call him,” he says, kissing me.

“You’re welcome,” I smile. “Let’s go.”

“Okay,” he sighs. When he opens his door, Macie yanks my door open and drags me out so she can hug me tightly. Wilder gets to me next, and I start crying.

“Fuck,” I sniff. “Damnit, Wilder.”

“I love you, Arden,” Wilder says with a smile when he pulls away.

“I love you too,” I say, wiping my face. I turn and see a man who looks almost exactly like Levi. I smile brightly and Levi turns to his brother. Jett instantly tears up as he and Levi hug, and now both are crying as they move through a decade of emotion.

“Now I’m gonna cry,” Macie sniffles quietly.

“I’m so sorry,” Levi mutters to Jett.

“Please don’t apologize. Please,” Jett pleads. “It’s so fucking good to see you, man.”

“You can thank Arden for that,” Levi says as he pulls away. “Arden, this is my little brother, Jett. Jett, this is her brother Wilder and Macie, his wife and Arden’s best friend. ”

“It’s wonderful to meet you guys,” Jett says before hugging me. “Thank you so much.”

“Thank you for never giving up on him,” I say. When he pulls away, he shakes Macie and Wilder’s hand.

“I knew he needed time, so we respected that while still making sure he knew we loved him,” Jett says. “Levi, man. You’re looking good. I haven’t seen you close up in a long time.”

“How are Mom and Dad?” he asks.

“Good. Both retired, so they just sit around and annoy each other now,” Jett laughs. “Mom is too smart. She knows something is up.”

“She is a sneaky little shit,” Levi laughs.

“I sent her the address you sent me and said they needed to meet me for dinner,” Jett says.

“She will just look at the address,” Levi says. “She won’t spoil it for Dad, though.”

“This is exciting,” Macie says. “Wait…”

“Go on,” Wilder says with a smile. Macie turns and grins at me, and I just know.

“Shut up,” I say with a gasp.

“You two are fucking creepy,” Wilder laughs.

“I’m confused,” Levi says.

“No, the fuck you aren’t. Shut up, Macie,” I say as I hug her.

“What is happening right now?” Levi asks.

“Macie is pregnant,” I say.

“May as well tell her then,” Levi laughs.

“Wait,” Macie says.

“He’s made it a goal to knock me up,” I say with a shrug. Macie squeals and hugs me tightly before looking at Levi.

“Hop to it, buddy. I need a baby bump buddy,” she says.

“Trying as hard as I can,” he says with a grin.

“Very… Very hard. Trust me,” I say, and Wilder curls his face up in a grimace.

“Let’s go get some food,” Levi laughs.