Logan frowned at his boss. “I can’t discuss it.”
“It involves me, Cole, and a shower.”
Braden winced. “Oh, don’t go there.”
My brother groaned. “I need a drink.” He wandered off toward the drinks table and I watched him lift a glass of champagne. A pretty brunette reached for one at the same time and smiled flirtatiously at him. Logan gave her a cocky smile and leaned in to speak quietly to her. I knew not to get my hopes up about anything serious happening there. My brother had made it clear he was not interested in developing any kind of meaningful relationship with a woman anytime soon. I thought that was a shame. I was convinced the right woman would help rid him of the hard aspect prison had put in his eyes.
“He’s doing well.” Braden drew my attention back to him
Logan had gotten out of prison a couple of months ago and Braden, true to his word, had given him a job as security at his nightclub, Fire. In a few short weeks Logan’s natural air of authority and leadership became quickly apparent. Braden was impressed with the changes he’d suggested for the club’s security, as well as creative ideas he had for the club itself.
“I’m really proud of him for starting over.” And as for my guilt . . . it’s nearly all gone.
“You should be.”
“Shannon!”
I turned around and caught sight of Elodie waving at me. She was standing with Jo, Hannah, and Liv and there was a very obvious pile of wedding magazines in her arms.
“Seriously?” I shot a look at Joss. “It’s your night.”
Joss laughed. “Hey, wedding trumps book launch, and this long engagement is starting to kill Elodie and Ellie.”
“We haven’t even set a date yet.”
“Exactly. If I were you, I would. The faster you get it over with, the quicker your life will return to normal.”
“No more bridal magazines, dress samples, and venue selections,” I mused, and then, mind made up, I whipped around, searching the room for Cole. I found him standing in the corner with Marco, Cam, and Nate. “Cole!”
He raised an eyebrow at my shouting.
“We’re setting a date!”
“Finally!” we heard Ellie cry happily from the other side of the bookstore.
Cole and I burst out laughing along with the rest of our family.
* * *
Later that night as we lay snuggled together in bed, Cole murmured, “How was school today?”
“Good. Work?”
“Good. I miss you during the week, though.”
Since I started art school, Stu had hired someone to work part-time during the week, and I worked the weekends. “I miss you too.”
“So we’re setting a date?”
I smiled and pressed my lips to his chest. “It’s time, don’t you think?”
“I’ll marry you whenever you want, Shortcake. You know that.”
Warmth spread through my whole being as I curled up against him. “I spoke to Dad yesterday and he said Mum wants us over for dinner at the end of the month.”
“Another dinner?” he teased. “I think she’s starting to like me.”
I chuckled. “It’s killing Amanda.”
“Good.”
Smiling at his dry reply, I closed my eyes.
For the last few months it really felt like my life was finally finding balance. What with Cole, school, Logan, and now my parents coming around to the idea of my fiancé, I felt more at peace than I’d ever felt before.
Suddenly our conversation all those years ago on Scotland Street came to me.
“So, are you a hero, Cole Walker?”
“What is a hero, really?”
“I suppose it’s someone that saves people.”
“Yeah, I suppose it is.”
“So, do you save people?”
“I’m only fifteen. Give me a chance.”
“I’m so glad I did,” I murmured drowsily as Cole’s arm tightened around me.