Comeback (The Holland Brothers Book 3)

“Does he even like surprises?” I ask Brogan as we blow up balloons for the party. It’s too little, too late if he says no, but I’m spiraling and rethinking this whole plan.

“Stop freaking out.” He chuckles. “He’ll love it.”

We’re surprising Archer with a birthday party tonight—two days before the actual day. His brothers are all here, a lot of his teammates, and friends from Valley and Lake City. It seemed like a great idea until now.

What if he walks in and sees everyone and walks right back out? Okay, that’s unlikely. But he could very well walk in, fake a big smile, and I’d be able to tell instantly he hates it.

Right now, Archer is out to dinner with Slade, my wingman, who convinced him to go out for a couple beers to help Slade heal his broken heart. I happen to know for a fact that he is not the least bit upset after the most recent girl he was seeing called things off because just last night he texted me a picture of a woman he started talking to on an app that he was “going to marry.”

The man is smooth. I wonder if it’s the waterbed or his diamond necklaces that seal the deal for him?

“Thank you for helping me,” I say as Brogan ties off another clear balloon with confetti inside.

“Are you kidding? I love this. My sister throwing my best friend a birthday party, being all in love and shit.” He beams. His happiness at the situation keeps me from slipping into panic mode.

I chuckle softly. “I do love the shit out of him.”

“I’m glad. He’s the best guy I know. I couldn’t imagine anyone more perfect for him.”

“He says the same about you.”

Brogan smiles. “How are your mom and dad?”

“I don’t know. You tell me.” Since he met my parents, Brogan’s been texting with them almost as much as I do. My mom loves having someone to dote on and Brogan is eating up the attention, asking her for help with things like laundry and cooking. It’s the cutest and possibly strangest thing.

He huffs a quiet laugh. “I haven’t talked with them in a few days.”

“Uh-oh. Momma Whitlock will be tracking you down soon if you don’t check in.”

He smiles as if he likes the idea. I try not to let myself feel the loss of not knowing him my whole life and just focus on being grateful that we have this incredible relationship now.

“Speaking of your parents, I got tickets for you to give them for all the remaining home games of the season.”

“They’ll love that,” I say, then his words register. “Why would I give them the tickets if you got them?”

“I thought it’d be nicer coming from you.” He won’t quite meet my eyes, and I fight a smile. He wants them there for him and maybe because he thinks it’s what I want, but I doubt his reservations are about any of that.

I place a hand on his shoulder. “They already adore you and are planning on watching every game on TV. My dad bought two new Mavericks jerseys—Archer’s and yours—and he’s rotating them every game. You do not need to be shy about asking them to come. They’ll be ecstatic.”

“Really?” He grins like a kid who just found out he’s getting a present he’s always wanted. And I guess he is. My mom and dad are the best and I’m thrilled to share them.

I nod. “Really.”

“All right. I’m going to text them right now.” He abandons the ballons and pulls out his phone.

Knox and his fiancée, Avery, walk over while I’m still chuckling at Brogan’s eagerness.

“Do you need any help?” Avery asks. Tonight is the first time I’ve met her, but I’m already obsessed with her. She’s short with long blonde hair and dressed in a light pink dress that gives off vibes of a nice, quiet personality, but I’ve heard enough about her to know she’s all fire under her sweet exterior.

“That would be great. I underestimated how long it would take to blow up three hundred balloons. I should have gotten a helium tank.”

She laughs and reaches for the balloons, taking one for herself and one for Knox. He is her opposite, at least in appearance. He looks a little angry, a little rough around the edges in black jeans and a black T-shirt. At least until he looks at Avery. Then he goes all soft and sweet.

Flynn wanders over, too, and silently starts helping.

“Have you heard anything yet?” Knox asks him.

By the automatic darkening of his gaze, I know he’s asking about baseball. I haven’t had a chance to talk with Flynn one-on-one that much, but I’ve gathered that he’s still feeling down after being let go by the Twins.

“You know you’re welcome to crash with me and Avery until you figure out what’s next.” Knox’s expression is filled with concern.

“I know,” Flynn says. “But I’m good here.”

It looks like he wants to object, but Knox nods and Avery leans into his side.

The oldest Holland brother, Hendrick, and his wife, Jane, are helping London hang up a banner over the island that says, “Happy Birthday, Archer”. London painted it by hand so it’s stunning, as is everything else she does. Honestly, he may not even notice the balloons. Or the confetti cannon.

“Slade just texted. They’re leaving the bar now and he says Archer is tipsy.” Brogan taps out what I assume is a reply to Slade and then pockets his phone.

My nerves ramp up with my excitement.

“Tipsy Archer is fun,” Knox says with a glint in his eye that makes me wonder about the stories he could tell me. I make a mental note to ask later.

We tie off a few more balloons and then scatter around the living room and kitchen to hide. Which is easier said than done with big, football guys. Tripp is lying behind the couch, but his feet stick out on one side, and Merrick is squeezed next to the refrigerator holding so still it doesn’t look like he’s breathing.

I’m squatting behind the island. Brogan is next to me, holding a hand over his mouth like he’s afraid he’s going to laugh out loud at any moment. And Flynn is beside him, wearing a smile that makes him look as young as he is.

The apartment is dark and quiet. When the front door opens, I hold my breath and listen for Archer. I wish I could see him right now.

“Sabrina!” Archer yells my name louder than I’ve ever heard him yell anything. My eyes widen and I have to bite down on my bottom lip to keep from answering.

“Shit. Fuck. Why is it so dark in here?” he asks in a slurred voice as his footsteps move closer.

“Watch where you’re going there.” Slade’s voice comes out in a laugh. “For a guy that’s paid to be nimble and agile, you’re struggling to walk in a straight line right now, Holland.”

“Sabrina!” He calls my name again—just as loud as the first time. “I’m home! Where are you, sexy woman?”

There’s a snicker from somewhere in the room, but Archer either doesn’t hear it or is too preoccupied with finding me.

“Sabrina, baby, I’m good and drunk and ready to fuc⁠—”

“Surprise!” I jump out from my hiding spot before he can say any more. My face is hot and there’s a deep chuckle before everyone else joins in.

“Surprise!” They come out of their hiding spots, and someone flips on the lights.

Archer swivels around like he thinks we’re talking to someone else. He does a full circle and then faces us again. A slow, drunk smile pulls at his lips.

“Tipsy?” Hendrick asks quietly from somewhere nearby and then snorts. “He’s wasted.”

I shove the confetti cannon at Brogan and then walk toward my boyfriend. The closer I get, the more unsteady he looks on his feet.

“You’re throwing me a birthday party?” he asks me.

I nod. “Surprise!”

“Aww. That’s so nice and you look so pretty.” His gaze slides over me. I’m wearing a new dress and my favorite over-the-knee boots. “And I am very drunk.”

I stifle a laugh as he hugs me, nearly taking me down with his limp weight.

“I thought you were just grabbing a beer or two.”

“I was trying to be a good friend. I’m so happy and in love and he seemed so heartbroken.” He waves a hand to indicate Slade behind him.

I look around Archer to glare at Slade, who holds up his hands with a guilty expression on his face.

“That was so sweet of you.”

I walk Archer to the kitchen where I pull out a glass and fill it with water. “Here. Drink this.”

The rest of the party hovers nearby. As soon as he’s drained the glass, he hugs each of his brothers and their partners, then his friends.

I keep refilling his water and standing nearby in case he needs someone to prop him up. By the time he’s said hello to everyone, he’s looking a little more alert. While he and Tripp are chatting, Archer keeps me at his side. He wraps one arm around me and rests his open palm on my ass, letting his fingers trail absently along the hem and occasionally under. More alert but obviously still drunk.

Tripp politely tries not to notice as I swat Archer’s hand away.

“I’m going to mingle,” I say with a small laugh. I lean in and kiss him before I go.

I grab myself another drink—might as well join my drunk boyfriend—and find London. She’s sitting with Avery and Jane.

“Hey,” they all say in unison as I join them.

“How’s the birthday boy?” Avery asks with a grin.

“Having a great time,” I say, taking a seat. “Not that he’ll remember it tomorrow.”

“It’s good to see him so happy,” Jane comments.

I glance back at Archer. He’s smiling and laughing, which isn’t all that unusual, but there’s an ease in his posture and in his movements that pulls at my heartstrings.

“He does look happy. Doesn’t he?” A smile stretches across my face.

“You’ve made him that way.” London bumps my knee with hers. “When you walk into the room, he lights up. It’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Archer glances around like he’s looking for something. When his gaze lands on me, his smile softens, and he lifts one hand and gives me his signature half heart.

“See what I mean?” London asks the others as I reciprocate the hand motion.

It’s nice getting to know Archer’s brothers and their partners. Seeing him surrounded by all the people that love him so much makes my heart happy. I lose track of Archer as I’m playing hostess and making the rounds. I head toward his bedroom, half-expecting him to be passed out cold on his bed. Freaking Slade. I’m totally going to get him back for this.

He’s sitting on his bed with his phone cradled in both hands.

“Hey. Is everything okay?” I ask. “Drunk texting?”

“Yeah. I’m good. I think I’m only slightly tipsy now.” He stands and sets his phone on his nightstand. When he reaches me, he wraps his arms around my waist and lets them fall to my lower back. “Thank you for tonight. This was perfect. Sorry I almost ruined it.”

“Not too much?” I ask because him sneaking off in the middle of it is not a good sign. “If it is, I’m blaming Brogan. It was all his idea. He said you would love it.”

“I did. Best surprise I’ve ever had.”

“Well in that case, it was all me and you’re welcome.”

He chuckles softly. His smile stays intact so I don’t think he’s upset but something is definitely going on for him to hide away while his friends and family are all here.

“What’s going on?” I ask him, bringing my hands up to rest on his chest.

He dips his head to kiss my fingertips. “I took your advice.”

“You’re finally going to start listening to lullabies at night?” I joke. I’ve gotten so used to falling asleep to his rock music, I’m not sure even I could doze off without it at this point.

He shakes his head, eyes lit up with humor before they dim with a more serious expression. “I texted my dad.”

Something a lot like dread slowly seeps in and makes words hard to form. Yes, I suggested it, but I’ll be honest, I didn’t really think he would. And I get it. His dad let him down in the worst possible way. He deserves so much better. But I also want him to have a chance to make amends before it’s too late. I hope his dad doesn’t let him down, but if he does, then he has so many people in his life ready to give him the support and love that he needs.

“Did he respond?” I ask tentatively.

“He did.” Archer nods, then works his jaw side to side before adding, “He wished me a happy early birthday. I don’t know if Flynn reminded him or maybe he just remembered. I don’t know. I wish it didn’t seem so strange to think my own dad might know my birthday.”

The anger that rises as I wonder how many years he’s gone without hearing from his dad on his birthday makes me almost regret telling Archer to reach out. But the past is the past. And this is about the future.