I want to tell her she doesn’t need it, but all I want for her today is to be living her best life in whatever way she wants.

I thought about a weekend with just the two of us and doing all the cute couple things, like a cooking class just the two of us, but I knew it would freak her out and make her flighty. And I know the best thing to do for her at the moment is to occupy her mind. With the whole group here, there is no time for thinking, and the laughter is continuously flowing, which is just perfect.

HARPER

I feel like I’m all thumbs, but I have to admit that this is the most fun I’ve had in a long time.

Who knew that a cooking class, even with guys who are professional chefs, could be so entertaining? Especially watching Nic trying to tell Tori what to do and her telling him to butt out, that she can do this perfectly fine without him, then grabbing the teacher to try to help her without Nic seeing her.

I’m happy to admit I have no idea how to cook, and to be honest, I’ve never really tried much more than the half a dozen basic meals I cook if I’m at home and don’t feel like ordering in. It’s not a bad thing that I haven’t needed to learn to cook because I’ve been lucky enough to be able to afford to eat out. But since staying with Forrest, I see the joy he gets from preparing a nice meal for me. Even today, he has so much joy written all over his face as he’s enjoying learning a new recipe.

And as we taste test the main meal, I can’t help but laugh the moment it sinks in with Flynn how good a cook his brother is.

“Holy shit, Forrest, this is good. I mean, not as good as mine, but it’s pretty damn close. Nic, check this out,” Flynn calls across the room, and I can’t help but smile as I see the look of pride in Forrest’s eyes at Flynn’s words. He stands just that little bit straighter, and his shoulders are pulled back as he takes in all the praise that I don’t think he actually knew he’s been longing for.

“I have to disagree, buddy, I think it’s better than yours, just slightly of course, but the texture and taste of that sauce is just perfect.” Nic winks at me as Flynn explodes with reasoning for why his is better.

No matter what they are doing, these guys are so competitive.

After we all finish tasting the lobster thermidor and stand back to enjoy a glass of wine that was paired with the meal by the vineyard, Flynn claps Forrest on the back of his shoulder.