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Jenny returned for their orders.

“Would you come to the house Thursday night? It’s an impromptu housewarming and celebration of the Pride festival’s success.”

Mom’s eyes widened. “Your first party together.”

Heat rose in my cheeks. “Yeah. Just a few close friends and family.”

“We’ll be there,” Momma said.

“I’m glad. There hasn’t been time to have you visit yet.” I checked my watch. “I should go. Liam will think I abandoned him.”

“Love you,” Momma said.

“Have fun with the kids,” Mom added.

I kissed them both on the cheek before grabbing Liam’s coffee and heading out.

THIRTY-FOUR

ANDRE

“I think that’s everything.” I stepped back from the kitchen island where I’d arranged the appetizers we’d picked up from our favorite places—Red’s, Giuseppe’s, and Special Blend.

Ethan’s warm chuckle came from behind me as his arms slipped around my waist. “You’ve rearranged all that three times.”

“I want it to be perfect.” I leaned back against his chest, taking in the spread on the island and beyond into other parts of the house.

Over the past few days, we’d transformed this place into something that felt like home. Books now filled the built-in shelves, arranged by genre just as I’d suggested. Photos and art adorned the walls, including a stunning black-and-white print of the pond in winter that Olivia had given Ethan yesterday.

He’d hung it over the fireplace, and this morning I’d come downstairs to find him standing before it, coffee in hand.

“There are so many memories tied to this pond.” His eyes had shimmered with emotion. “I can’t believe I live here now. We’re going to create something amazing here.”

Butterflies had danced in my stomach at his words—still digesting that we were making plans to build the youth camp here.

Ethan pressed a kiss to my temple, pulling me back to the present. “It’s already perfect. The house looks amazing, the food will be great, and more importantly…” He turned me in his arms so I faced him. “We’re doing this together.”

Soft jazz floated from the speakers we’d set up inside and out, creating a peaceful vibe. On the deck, Mickey prepared the grill, having volunteered to be grill master.

I reached up to straighten his collar, though it didn’t need it. His blue eyes sparkled as he kissed me gently.

The doorbell broke the moment. “Ready?” Ethan asked.

My fingers trailed down his arm as we separated. “Ready.”

Grace and Elena stood on the porch, both carrying covered dishes.

“We know we’re early,” Grace said, “but we thought you might need help setting up.”

“Perfect timing actually.” Ethan took their dishes. “Andre was just about to rearrange the food again.”

“I was not,” I protested despite the obvious lie.

“You probably were, son,” Dad said as he and Sato came up the stairs. Sato was carrying a couple of cases of beer.

“Hey now, no ganging up.” I stepped forward and hugged them both.

Elena laughed as she hugged me. “Some things never change. You were the same way in school and with displays in the library.”