Luke

I felt like a kid opening a Christmas present when I saw North walking toward me with Avery in his arms. He had a huge grin on his face as I tried to hug both of them. "Why am I being squished?" Avery's muffled voice asked.

"Because it's a family hug, beautiful," I whispered in her ear.

Her eyes popped open and she squealed, "LUKE!" then jumped into my arms as I wrapped her in mine. In seconds our lips were crashing together like it had been a lifetime since we last kissed. We didn't break apart until North cleared his throat. Her lips were swollen and her face had a rosy flush as she looked up at him and grinned.

Kota and Silas walked up with the luggage and I let go of Avery to embrace both of them. I noticed Kota was a bit stiff, but chalked it up to time apart until he spoke. "I need to tell you something before we go. Firstly, I want to apologize to both you and Avery and Victor I suppose. I had no idea you three were together." I looked between the two of them as Avery seemed to become upset. "I'm Avery's doctoral professor, the one she has TA duties for, and well, to be honest, I tried to get her to go out with me when we first met. She never accepted my offer to go out and never encouraged me in any way. Regardless, I really like her and I can already tell it's made her uncomfortable, so if you both want, I can just get a room and take the train back tomorrow."

I looked at Avery and took her hand pulling her closer. "The decision is yours, baby. If you aren't comfortable, Kota can leave now."

"No. He didn't do anything wrong really and neither of us had a clue. I know how excited you all are to see each other again," she said. "Let's just go home."

"Whatever you want, baby," I told her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. I picked up her bag and led them all to the car.

****

I was worried the ride would be awkward at first, but North and Silas used the time to fill me in on the events at the diner and Uncle. Avery listened with rapt attention as they talked. Kota asked questions about his Mama every so often as well. When we pulled up in Victor's driveway, Erin came running out the door.

"Mama Avery!" she squealed as Av ran and picked her up, swinging her around in circles as they both giggled wildly. Victor stood on the porch with Owen and Sean watching her with a big grin.

"Hey pretty girl, I missed you so much." Avery carried her up the steps as Victor stepped forward and hugged them both planting a kiss on her lips.

"Hey love, welcome home," he said quietly as she leaned into him. "Avery, these are our friends Owen Blackbourne and Dr. Sean Green."

Giving them a dazzling smile, she held out her hand, "I'm so happy to meet you both. Luke and Victor have told me so many good things about you."

"We've heard amazing things about you as well," Sean said as he kissed her hand with a smirk, making her giggle. "Your fan club speaks of you frequently," he chuckled.

Avery gave him a grin, "Isn't it nice to have fans," then kissed Erin's cheek. "Okay, pretty girl, let's get your presents under the tree."

"Presents, yay!"

We all followed the girls in as the others shared greetings with each other. I leaned over to Kota, "I think your confession might be better in private. It would confuse Erin. I'm sure Victor will want to explain his situation after she goes to bed as well. But seriously man, just relax. You didn't do anything wrong." Kota simply nodded stiffly as he tried to speak with everyone.

I couldn't help but notice his eyes kept gravitating back to Avery no matter where she was or what she was doing. I saw Victor give me a curious look as he too noticed. Oh damn, Kota had the same look we both did anytime we looked at her. Well, this should be interesting...

Owen cleared his throat, "Sean and I just found out that Gabe has a showing coming up next month in London. Perhaps I could host all of you and we could catch it together?"

I saw how Victor stiffened and I felt the knot in my stomach tighten as well. It had hurt so much when he left. He and Victor were my best friends, and then suddenly both of them were just gone.

"I'm not sure he would want to see me," Victor said quietly.

"You have to tell him," Sean urged, "You have to tell all of them. They can't go on blaming you for what happened. They deserve to know the truth."

I interrupted, "Perhaps we can finish this topic after dessert?" I nodded my head to Erin who was falling asleep in Avery's arms. They all quickly muttered their agreements and changed the subject.

****

"Okay, she's out," I said. "Now, I think we all need to take a breath and remember it's been a long time. I know some of us are still struggling, but now is what matters guys." I sat down on the other side of Avery as Victor held her hand. He looked like a man about to face a firing squad.

Kota cleared his throat. "Before you say anything, I need to say something. I owe you an apology. I already apologized to Avery and Luke, but, well, I've kinda been um hitting on her." Victor's eyes widened as he looked between Avery and Kota like I'd done. "We didn't do anything, I promise. See I met her before I knew she was going to be my student. I tried to flirt and ask her out, but she shot me down. I just wanted you to know. I'm going to ask the Provost to change her to a new advisor. I don't think it would be comfortable for either of us now."

"You're going to do what!" she gasped. "If you do that, I'll have to drop and apply again next year. I...I can't do that, please, please don't do this." Tears started to well up in her eyes.

I saw the panic overtake Kota's expression. "No, I'll make sure they don't do that. Please don't cry, I just wanted to keep you comfortable and focused. You're such a brilliant student. I don't want to screw that up."

She shook her head violently, "No, you don't understand...oh feck! If you pull my TA and doctoral placement, I automatically go to the end of the line again. It's too late for a refund and I'll have to start over again in the fall. I don't have any more time. If I don't finish," she stopped suddenly.

"Avery, what happens if you don't finish?" Victor asked softly, tilting her chin toward him. She sniffled and closed her eyes, her forehead furrowing. "Baby, tell us so we can help."

When her eyes opened, she looked so defeated. "If I don't finish this spring, then I lose everything. The will...stipulations..." Her shoulders shook as he pulled her closer trying to calm her.

"Perhaps I can help," Owen offered. "I can look over the documents and see what can be done. I just need to know the name on the estate."

"Dorman," I said quietly. "Avery's grandparents were Clarence and Margaret Dorman."

Owen's eyes widened, "Oh damn." He rubbed his hands on his pants. "Seems like we were destined to meet Avery." She gave him a confused look as she pulled back from Victor's chest. "My firm, well, we hold the executorship of the will. I'm quite familiar with the stipulations already. Clarence had me write them before he passed. I always thought Maggie would come and update it, but she never did, so sadly it stands."

Avery made a strangled noise, then wiping her eyes, she straightened herself in true Avery fashion and said, "It isn't your fault, Mr. Blackbourne. Grandfather always assumed he'd have a son who would become a doctor. He never failed to remind my mother how disappointed he was that she was a girl. Then when I was born, his temper soured even more. Forgive me for my bluntness, but I did not grieve his passing. I only grieved for my grandmother who felt lost without him. After my parents died, she became my world until I lost her too. That's when I learned about the will for the first time."

"Please, call me Owen. Weren't you still in high school when she passed? How have you managed to already make it to the final year of your doctorate so quickly?" You could see the admiration in his eyes. I noticed the others seemed fascinated as well.

She blushed slightly, "I've always been a good student. You're correct, I was seventeen and had already started my university studies. When your firm reached out, I doubled down and took as many courses as possible each term and would rent out the house. After Fiona...well, that's when Luke and Erin started watching the place while I was gone. Until this term, I've always held a job during term and well, I just didn't feel like I had any other options." She looked up at Kota, "Dr. Lee, if I don't graduate this spring, the house and all its land will be taken from me and sold. I won't get a penny. It will all go to the local hospital I believe."

"She's right. Clarence was obsessed with having a doctor in the family. However, he wasn't specific enough in the will, so if Avery acquires her doctoral degree, it meets the legal definition of the will. She will inherit the property free and clear, not a cent in tax," Owen said. "Kota, do you really feel unable to continue with her as a student? I mean you never even went out."

Kota flushed, "No, I mean, if none of them mind, then I won't ask for the transfer. I just don't want any of them to be uncomfortable."

I grinned, "Man you struck out. I don't have an issue, but then again, I get to kiss her."

"Damn, that was harsh," North chuckled as I grinned and Avery slapped my shoulder.

Kota gave a half-hearted grin and looked at Victor, "Vic?"

"I don't have an issue as long as Avery is okay with it."

"I think I made my position quite clear. I can't quit. I'm okay continuing, Dr. Lee."

"We aren't in school, please, call me Kota," he told her.

"Okay, that's just weird, but I'll try," she giggled.

"Well, now that that's out of the way, I guess it's my turn," Victor said.  

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