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“Blake called earlier,” she said, keeping her voice even despite the tightness in her chest. “She went the hell in on me. I didn’t even have a chance to respond. You told her without me?”

Brooks raised an eyebrow, took a sip of wine. “I uh… meant to warn you. It’s my fault the plan to tell her together didn’t work out. It was an accident.”

“It’s okay. It’s out now. I don’t care how it happened.”

“I started talking too much and our pillow talking exposed us.” He grinned slightly. “She mad at us?”

“She was, yeah. But we worked through it for now of course. Blake just needed to be brought up to speed on everything. And honestly? We were wrong for hiding it this long.”

“I disagree, but I know y’all women different.”

“How so?”

“We grown. She didn’t need to know shit. Her opinion wouldn’t have changed anything for me. I’d still be digging in them guts no matter what Blake had to say.”

“Brooks,” Taylor said, gently but firmly.

He raised a brow.

“Now you know that’s not fair.” She leaned in a little. “You can’t ask for grace and privacy in your love life and then turn around and judge hers. You got your happiness, you got me. And she’s finding hers. With Emon. She deserves that just as much as you do.”

He didn’t say anything at first, and she didn’t let up.

“Your sister spent a long time focusing on her education, no pregnancy scares, she’s made the deans list almost every semester. Your sister has sacrificed her twenties to better herself. And I know you love her, I know you’re just being protective. But love ain’t love if it only makes room for your version of what’s right.”

Taylor reached across the table and covered his hand again. “You don’t need her approval to be with me. Just like I don’t. But… we owe her enough respect not to act like she needs ours.” Taylor wasn’t letting herself off the hook. She had apologized and owned up for her judging. She was going to make Brooks do the same.

Brooks nodded slowly, the edge softening in his expression.

“You right.”

“I usually am,” she teased lightly, but her tone stayed steady. “Let her be, Brooks. She’s good. You’re good. We’re good.”

He smirked and pulled her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss against her knuckles. “You always know how to check me just right.”

“And you always know when to listen.”

They smiled at each other, a little quieter now. But the truth had been said. And that kind of truth onlymade space for more love, not less.

Brooks pulled her onto his lap, one hand settling on her waist. “You giving me permission to be happy, Taylor Bradshaw?”

“Do you need it?” she asked, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Nah.” His thumb traced her jawline. “But I need you.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” she whispered. “Not anymore.”

“Good.”

Brooks stood, lifting her with ease. “Now about that dessert you promised...”

Taylor laughed as he carried her toward the stairs, candles still flickering behind them.

It wasn’t what she planned.

It was better.

Chapter 21