Page 112 of Familiar Things New

Edwin couldn’t help but smile as he heard his mother’s subsequent laughter. William was so obviously trying to curry her favor.

Agnes walked over to Edwin and pulled him in for a hug.

“You’re soaking wet!” she said as soon as she wrapped her arms around him. “And probably on the verge of collapse. I’m sorry you went through the trouble of shoveling your way here.”

“You’re not wrong about my physical state. I really am spent,” Edwin said, hugging her back. “But I’m happy I came. If not to save you from freezing, since William had apparently already accomplished that, then to at least celebrate your engagement with you.” He pulled back and looked into his sister’s eyes. “Best wishes, Agnes.” He and Agnes smiled warmly at each other, and then Edwin’s smile changed to more of a smirk. “You will surely need them.”

Agnes placed both of her hands on Edwin’s chest and shoved him back a step.

“You’re terrible,” she said, laughing.

Edwin chuckled. “But I’m right, aren’t I?”

“I’m not responding to that,” she said.

She and Andrew embraced each other next.

“Congratulations, Agnes,” Andrew said as he squeezed her.

Immediately, Agnes and Edwin burst out laughing.

“Good heavens, Andrew!” Agnes said, releasing Andrew from the hug.

“Did I misspeak?” Andrew asked with a bewildered smile.

“Yes,” Edwin said, taking hold of and pulling him close. He pressed a kiss to Andrew’s lips. “And I love you for it.”

“Am I not supposed to congratulate Agnes on her engagement for some reason?” Andrew asked, still so charmingly confused.

“Not the woman,” Edwin said with a shake of his head. “Never the woman.”

“Oh.” Andrew’s cheeks became pink, and then he pursed his lips. Turning to Agnes, he said, “Good luck, then?”

Smiling fondly, Agnes laughed a bit more. “I can’t say whether that’s better, etiquette-wise, but it’s probably more accurate.”

“Coffee is ready!” William called from the kitchen.

“You can go,” Edwin said to Agnes. “Andrew and I need to take off our wet things first.”

Agnes turned to leave, and as soon as she made it into the hall, Edwin kissed Andrew once more.

“Thank you for walking through the snow with me,” he said.

“Of course, Edwin.” Andrew cupped Edwin’s cheek. “It took a little while, but we made it through.”

Edwin smiled as tears welled in his eyes. He and Andrew really had made it.

And now, they were exactly where they needed to be.

Chapter Thirty

Edwin

Hours later, Andrew, Edwin, and William were sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace. Andrew and Edwin were sharing a blanket, which was wrapped around both of their shoulders. William had his legs stretched out and was leaning back on his palms. Exhausted, Edwin was happy to simply enjoy the sounds of the wood popping and fire crackling nearby. He heaved a contented, but somewhat sleepy sigh. Moments later, he felt Andrew’s head come to rest against his. It wasn’t long before Andrew’s breathing became slow. Edwin knocked William’s foot with his own.

Gesturing with his eyes, Edwin whispered, “Is Andrew asleep?”

William leaned forward to look more closely and nodded. “Looks like it.”