separate. He’s pretty good with money, so I take his advice very seriously. In fact, I’ve been doing some investing and seeing great results.”
Jared was surprised to hear that. “Is that right?”
“Uh-huh.” Coop recited a long list of stocks he’d invested in and knew the revenue percentages by heart. “Pretty good, right?”
“Very good. I’m impressed.”
“You are? Really?”
“Yes,” Jared said, laughing. “I really am. You’re doing great. So what’s this business idea?”
“After you and Lizzie bought the Chesterfield and turned it into a wedding venue, I got to thinking about how Gansett is a wedding destination, which creates a market for secondary services.”
“Like what?”
“Bachelor and bachelorette parties, for one thing.”
“What about them?”
Cooper glanced over at him. “I have a formal pitch that I want to practice on you, so can I tell you about it when we’re back at the house?”
“Sure,” Jared said, realizing his baby brother wasn’t a baby anymore. With twelve years between them, Jared remembered every detail of the day his youngest sibling had been born and how adorable he’d been from the beginning. Coop had been a charmer his whole life, and Jared adored him. “Look at you, all grown up and pitching a business to investors.”
“I’m twenty-four now,” Coop said dryly.
“Twenty-four. How the hell did that happen?”
Cooper laughed and accelerated once they cleared downtown and headed out toward the north end.
“Go easy. You never know what’s around the next corner.”
“Ain’t that the truth.”
“In this case, I mean bikes, mopeds, pedestrians.”
Cooper downshifted and slowed the car—a little.
“Before we get back to the house, I need to tell you that Lizzie and I have been going through some shit…”
“You’re not breaking up, are you?”
“God, no, nothing like that.”
“Oh, phew, because you two are like hashtag couple goals for me.”
“Is that right?”
“Uh-huh. She’s awesome. I want to find someone like her when the time comes.”
“That’s nice of you to say, and she is awesome.”
“So what’s the problem?”
“We’ve been trying to have a baby for more than a year, and it’s just not happening. Our third round of IVF just failed.”
“Oh damn, man. I’m so sorry to hear that.”
“Thanks. It’s been rough, especially for her. She’s been through hell with the procedures and shots, and all for nothing.”
“Yet. It’ll happen.”
“We’re starting to wrap our heads around the possibility that it’s not going to happen. We have to find a way to be okay with that.”
“Are you, you know, looking at other options?”
“We haven’t been, but it might be time for that, too. We’re taking it an hour at a time right now. We only found out that the third round failed a few days ago.”
“I’m really sorry, Jared. That sucks.”
“Sure does. You spend your whole life trying to avoid getting anyone pregnant, and then when you want to…”
“No kidding. I’m sure you guys will figure out a way to be parents. You’ve never let anything stand in the way when you set your mind to something.”
“Thanks,” Jared said, touched to hear himself described that way by his brother. “This has been a tough one. I want her to have everything she wants and needs…” He cleared his throat, fighting back the now-predictable surge of emotion. “I hate that I can’t snap my fingers and make this happen for her.”
“I hate it for both of you, but you’ll figure out a way. I have no doubt.”
“Thanks for listening.”
“Dude, jeez. It’s the least I can do for you with everything you’ve done for me.”
“Do me a favor and don’t say anything about this stuff to Lizzie. Let her tell you if she wants to talk about it.”
“I won’t say a word. Don’t worry.”
“I just wanted you to know what you’re walking into. Lizzie is excited you’re coming. She said you’re always fun, and we could use that right now.”
“I’ll do what I can to lighten the mood.”
When Cooper drove them into the driveway a few minutes later, Jared was relieved to see Lizzie’s car there. She met them at the door with a welcoming hug for Cooper and the usual warm smile for Jared.
“Um, Jared, could I talk to you for just a second?”
“Sure. Coop, give us a second. I’ll be right back. Make yourself at home.”
“Don’t mind if I do,” Coop said, grinning as he opened the fridge.
Jared walked outside with Lizzie, who seemed nervous about something. “What’s up, babe?”
“So, um, the woman in town who had the baby?”
“What about her?”
“I, ah, hear me out on this… I, um, I brought her and the baby home with me.”
“What? Lizzie! What the