Page 176 of Kings & Queen

I chuckled. “I forgot the two of you planned that shit out to the last degree. You know you can still have that.”

“What?”

“A family, a life. It’s okay to let her go. None of us would begrudge you happiness.”

“I know, it just doesn’t…it’s never been the same for me.”

“Well, maybe this is your year. Maybe you’ll meet the one.”

“We’ve discussed this before. There is only one person for every—”

“Blah, blah, blah. I know, but explain Kinsley. If every person has onlyonetrue love, how?”

“She’s an anomaly.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I’m truly happy for you guys. You know, Bella accused me of living vicariously through you all. Maybe there was a little truth to that.”

I placed a hand on his shoulder. “Then stop. Start living for you. It’s perfectly reasonable, you know. We love you.”

“I know you guys do. What do you say? You ready for me to go get tiny tot?”

I stepped back and looked around the spacious living room. Through the large, open sliding-glass doors, the warm breeze and gentle hum of the ocean could be heard and felt. Streamers and balloons decorated the normally tranquil room. Kinsley’s gifts were neatly arranged on the table.

My eyes flitted out to the beach that stretched for miles. Kinsley stood outside with my parents and Marcel, while Alek and Ivan were getting ready. Staring at her figure while she looked out over the ocean, I smiled as my heart soared.

“I’ll get Ivan and Alek. Blindfold her for me,” I told Sebastian.

He gave me a crooked grin. “With pleasure, my friend.”

Shaking my head, I adjusted the cushions on the couch. Our plan was to declare our love for the woman who stole our hearts. To shower her with gifts and ensure she knew there was no one else for us but her.

It was a start, and a small one at that. The three of us had already talked about our future with her, our plans, our wedding. While today wasn’t a proposal, it was the beginning of our lives, and she was the center of it.

I walked upstairs and told both of my brothers we were ready. Five minutes later, we joined Marcel, Bash, and a very confused Kinsley in the front room.

“Can I have a little hint?” Her mood had changed a bit. She seemed more upbeat, at least for the moment.

“Nope, sorry. I’ve been sworn to secrecy,” Sebastian said.

“Now you want to fall back on the Omertà?” Her voice was laced with sarcasm.

I laughed and then nodded at him, giving him permission to explain things. “We’re going to play a game—”

“Game day, like game night? I love game night,” she exclaimed, shimmying her shoulders.

“Nothing like that. Wouldn’t want to shock the parents, and all. But it does involve cards, sort of,” he teased.

“Sounds intriguing.”

“Okay, we need you to sit right here.”

He positioned her back legs against the chair. Without the slightest hesitation, she complied with his request. I loved that she trusted him so much. The five of us took up positions on the couches across from her.

My heart caught in my throat as she sat there blindfolded and radiant. Her long brown hair cascaded in gentle waves. It was partially pinned up to reveal the graceful curve of her neck for Alek, and down enough for Ivan to be satisfied too. The sundress was for me, the lavender floral pattern complementing her beauty.

Her full lips were parted, and she wore my favorite lip gloss. It caught the light, making them irresistible. I couldn’t help but marvel at how breathtaking she looked.

“Kitten, you can remove your blindfold,” Alek ordered.

She took a deep breath and then reached up and untied the sash around her head. She gasped and then happily clapped her hands.