Matthew gave his sister a grateful smile, trying not to break into laughter at Gavin’s reaction at finding himself being pulled off the sideline.

“We’re soul mates.” Gavin said, giving his wife a threatening glance for putting him on the spot.

Matthew finally was able to enjoy the food on his plate. Misery does love company.

Gavin’s embarrassment was nothing like the misery he had been dealing with since he had seen Alanna. All he had wanted to do when he came out of his shop and saw her was pick her up, carry her to his trailer, lock the door, and never let her leave.

Reaching for his glass of tea, he had to steady his hand before picking it up.

Waiting for Alanna had tested his endurance. It was only the repercussions that his family would be punished with that had prevented him from making an opportunity to insert himself in her life before the stars had determined they would meet.

He had to tell himself that he wasn’t the only one suffering from waiting. All his brothers were waiting for their time to come. Some, like Isaac and him, were near their breaking points, while Ezra and Fynn were still settling into the fact that their hearts were meant for a certain girl.

Matthew sympathized with them. While he hadn’t fought having a soul mate, Isaac hadn’t given in easily. Each of his brothers dealt the hand they had been given by the stars differently. Silas, Moses, and he were waiting for their soul mates. Isaac, Jody, and Ezra had tried to beat the stars by being with women other than their soul mates. Jody and Ezra had quickly stopped. Matthew hadn’t asked why, nor did he want to know. He could see the regret in their eyes.

Isaac was different; he always had been. Out of all his brothers, he was the closest to Isaac, yet in other ways, he was the least like him. Isaac walked in the shadow world, and each time he did, Matthew was afraid he wouldn’t return.

“Only a child as beautiful as Freddy could have been created by that type of special bond.”

Matthew was staring at Alanna when she started talking, and the love he felt for her deepened. He didn’t have to look at Ginny to see Alanna had stolen her heart as well.

“Thank you.” Ginny scooted the platter of roast beef closer to her.

Alanna shook her head. “If I eat any more, I’m going to burst.”

Ginny began to look upset. “You haven’t eaten dessert.” Rising from the table, she went into the kitchen then returned with a strawberry truffle.

Matthew hid his smile when Alanna took one look at the truffle and her eyes widened in pleasure.

“I love strawberries.”

His sister beamed as she passed out dessert plates. “Silas, do you mind getting the coffee pot?”