“I’m going to go help those customers. Does anyone need anything?” Remy stood.
Belle shook her head.
“Coffee would be nice.” Bently smiled appreciatively.
“Coming right up.” Remy left them alone with the kids at the table.
Bently got to work coloring the prince after Lyra handed him a marker. Seeing this tough ladies’ man being so gentle and loving towards his niece made Belle’s ovaries ache. Not that she wanted children—at least not anytime soon. But witnessing Bently talking about playing with dollhouses was such a stark contrast to her first impressions of him. She’d been very wrong about Bently Evans.
“How’d you meet Remy?” he asked, shaking her from her spiraling thoughts.
“I came in for some coffee and she was having trouble managing the kids and running the whole café by herself.” She sipped her latte again.
He nodded. “Thanks for helping her out.”
“Of course . . . I had no idea you were related to her.”
“Yeah, my brother, Mikel, and Remy got married last year. But they had a long history before that,” he explained.
The urge to say something built, but she wasn’t sure what to start with. She’d already apologized. “She seems nice.”
“Did you know Belle is a nurse, Uncle Bently?” Lyra interjected.
He turned his attention back to the little girl. “I did know that, ladybug.”
“That means she saves people like you saved Mommy and me,” she said matter-of-factly as she continued coloring.
Bently winced. Belle wanted to ask, but it wasn’t exactly her business.
Remy set a cup of black coffee in front of Bently. “I have the perfect way to say thank you, Belle. We’re having our annual pumpkin picking hayride and then a bonfire afterwards with some hot cider and food at my house. Bring your brother and I’ll introduce you to everyone. What’s your number?” Remy pulled out her phone.
“Uh . . . I don’t know if—” Belle glanced at Bently who kept his attention glued to the paper he was coloring.
“I won’t take no for an answer. I’m sure Mia would love to see you and thank you properly.”
Maybe it was time to stop holding back so much and let the walls down. Remy seemed lovely. Why not? Belle rattled off her number.
“Great. I’ll text you the address and information. You bring your pretty self and that brother of yours, and I’ll worry about the rest.” Remy scurried away with Lyra before Belle could respond.
Bently’s jaw was set, his blue eyes flashing as he glanced at her.
“Is it okay with you if I go? I don’t want to intrude,” she said.
“You were invited,” he said as if that would answer the questions swirling around inside her. Does he want me to go? Is he mad at me? Why does it matter so much?
***
Days later, Belle parked in front of the large home among the several other vehicles already in the driveway.
“Nice house,” TJ commented from the passenger seat, the edges of his mouth turned up like he knew something she didn’t.
She swallowed her unease, and shut the engine off. Getting out of the car, she pocketed the keys in her jacket.
“I forgot to tell you the woman we helped, Mia, will be here tonight.”
TJ snapped his head towards her, before looking away and shifting on his feet.
“Is that okay?”
“Yeah.” His voice cracked. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
“Why are you acting all antsy?” What secrets are you keeping from me now?
He sighed and tipped his head up. “I’m not. I just don’t like surprises—you know that.”
She nodded. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”
TJ smiled, which set her somewhat at ease. “I know, sis. Now, quit your stalling and let’s go see your boyfriend.” He started walking across the lawn.
“You little shit,” she grumbled.
The smell of wood smoke and the sound of laughter drew them around to the backyard. TJ walked by her side as they approached the group of friends.
“Belle!” Remy called, waving her over.
TJ’s steps faltered as they grew nearer. She looked back at him questioningly. Fear flashed through his expression as he eyed the small crowd.
“It’s okay. I’m sure they don’t bite,” she joked.
He cleared his throat, eyes widening.
“Hey—” a man started to say.
“Andre!” the woman she recognized as Mia growled and sprouted a flurry of Spanish at him as she tugged him away from the group.
Everyone watched them go until they were out of sight.
“What was that about?” the man asked. Surely, with such a similar face and build, he had to be Bently’s brother.
“I don’t know. But I’m sure Dre deserved it.” Remy pulled her gaze back to Belle. “I’m so happy you could make it.”
“Sorry we couldn’t do the hayride. My shift only ended an hour ago,” Belle explained.
Remy waved her off. “No problem at all. I’m just glad you could come. Let me introduce you. This is my husband, Mikel. You’ve already met Lyra.” She pointed to the little girl on her husband’s shoulders.
“Hi again, Lyra.” Belle gave the little girl a high five.
“Hi!”
“And you got to know Phoenix. And this handsome man must be your brother.” Remy motioned to TJ.
“TJ, good to see you again,” Bently said with an easy smile as he stretched out his hand to her brother. Her heart fluttered. Damn, she needed to get a hold of herself. Heart palpitations could be a sign of a serious medical problem. But they only happened in his presence, which was scarier than the potential medical issues.
“You too.” TJ’s voice smoothed out.
“This is Jasmine, Mikel and Bently’s sister, and her adorable daughter, Zoey.” Remy opened her arm to welcome the other woman over.
“Hi.” Jasmine waved, a little more reserved than the rest of the group.
“The two lovebirds in the house are Mia, whom you rescued, and Andre, my brother,” Remy finished.
“I’ll admit, I’m terrible at names, so please forgive me if I don’t remember them all.” Belle smiled and they all laughed.
“I know it’s a lot to take in. Can I get you something to drink? Food is almost ready.”
“Sure, cider would be nice.”
Jasmine and Belle made small
