Page 75 of 27 Kisses
“Sleeping together.”
Fuck. But I’m tired of lying, and I told Garrett I’d come out, so I need to be ready for this question. Blowing out a breath, I say, “Since Isaac and Jane’s wedding.”
Adrian nods. Not at all surprised. But Isaac gapes at me. “What the fuck, Christy? That was seven years ago!”
I glance at the kitchen door. “Keep your voice down.”
“How?” Isaac asks and then glowers at me. “Why?”
“Why are we together?”
“No, dumbass. Why is it still a secret?”
I almost chuckle at that. It takes a lot to get Isaac riled up. “It’s complicated.”
“Is it the same reason you pretended an hour ago that Garrett is just your brother-in-law?” He shakes his head. “The man confessed to being in love with you.”
“I was there, Isaac,” I say in a harsh tone. But none of this is his fault. I close my eyes and take a breath. “I’m trying. But it’s hard.”
“Hard? Hard?” His voice rises. “That man has been in love with you for most of his life. And you—” He shakes his head. “How could you pretend you don’t care? I’m so angry with you right now!”
Adrian wraps his arm around Isaac. “Sweetheart, let’s not kick him while he’s down. I think Christy has done enough of that himself.” He gently pulls Isaac away and turns back to me. “The important thing isn’t what you’ve done. It’s what you do next that counts.”
I nod. It’s all I’ve been thinking about.
“The easy path is only easy for so long.” His eyes catch mine. “It’s easy to pretend everything is okay. Until you’re told you have to marry a woman you don’t love and you’re absolutely smitten with a cute single dad who doesn’t believe you’re a prince.”
Isaac ducks his head. “That wasn’t my fault.”
“It was adorable. You’re adorable.” Adrian kisses him, and Isaac leans into him.
They’re disgustingly in love. And everyone knows it.
I’m surprised how much I want that. “Fine. I get it.”
“I don’t want to see him hurt again, Christy.” Isaac gives me a sad smile. “If you don’t love him, please let him go.”
“I—” Christ. Why is this so hard? “I love Garrett. Very much.”
“Then make sure he knows it.”
After they leave and I’m alone with my thoughts, I think about how serious Isaac used to be. As if he had the entire world on his shoulders. Now, he’s with Adrian and happier than ever. Love didn’t make things easier for him, but maybe it made things easier to bear.
Even Jane has gotten a second chance with her new boyfriend.
If others are upset about Garrett and me being together, that’s their problem, not mine.
I deserve to be happy with the man I love.
Garrett’s safe. He’s okay. He sent me a text telling me so. And then apologizing. But I’m restless until I see them drive up.
“They’re here,” Isaac says, pointing out the window for Simon. “I told you Uncle Garrett was okay.”
Several people rush to the hallway, but Reginald motions them back. “Let’s give him some room.”
Garrett smiles and nods at everyone as he walks through the door. He’s wearing sweatpants and a St. Louis Blues hoodie. His hair is a complete mess and his cheeks are red—from the cold? Nat orders people around, asking for water and a blanket. Ramon stares at her with wide eyes until she snaps her fingers at him. “Get to it, pretty boy.”
I’m not sure if Garrett really needs those things or if she’s keeping everyone busy. Simon brings Garrett his Captain America Squishmallow in case he wants to snuggle.