Chapter Eighty-One

Chapter Eighty-One
Aubrey

I laugh as Erica and I walk to the kitchen. “They are so afraid of you.”

She smiles proudly. “Yes, they are. Someone needs to keep the two of them in line. Someone needs to tell them off because they are acting like children.”

I nod in agreement. “Do you think they will agree?”

“They will be fine.”

Erica asks me to sit down while she prepares some coffee. I listen closely, trying to ensure they aren’t arguing. It’s quite silent. They either speak normally or are completely silent. I can’t tell which is worse—them being quiet or not arguing at all.

“Aubrey, don’t worry about them. No one is leaving until they sort it out here.”

I sigh and nod, focusing on her. Erica soon joins me at the table. “Do you want to go outside and drink it?”

“Outside.”

We go outside to sit on the porch swing, sipping our coffee. “How did this happen? Whose idea was it for you to move in?”

“Everett asked me. I told him I needed some time to decide, and he was fine with it. Then, before we came in, I made up my mind. I love him. I want to spend the rest of my life with him. He loves me, so why wait?”

“As long as it is what you want.”

“It is. I am ready for it.” I smile.

“Good, I am happy for you, Aubrey. He has his flaws, like everyone else, but I know he loves you and will protect you with his life. That is all that matters to me, especially after everything you went through before you met Everett.”

“I always feel safe with him.”

“There is no better feeling than feeling loved, safe and protected all at the same time by the one you are making a life with.” She gushes, clearly thinking about Hugo.

I nod with a smile. It’s a good feeling, one I hadn’t known before meeting Everett. Deep down, I feel confident he won’t hurt me as my ex did. Of course, we’ll have disagreements and arguments like any couple, but that’s normal. What I experienced with my ex was not normal.

“Thank you for everything you and Hugo have done for me. I don’t know where I would have been or what would have happened if you hadn’t stepped in to help. I will be forever grateful to both of you.”

“That is what family does, Aubrey,” she replies, squeezing my knee.

“Well, I appreciate everything.”

“I know you do, sweetie.”

Erica is more than a cousin to me. She is more like a big sister. We chat about the move, the kids, and work, passing the time.
Half an hour later, we hear the guys approaching. I feel nervous again, worried about how they’ll be after their talk. Soon, laughter echoes, and I relax, interpreting it as a positive sign. They move around in the kitchen, likely getting coffee, and then appear outside just moments later.

Erica raises her brow. “Should you have left the living room?”

They exchange glances and nod. “Yes, we’re fine. Everything’s okay. We’ve sorted it out. I promise.” Hugo smiles, kisses his wife, then takes the seat beside her.

“Is that true? You aren’t just saying that to keep the peace, are you?” I ask, glancing up at Everett.

I can tell when he is lying to me. “It is true. I promise, beautiful. Scoot your cute little arse over,” he chuckles.

I laugh and follow his request, allowing him to sit next to me. I rest my head on his shoulder, and he puts his arm around me, kissing the top of my head.

“I am happy for you, Aubrey, for both of you. I am sorry I acted like an asshole. I had no right. I was being overprotective when I had no reason to be. I know the love between you both is real. Forgive me?” Hugo asks.

“Thank you. Nothing to forgive. I appreciate you being protective and for everything you have both done for me. All that matters is that everyone is happy and getting along. The past is forgotten.”

“Thank you, even if I don’t deserve it.”

I wonder what they discussed. They were through there a while. If Everett wants to tell me, he will. If he doesn’t, that is okay. As long as they are okay. They are brothers; they should be best friends. Now, we really don’t have anything to worry about; hopefully, we can focus only on the good things.

“We should all go out to lunch to celebrate before I need to pick the kids up,” Erica suggests.

“Or we can have a BBQ tonight once the kids are home? I can prepare some food until then,” Hugo replies.

“I like that idea. It will give us time with the kids, too.” I smile.

“Then we can do that. You guys can start on lunch for the four of us. We girls will go out and pick up what we need, along with some things to add a more feminine touch to Everett’s place, since it will be Aubrey’s too. Your place is too much like a bachelor pad, and you are no longer one of those,” Erica snickers.

Everett slips his hand into his pocket, pulls out his wallet and hands one of his cards to me. “Get whatever you want, beautiful. It is your home now, too.”

I shake my head and try to give it back to him. “I am not taking it. I have money.”

He doesn’t take it. “Yes, you are.”

I roll my eyes, accepting it and thank him with a kiss. I won’t use it unless I have to. We kiss our men goodbye before heading out to Erica’s car. We won’t be away too long. I don’t even know what I want for the house. The place is already so perfect. I need time to adjust to calling it home before I start making changes.

“Let’s go shopping.” She beams, excited about the idea.

I laugh and shake my head. “I am not buying much, if anything.”

“Yes, you are. The place needs some color. It is your home, too, Aubrey. Treat it as such. Everett will let you do what you want with the place.”

I sigh. “It will take some time.”

“The sooner you start settling in, the better, Aubrey. Live in the moment.”

I nod. “I will try.”

It is a huge change, but I will adjust in my own time. It can’t be rushed.