Faux Vows, True Desires

"Hey Ike, you headed back to the old homestead anytime soon?" Keith suddenly threw the question during their lunch break at the construction site.

Ike shook his head, taking a swig of his soda. "Nope. It's been crazy busy lately, and my parents just got back from the city themselves. What's up? Planning to drop by and see Mrs. Bright?"

Keith grunted in response. "I gotta head back to Skywatch soon. Can't leave my old man to fend off the wolves alone. I figured I'd swing by my mom's place on the way back and check in on her. Haven't heard much since she moved in with the Moores."

After his mom had remarried, Keith had received only a brief call to say she'd arrived safely. Beyond that, no other news from her. He couldn't shake the worry about whether she was settling in okay.

Ike chuckled, his voice echoing slightly in the empty room. "Ah, Mrs. Bright's fitting in just fine. Lucy's been calling her every day."

The reassurance caused a shadow to pass over Keith's face. Despite being full siblings, he and Lucy had been separated for over two decades. Their relationship, though recently rekindled, lacked the depth of her bond with Ike.

The thought of Lucy being raised by the Moore family eased Keith's mind somewhat. What was the use in getting jealous over Ike's closeness to her?

She was their sister, after all. And Ike's affection for her matched his own.

With that thought, Keith's mood lifted, and he returned to his usual self. Both Ike and Stefan noticed the fleeting sadness, but they exchanged a look and kept silent. Some things just had to grow over time. "You're about to head back so soon? Not gonna stick around for Liam's wedding?" Stefan asked, trying to keep him around a little longer.

white teeth flashing. "Wouldn't miss it for the world. I'm the best man, remember? There's still time

Bonding with them was a no-brainer. It was good for Lucy and beneficial for him as well. The Andersons were big

Knowing this, Stefan just nodded. "You better give Lucy a heads-up before you leave." "Of course,

quick. "About that

haven't turned up

track someone when all

Guess I'll just have to be patient. They

guys, you've got things to handle, I

didn't try to stop him. They had their own work to do,

getting ready for a night out. Owen had asked her to join him for a swanky gathering, and

her day job to take

could whistle,

admiring the transformation. "Clothes make the man, or in this case, the woman. You look absolutely divine. I used to hang out with my brother and his buddies when I was

whistling had

teased. "You'd think he'd be here early, chomping at