Page 12 of Love with a Notorious Rake

Aidan shook his head. “No. I wanted—needed—to see you first.”

Riordan leaned forward until their foreheads touched briefly, then, in unison, they clasped the nape of each other’s necks. God, he had needed this. That connection only they shared: the link—despite time, distance, and circumstance—that would never break. Not ever. No matter what Aidan had done or said to damage it.

“Come, take a seat.” Riordan grabbed a chair and dragged it toward the desk. “Tell me everything. You will be staying a couple of nights?”

“If you and your wife will have me.”

“Sabrina will be thrilled.” Riordan smiled as he sat at his desk. “As will Mary Tuttle. She is already part of the family.”

“It is serious then, between her and Grandfather?”

Riordan chuckled. “He’s been here for a visit every month since February, bringing gifts of flowers, chocolate, and books. I would not be surprised if there were a wedding before the autumn.” Riordan winked. “He took her on a short trip to the seaside not two weeks past.”

Aidan smiled. “The old dog. Good for him.”

“You’ll like Mary. She’s warm, humorous, down-to-earth, and exactly what Grandfather needs.”

“And what of our father? What romance is brewing there?”

“You know him; caution will win the day. He is taking things at a slower pace, but I believe it will end up in the same place as Grandfather’s. Eventually.”

Aidan scratched his chin. “I really am the last man standing. And we have a young cousin. What a revelation.”

“Megan is a charmer; you’ll meet her when you arrive at the hall. I’ve never seen Garrett so blasted happy. He and Abbie are a love story for the ages. I’m glad they found each other again.”

“Much has happened…to all of us,” Aidan murmured.

“Brother, I will not drill you about your absence. None of us will. But know I am here whenever you feel the need to talk. I don’t like that we have drifted apart—”

“That is on me,” Aidan interjected.

“Not all of it. I should have reached out. You will find that the rest of the family feels the same—about all of this,” Riordan replied.

Aidan shook his head. “The state I was in? I would have refused all assistance. Probably would have sunk even lower, if that were possible. But I thank you for the concern, and in time, I will talk about it. As it stands, it’s an open wound.”

Riordan stood and gathered up his papers, shoving them into a leather satchel. “On that note, let us head home. Dinner waits.”

When they stepped outside, Riordan pointed at Nebula and smiled. “A near twin for Grayson. Well met, Brother.”

“Except Nebula’s mane is white, not black. I couldn’t resist when he was shown to me. I had to purchase him.”

“I like the name.”

Aidan untied the reins and began walking side by side with his brother, with Nebula following behind.

“The town house is a good size, completely furnished, with a small barn in the rear. Grayson is still boarded at Farmer Walsh’s. With the carriage and two horses I recently purchased, I thought, for the rest of this school term, that Grayson was better served at the farm than crammed into a small shed. For a two-night stay, I’m sure that Nebula will be fine.” Riordan gave him an appraising look. “You’re too thin and pale. Not what I remember.”

“Believe me when I tell you, I was in much worse shape than this. The recuperation is ongoing. My appetite has been slow in recovering, and, as you can imagine, I have been indoors for the most part. The ride was quite pleasant, fresh air, sun, all that blather. I obviously need more of it.” Actually, the ride had fatigued him, but it was a good tired. “Although I did manage a quick stop at the Crimson Club.”

Riordan laughed heartily. “Damn it all, you are recovering. I’m pleased to hear it.”

Once they placed Nebula in the barn, giving him a quick rubdown and leaving him plenty of water and oats, they headed toward the house. Again, Aidan’s insides twisted in apprehension. It made him wonder if he’d left the sanatorium sooner than he should have.

They entered through the rear, making their way to the front of the house. As they stepped into the parlor, two women stood and smiled. Riordan went to the younger of the two, kissing her on the cheek as his large hand splayed across the bump of her belly. She glowed, the love between them apparent. For a brief moment, Aidan was envious. The emotion was not a new one as far as Riordan was concerned, but it was high time he moved past such selfish indulgence.

“My darling, this is my brother, Aidan.”

Sabrina stepped forward, holding out both hands. Aidan clasped them tight. “Dear, dear brother. How I have longed for this meeting.” She stood on the tips of her toes and laid an affectionate kiss upon his cheek. Her words were lovingly and genuinely spoken.