I smiled so widely, my face hurt. They hadn’t just tidied Liam’s place—they’d also replaced his ruined furniture. Eugene and Heather were seated on the sofa, Summer was on an armchair, and Toby leaned against the wall, his legs crossed at the ankles. Even Nate and Grace were there, with Grace serving hot drinks and Nate acting as her assistant. My gaze lingered on them for a moment, noticing the way Grace seemed hyperaware of Nate’s movements and noting the fact he seemed to know exactly what she needed and when. I wondered at their friendship once again. Eleven years ago, I’d thought they’d be married one day, and I still wasn’t convinced they wouldn’t.

Heather guided me onto an armchair, fussing and making sure I had a blanket in case I got cold—never mind that it was midsummer and the temperature reflected that. I thanked her and happily accepted her maternal bustling. It was nice to be on the receiving end.

“I can’t believe you all took time away from work to be here,” I said, when introductions had been made and everyone had gotten comfortable.

“Of course we did,” Summer replied dismissively. “That’s what family does.”

Family.

I liked the sound of that. Especially when almost everyone I most cared about was in this room.

“So, what’s it like to be shot?” Toby asked, earning glares from Summer and Heather. “You must have a badass scar.”

Joel nodded approvingly and held his hand up for a high five. Meanwhile, Mina looked at the ceiling as if to ask the universe why men were such children. Their responses made me smile.

“I wouldn’t recommend it,” I told Toby. “I’ve got weeks of rehab ahead, and it hurts like hell.”

“True.” He inclined his head.

A knock on the door interrupted the conversation. I looked around, curious who it could be.

“I’ll get it,” Jamie said, already on his way to the foyer. His voice carried through. “Who are you?”

“Aiden. I’m here to see Kennedy.” The familiar timbre sent a shiver down my spine—and not a pleasant one. Even though I knew now that Aiden hadn’t been stalking me, I still didn’t like the way he made me feel.

“Kenz? Are you open to visitors?” Jamie called.

I didn’t really want to see Aiden, but since I was surrounded by people like this, it was probably the best time for it.

“Sure, but not for long. I’m tired.”

“You heard the lady,” Jamie said. “Make it quick.”

Perhaps my baby brother had a future as a bouncer if the NHL career fell through.

To my surprise, Aiden shuffled in with a sheepish expression.

“Hi,” he said, his gaze raking over me. “I heard about what happened, and I’m really sorry you went through that.”