by Calista Fox
Liv got equally choked up.
The happy couple made a short and sweet speech, Chloe gushing over the attendance and thanking everyone for coming.
Tristan suddenly appeared at Liv’s elbow and she beamed up at him, her heart still pounding wildly over the nudge Fallon had given her to acknowledge her very real feelings for the stepbrothers.
She loved them. Both of them.
Had for some time, in one capacity or another. And it had all blossomed into this undeniable reality for her. But now was hardly the time for any sort of declaration on her part—it was Chloe and John’s day. So she simply told Tristan, “I’m glad you guys were able to come home early so you could be here for the party.”
“So are we. And we’d be even happier if you’d save us some dances tonight.”
“You don’t dance,” she reminded him.
He leaned in close and whispered, “We took lessons for the occasion.”
Liv’s heart fluttered. “That means I’ll also have two someones to dance with at the wedding reception.”
“As much as you want.”
“Tristan.” Emotion tinged her voice. “Neither of you have ever expressed an interest in dances. You avoided them like the plague, as a matter of fact, when we were growing up.”
“Yeah, but you enjoy them, so . . .” He gave a half-shrug and grinned.
Liv impulsively threw her arms around his neck. He, in turn, squeezed her tight. She didn’t care if the entire town took photos of the moment and posted them to Snapchat. She would never deny that the stepbrothers were her heroes.
Liv released Tristan just as Chloe and John started making the rounds to greet everyone. She was still breathless and buzzing from what she and Fallon had talked about—and from Tristan’s nearness.
She had a little more time to get her bearings as Madeline O’Connor joined Liv and Tristan. She gave Tristan a big hug, clearly taking him aback.
Madeline said, “I can’t thank you enough for all you’re doing with the new autism center. It will change so many lives, Tristan. Including Michael’s. And mine.”
Tristan told her, “It’s something I’m passionate about, Maddy. I was misdiagnosed with autism at a young age. Turned out to be a high IQ and a low attention span. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and the right care. I want to see that happen here.”
“The facility is a wonderful idea,” Madeline contended. “I’m just so relieved there will be experts close to home.” She gave him another quick hug before turning to Liv. “Sorry to interrupt. I wanted Tristan to know that what he’s doing for the community is deeply appreciated.” She sniffled, fighting her own bout of emotion. “I’d better get back to serving hors d’oeuvres for Pasto’s. So nice to see you both.”
She left them. Liv’s gaze slid to Tristan. “What was that all about?”
“I’m building an autism center that will have three components: research; training for specialists, family members, and caregivers; and a fifteen-room inpatient retreat for those who qualify, like Michael O’Connor.”
“He’s only seven and has so much trouble functioning. He’s set the house on fire twice and he ran away once when Maddy’s attention was diverted for only a few minutes. That was terrifying for her.”
“I can imagine. Also dangerous for her and her son. Michael has already been through the application process and fits the eligibility requirements for the retreat. He’ll live there full-time once it’s constructed and certified, though Maddy will have unlimited access to him. It’ll be a much safer environment and Michael will have numerous specialists to work with him and care for him.”
“That could make a huge difference in his quality of life—Maddy’s, too. She’s always struggled with being a single mom to an autistic child. Not just when it comes to making ends meet, but trying to find experienced people to look after Michael while she’s waitressing.”
Tristan said, “Through the center, we’ll also provide financial assistance to families. The physical location will be in Bayfront, but the outreach program will span the entire Bay Area.”
“Wow.” She gazed up at him, a hint of awe creeping in on her. “Look at you being all philanthropic.”
“Nate and I realized that with a huge financial windfall comes a hell of a lot of civic and social responsibility. To be honest . . . it feels really good to have the means to help others.”
“Yeah, it does.”
Tristan took Liv’s hand and tugged gently. “How about a dance?”
The band had started up and several couples were already swaying to the music.
He coaxed her forward and pulled her into his arms. Liv actually had to concentrate on not stepping on Tristan’s toes as exhilaration shot through her. She stayed on the dance floor with him as the band launched into a series of faster-paced songs.
Chloe and John finally made it toward the stage, along with the rest of the bridal party.
Ev Hull, the lead singer of Defiant, announced, “Now that the bride and groom have arrived on the scene, it’s time to crank the festivities into high gear. Is that Liv Tyner I see on my dance floor?”
Liv groaned . . . though of course she secretly loved the attention.
Ev said, “I’m going to need your help up here, honey.”
The crowd cheered and Tristan gave her an encouraging smile. The band started in on the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling.”
Playfully taunting her, the lead singer said, “You know I have to have female vocals for this song, Liv.”
With everyone suddenly chanting her name, Liv had no choice but to climb the three steps to the stage and take the proffered mic—and was beyond thrilled to do so. The music was thumping and the audience was going wild and she jumped right in to give them what they wanted.
It seemed the entire guest list was on their feet and dancing. Even the wait staff were setting aside their trays to clap it up and move to the driving beat.
Liv went full-throttle and she and Ev were effortlessly in sync, despite not having performed together since high school. Following graduation, he and his band had relocated to L.A. and now toured the southwestern nightclub circuit, so she only saw them on rare occasions.
Ev asked her to accompany him on a few more tunes, then when everyone looked in need of a breather from the energetic exertion, he said, “How about a request from our bride or groom?”
Chloe stepped forward and signaled for Liv to kneel down at the edge of the stage so she could whisper in Liv’s ear.
Chloe’s selection instantly brought tears to Liv’s eyes. But she straightened and waved a hand in front of her face to keep them at bay.
She said, “You’re killing me here, Chlo,” and took a moment to collect herself before clueing in the band so they could prepare. Then she told the audience, “You all know Chloe Lockhart—she’s not much for the spotlight the way I am. So she asked me to tee up this song. This one is for Sylvia. And I think I know precisely what Chloe would say if she wasn’t already getting too choked up to speak.”
Liv needed a few seconds more to compose herself. When she was a little less emotional, she said, “Since they were kids, Sylvia has been a best friend, a confidante, and a sister to Chloe—even a protector. They’ve been through hell together . . . and a bit beyond. That’s only served to fortify their bond. And I know Sylvia’s courage and the fact that she opened herself up to love is what gave Chloe the strength to do the same when she met John. A beautiful couple who could not be more perfectly suited for each other. So on behalf of Chloe, Sylvia, thank you for being the wind beneath her wings.”
The keyboardist started in. Liv took a deep breath. And put her heart and soul into doing the song—and the women it was dedicated to and from—justice.
John draped an arm around Chloe’s shoulders and tucked her against him as her tears flowed. Sylvia was flanked by Seth and Noah and fat drops rolled down her cheeks as well. Liv was only halfway through the tune when tissues and cocktail napkins we
re being passed around. Some couples danced, but most of them were riveted as they watched and listened to Liv.
Always her dream come true, to captivate an audience. But this time, it was much more meaningful, because she was one of the few privy to Chloe’s and Sylvia’s tragic upbringings—and their triumphs as they’d risen above the trauma. Together.
When Liv finished, there was nothing but silence. Everyone was still rapt. Until Chloe started clapping, then those who weren’t on their feet got to them. It was Liv’s first full standing ovation—and it was epic. Because these were her people.
She basked in the glory and still tried to combat her own tears.
Ev shook his head and quietly joked, “I have to fucking follow that?”
Liv laughed. “No trouble for you at all.” She handed over the mic. “Thanks for having me on your stage.”
“Anytime, Liv. And you know I mean that. I’ll have my manager send you tour dates in a heartbeat.”
“You’re all sensational without me, but that’s very kind.” She kissed him on the cheek before leaving the stage, which was bittersweet. Liv loved the limelight. And loved singing songs that resonated deeply. Particularly with this crowd.
As she descended the steps to the dance floor, her friends and acquaintances gave her quick hugs and told her how amazing she was—a truly gratifying moment.
Grace Kaplan grabbed her by both hands and said, “Liv, I know you’re not a wedding singer, but Ryan and I just got engaged and I absolutely have to have you sing “Ave Maria” as I walk down the aisle. Daddy will pay whatever you ask.”
Liv’s heart constricted at the beseeching request. She said, “Gracie, I’ve known you since you were born. I babysat you, for God’s sake. Of course I’ll sing at your ceremony. Edward doesn’t have to pay me—consider it part of my wedding gift. And, holy cow! Congratulations on your engagement!”
“Thank you!” The younger girl hugged her tight, then added, “It’s supposed to be a secret until the announcement in the paper comes out, but I just had to ask you while I had the chance. That was so beautiful what you said up there . . . maybe you’ll make a toast at my reception, too?”
“Anything you want.”
Ryan Morley came to collect his new fiancée, just as she declared, “Oh, my God! Liv Tyner is going to sing at our wedding!”
Liv congratulated Ryan on the engagement, then she made her way through the adoring crowd to Tristan.
And Nate.
He’d joined his stepbrother during her first song. Nate opened his arms and she walked into them. He held her for a few moments, then Tristan provided a napkin for her to dab her eyes.
“Geez,” she quipped, “you’d think I was the one who’d just had a song dedicated to her.”
“It completely stole my breath,” Sylvia said from beside her. They hugged.
Chloe told Liv, “I never would have been able to get those words out, but you said exactly what I was thinking. Thank you so much.” Another big squeeze that had Liv weepy once more.
When she pulled away, she said, “Hey, hey. This is supposed to be a wild bachelor-bachelorette party.” Turning back to the band, she called out, “Give us a beat!”
Chapter Ten
Nate and Tristan stayed for the entire party—most of which they surprisingly spent on the dance floor—then returned to the Ariana with Liv. There was nothing quite like feeling her naked body pressed between them, their legs tangled and her moans of pleasure filling the room. Unfortunately, she slipped out first thing in the morning, citing the need to run through the checklist of wedding chores with Sylvia as they hit the homestretch. Nate and Tristan were departing early anyway for a trip up to Seattle, with a few stops along the way—the last of their big meet-and-greets.
Over the course of the past week, they’d managed to solidify their plans and come to terms with Dagney Presley on a building in the Embarcadero, with a view of the Bay Bridge. In so many ways, it seemed to Nate as though all the meticulous plotting and timing out of their chessboard moves was fully paying off.
With the exception of one critical piece blocking their checkmate. Liv was leaving town.
Apparently Tristan’s thoughts traveled the same path. Over Denver omelets on deck, Tristan said, “Last night was a hell of a lot fun.”
“Every minute with Liv is a hell of a lot of fun.” Nate sipped his coffee, then added, “And exciting. And spontaneous . . .” He could have gone on and on. He knew it wasn’t necessary, though.
Tristan swallowed down a bite before telling him, “She has a point about it all just being in snippets. When we were growing up, it didn’t seem that way, even when she was working. We still ended up with plenty of time with her. This past decade, though, has been a lot different.”
“We’ve all had other things to focus on, but our friendship with her hasn’t changed a bit. Even after that first night we’d shared her, she found an immediate opportunity to call us. And we make it a regular habit to phone her.” Nate sat back in his chair, lifted his arms, and laced his fingers at the back of his head. “Distance was such an impediment while we were all trying to get our feet beneath us. The problem is, since we’ve been back, we’ve had the luxury of knowing she’s going to be in her Towers condo. For another week. Maybe two, three, four . . . But eventually, she will be gone again.”
Tristan’s jaw clenched for a moment. He said, “The more we’re with her, the more difficult it’ll be when she’s away from us.”
“Precisely.”
“So . . .” Tristan mused inconclusively.
“Yeah. So.” Nate unlaced his fingers and reached for his fork, then took a few bites and washed them down with more coffee as his thoughts remained on Liv. “The fact of the matter is, we’ve always been in love with a woman who comes and goes at her own intervals, because that’s all she’s ever known and it’s how she exists. We’ve never wanted her to change, would never ask her to change. It’s up to us, Tristan, to bend and flex with her.”
“We couldn’t do that and start our company.”
“Things are different now. We’re not strapped to anything. Except this desire to be with Liv.”
“What are we supposed to do?” Tristan replied quietly. “Scrap everything we’ve put into motion on the West Coast and move to New York?”
Nate sat back in his chair again, his gaze locked with Tristan’s, consternation churning in his gut. “I don’t know the answer. But given the breakthrough we’ve had with her lately, do we really want to backburner the progress we’ve all made? Or do we keep charging forward with something the three of us obviously want?”
* * *
Liv traveled the long corridors of the yacht club toward the formal dining room. She was starving and planned to have lunch, to hell with it being an hour before her final fitting with Ruby.
She spotted Fallon coming from the opposite direction and waved. When they met midway, Liv asked, “Have you eaten yet? I’m about to pass out.”
“You really did give up sugar, didn’t you?”
“Bread, Fallon. I gave up bread. That is just . . . inhumane.”
With a laugh, Fallon said, “You give up carbs all the time for your roles. Especially when you have to be in a bikini or tight pants.”
“Sure, but I’m usually singularly focused on the movie and can therefore channel every gnawing sensation in the pit of my stomach into my role. I have no serious channeling outlet at the moment. I mean, I’d gladly channel my cravings into sex but Nate and Tristan are working and not currently in town.”
Fallon frowned. “Honestly, you’d give the producers of The Bachelorette a run for their money in hooking you up if you were ever on their show.”
“I don’t need to be on The Bachelorette. I already know who I want—as you forced me to face at the party. So you know, too.”
“Why, yes, I do. Therefore, perhaps it’s my destiny to work a little magic and make sure it happens for the three of you.”
“This isn�
�t your normal retro Love Connection episode, Fallon.”
“Very true. But don’t forget that I have the unique experience of being in your shoes—and Nate and Tristan’s. I had my own evolution to contend with, Liv. It was difficult. Painful, even. But I knew exactly what I wanted. Dev and Morgan. And I was willing to do anything to land them. Especially when I discovered they were as deeply into me.”
“I can make the correlation, but—”
“No buts,” she said. “No more talking. It’s time for action.”
Liv sighed. “All good in theory. But here’s the reality I have yet to share with you. Nate and Tristan are staying in Cali. I’m moving to New York.”
Fallon’s face fell. “New York! Another Broadway show?”
“No. Something totally different.”
Liv explained about her change in career direction. She would have done it excitedly were it not for the agonizing awareness in the back of her head that she just couldn’t get geography to work in her favor when it came to matters of the heart.
“So you want to be a singer,” Fallon said. “I think that’s perfect.”
“Professionally, maybe. Total romance homicide, though.”
“I don’t know . . .” Fallon perked up, the corners of her mouth twitching as she tried to contain a smile. “How thrilled are you over the prospect of being in New York for a few years?”
“Already homesick and I haven’t even left. But it’s the price I have to pay.”
Fallon gripped Liv’s hand. “What if it’s not?”
“Fallon, understand that in order to—”
“Achieve one’s goals, you have to make sacrifices. I’m fully onboard with the concept. However, there could actually be perfect solutions right under your nose without you even realizing it. Come with me.”
“I seriously have to eat,” Liv insisted. “Too much caffeine and rabbit food does not a happy girl make.”
“Give me five minutes. I swear I just might have the ultimate surprise for you.”
“Oh, goddamn it, Fallon. You know I can’t resist a surprise.”