“Oh, I love this house. I love the paint color and contrasting trim. And that door is original.” Harlow sighed.

“You like renovating?” he asked, with a small smile.

“It’s my little dream. It’s nothing.”

The front door opened before they reached it.

“Easton.” His mother hurried out. Clara Norcross was small and curvy, and kept her dark hair free of grays with regular trips to her hairdresser. “You work too hard.”

“I know, Ma.”

Then his mother turned to Harlow.

“These are for you.” Harlow held the flowers out.

“Thank you, they’re beautiful.”

“Ma, Harlow. Harlow, my mother, Clara Norcross.”

“Call me Clara.” Then his mother reached out and pressed a kiss to Harlow’s cheek. “You poor thing, Easton told me what’s been happening with your father.”

“I’m so, so sorry to drag Easton, and Vander, into my mess—”

“Bah. Those boys can’t be dragged into trouble, they jump into it. They gave me my first gray hair before they were teenagers.”

“What gray hair?” Easton asked, deadpan.

His mom swatted his arm.

“And my middle son is very, very good at making trouble.”

“I heard that,” Vander called out from inside.

“Come.” Clara took Harlow’s hand. “Let’s put these in water and get you a drink.”

Harlow shot him a wide-eyed look, then followed his mom inside.

“Harlow!” Gia waylaid them. “How you doing?”

“Fine.”

Haven stood right behind Gia. The women disappeared into the kitchen.

Rhys appeared holding two beers. “It’s not some fancy French wine.”

“Fuck you.” Easton took the bottle.

“You both okay?” Rhys asked. “Heard someone took shots at you this morning.”

“We’re fine. Harlow bounced back, as she always does.”

In the living room, Easton found Vander, Saxon, and his dad. Ethan Norcross had given his sons their tall, muscular bodies, and his rugged face was topped with salt-and-pepper hair.

“Looking forward to meeting your girl, Easton.”

“Hi, Dad.” He gave his dad’s back a slap. Such a solid presence, always supportive. He’d never put his family at risk to keep up appearances. “My girl’s had a rough few days.”

“Vander said you’re helping her out.” His father’s face hardened. “Her father isn’t helping.”

Easton felt a flash of anger. “He’s in over his head.”

Gia, Haven, and Harlow appeared, the three of them holding glasses of wine.

Easton’s father lifted a brow. “A blonde bombshell, no wonder you’re smitten.”

Easton pulled Harlow to his side. “Harlow, this is my father.”

She smiled. “Well, now I know why Norcross men are so handsome.”

Ethan grinned. “I like her.”

Easton’s mom bustled out of the kitchen. “Let’s eat. Everyone to the table.”

Easton slid an arm around Harlow. “Okay?”

She smiled. “Okay.”

Chapter Fourteen

Harlow sipped her wine. She’d found dinner relaxing and fun.