I Have Lived and I Have Loved - Willow Winters Page 0,184

balls, as always,” Eli retorts.

She rolls her eyes at him and then turns to me. “Hi, I’m Savannah, I’m so glad you came.”

“Thank you for having me. It’s really nice to meet you,” I say as she pulls me in her arms.

“We’re all huggers, honey. Be ready, this family is small but crazy as hell.” I laugh, and Eli grumbles about her being the leader. “Anyway . . .” She dismisses him. “I’m so sorry to hear about your sister.”

“Thank you.” I do my best to give her a small smile, but bringing up Stephanie is like a knife to my heart.

“We wanted to come for the memorial, but Eli said it would be better if Randy wasn’t in Tampa when he was. The press goes a little crazy when both Walsh brothers are around. One is much easier to hide. I hope you understand.”

I never knew they had planned to come. He never mentioned a word about it, and it touches me more than she’ll know. It also reiterates what Kristin said about him showing me how he feels. He told his family, and they thought I was important enough to him to come to my sister’s memorial.

“Of course. I’m so grateful you even thought to come.” I glance at Eli with surprise and then back to Savannah.

Eli puts Daria to his side and grips my shoulder. “Savannah has a strong sense of family. She was adamant until I put her in her place.”

She snorts, and her eyes narrow playfully. “You wish.”

Their banter is hilarious to watch.

“You don’t scare me, Vannah.”

“Don’t let him fool you,” she whispers conspiratorially. “He knows who reigns supreme and it isn’t either of the Walsh boys.”

“Good to know.” I laugh and jab his side.

“Everyone’s out back,” Savannah tells us and leads us through the house.

Eli holds my hand as I, once again, get lost in the wealth that he and his family have. This house is a little smaller than his, but it feels like a home. There are toys, warm colors on the walls, and it’s clear a family lives here. Even with the size, it feels cozy.

We exit out back, and Randy puts his beer down and comes forward. “Heather, I’m so glad you could make it!”

“Thank you for having me.”

Randy pushes Eli to the side and gives me a big hug. “Thank you.” I look up, not sure what he’s thanking me for until his gaze moves to his brother.

My cheeks burn, and I give a short nod.

“All right, asshole, stop embarrassing my girlfriend.”

I won’t lie, the fact that he called me his girlfriend gives me a thrill. Eli pulls me away from Randy, who chuckles over the possessive gesture. I meet his nephew, who reminds me of Danni’s son, all proud and a total boy. He fist bumps Eli and gives me the chin lift.

Then Eli places his hand on my back and leads me over to who I assume is his mother. She has light brown hair, green eyes that match Eli’s, and the sweetest smile. She’s exactly like I pictured. Her hands are delicate, and she keeps them folded on the table. When she sees Eli approach, her entire face lights up.

“Mom.” His smile is wide as he greets her.

She gets to her feet and takes his face in her hands. “Eli! My sweet boy!” His mother kisses both his cheeks before releasing him. “Are you eating? You look too skinny. I don’t like you too skinny.”

“I’m fine, Ma.”

For the first time, he looks a little embarrassed. I didn’t think that was something I’d ever see.

“He’s all skin and bones,” she says to the lady sitting next to her. When her eyes go back to him, she seems to notice me. She claps her hands together and then touches Eli’s chest. “Is this her?”

“Ma, this is Heather, my girlfriend. Heather, this is my mother, Claudia.”

Twice, but who’s counting?

“She’s so pretty.” She’s talking to Eli but looking at me.

“I’m so happy to meet you.”

His mother walks over and takes my hands in hers. “I have waited a long time for Ellington to bring a girl to me, and here you are.”

I’m not sure what that means, other than he told me that he hasn’t really dated since his ex. Did she never meet her? I would’ve assumed they knew her considering how close to marriage they were.

I glance at Eli, and he rolls his eyes. “Don’t start,” he warns her.

“Oh, you hush. You don’t date, and you don’t call