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Billie bursts into laughter. “Of course you’d find a silver lining.”
She wipes her eyes, raising an eyebrow curiously as we sit on the porch swing together. Brody and the boys stand in a circle as he explains a number of things that neither of us can hear.
I instinctively look over at him and feel warmth flooding me. The calm confidence radiating off him awakens something deep inside me that’s been simmering for years.
Billie tilts her head knowingly, a slow smirk curving her lips as she follows my gaze. “Hmm, interesting choice of view.”
Heat rushes to my face. “It’s not … I mean, it’s just …” I stutter, shaking my head, a shy laugh slipping out. “He makes me feel safe. Really safe.”
Billie’s smile widens, mischievous and teasing. “He always has. How’s that crush?”
“He’s Alcatraz, impossible to break through … still.” I nudge her lightly, laughing. “Nothing’s happened. We haven’t even kissed.”
“Have you tried?” Her expression softens.
I tuck my lips into my mouth, remembering our moment by the pond. “Denied. Do not pass go. Do not collect two hundred dollars.”
A cute little smirk plays on Brody’s lips when our eyes meet again. My brother notices, and his brows furrow as he looks between us.
I glance back at Billie, breaking the connection.
“You’ve had a thing for him for as long as I can remember. Maybe this happened for a reason. Maybe it’s finally time you two gave each other a real chance.”
I meet her gaze, my heart fluttering at her words. I catch Brody’s eye just briefly before he turns away. Maybe it really is time.
The late afternoon sunlight spills golden across the clearing, casting warm, shifting shadows through the trees. Voices drift toward us from the yard, where Zane, Easton, Weston, and Asher talk low with Brody and Nick.
I still can’t believe my closest friends and family are here, together, protecting and supporting me despite everything.
“You can tell me anything,” Billie says. “You know that?”
“I know,” I say. “And same.”
Zane stalks toward me across the grass and steps onto the porch, his expression gentle and protective. “Hey, Harp,” he says, stepping closer and lightly touching my arm. “Can we talk for a sec?”
“Sure,” I say, sensing the seriousness beneath his casual tone.
He guides me away from Billie, toward the opposite end of the porch.
For a long moment, Zane simply looks at me, his blue-gray eyes searching my face intently.
“Are you really okay?” he finally asks. His voice is filled with genuine concern. “Don’t give me the easy answer just because everyone else is here. I need the truth.”
I swallow hard, knowing my brother would fight an army with his bare hands for me. “I’m getting there. It’s been a lot, but I’m feeling more like myself every day.”
His shoulders visibly relax, and the tense lines of his face soften. “Good. You had me scared, little sis. I’m so fucking glad Brody was there.”
“Me too,” I whisper.
Zane quickly shakes his head, squeezing my shoulder. “I just want you safe. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, you call me. I’m always here for you.”
“I promise I will,” I tell him, noticing the flicker of vulnerability in his gaze. I give him a soft smile. “How are you? How’s Autumn?”
My brother got married last fall to the love of his life, Autumn. He’d met her at a coffee shop when he went to Cozy Creek to escape the world.
A warm smile spreads across his face. “She’s incredible. The love of my life. I didn’t realize how good things could be.”
I study him carefully. “And you and Nick?”