“We’ve got them fighting, bro,” Riley said to Finn. “Our work here is finished.”

Pleased with themselves, the brothers went up the stairs.

“They’re too funny,” Owen said to Laura’s Uncle Kevin, who rolled his eyes.

“Positively hilarious.” Ten years younger than Big Mac, Kevin had light brown hair and the McCarthy blue eyes. Like his older brothers, though, Kevin was funny and dedicated to his family. Owen had liked him instantly. “I can’t take them anywhere. What’d they say this time?”

“Something about Owen taking me off your hands,” Laura said.

“We are thankful for that,” Kevin said gravely.

“Apple, meet Tree,” Laura said, tipping her cheek to receive her uncle’s kiss.

“Congrats, hon. So happy for you.”

“Thanks, Kev. I’m thrilled you guys could be here. Where’s Aunt Deb? Did she make it over this morning?”

Kevin’s smile dimmed as he shook his head. “She couldn’t come after all.”

“Oh. Is everything okay?”

“That, my dear, is a story for another day. This is a happy day, and I’m so glad to be here with you and the rest of the family. It’s been far too long.”

“Yes,” Laura agreed. “It has.”

After Kevin had walked up the stairs, Laura said, “That doesn’t sound good.”

“No, it doesn’t, but try not to worry about it today. Today’s our day.”

She leaned into his one-armed embrace. “Other than the day Holden was born, best day of my life.”

“Mine, too, Princess.” He kissed her forehead and then her lips. “Mine, too.”

Kevin McCarthy trudged up the stairs, his heart heavy after his niece asked about his wife. He couldn’t exactly tell her—on her wedding day—that Deb had left him for a younger guy. Yeah, he was that cliché. He couldn’t tell Laura that her Aunt Deb wanted more than what she had with him, that she felt her life was passing her by and leaving her behind.

He’d begged her not to go, to consider counseling, to fight for their twenty-seven-year marriage. But his pleas had fallen on deaf ears, and now he was left to explain to his family why his wife had chosen to sit out their niece’s wedding.

At the top of the stairs, he noticed his brother Mac waving him over to the bar, where he sat on a stool next to their oldest brother, Frank. He might’ve been able to dodge Laura’s questions, but his brothers wouldn’t be satisfied with evasions. Even knowing that, Kevin walked over to them, thrilled to see them, as always.

“Congratulations, Dad,” Kevin said as he shook Frank’s hand. “I think our girl got it right this time.”

“I know she did. He’s the best.”

“I can see that,” Kevin said. “Nice job on the ceremony, too.”

“Best part of the job, especially when you get to marry your own kid.”

“I bet.”