Page 95 of Bleeding Hearts

“Ihave called this meeting because I have something to discuss while Evan is out buying snacks,” Alek begins, his hands folded on his kitchen table. After we were told off, we were punished by having to clean the house from top to bottom, which ended in us taking a nap in Alice’s bed before Alek barged in and dragged us down here.

“A meeting, huh?” I prop my chin in my hand, my elbow on the table. My other hand is on Alice’s thigh under the table, drawing circles as we face her brother. “If it’s to tell us Evan is pregnant, I don’t want to know.”

“No—what is it with you and Skylar and men getting pregnant?” he grouses. “Though, we have tried enough.”

“Alek!” Alice covers her ears, making me laugh as I nudge her.

“So have we,” I tease, and this time Alek covers his ears, both siblings in the same position. Sometimes I forget Alek is only a few years older than her, since he acts so much like her dad, but it’s nice to see him having fun.

Evan is good for him. He made him young again, and I love my best friend for that.

Alek drops his hands slowly like he’s worried I will continue sharing, and I wiggle my eyebrows. “Spill. What’s up?”

He looks nervous for a moment before his hands slap the table. “I want to marry Evan,” he blurts.

I blink. “I know,” I reply.

His eyebrows draw together as he looks between us. “Oh, well, I wanted to tell you both before I proposed.”

“You seem confused, big guy.” I smirk. “If you want to marry Evan, then what are you going to offer me for him?”

“What?” he scoffs. “He’s not your family—” He slams his lips together, but my grin widens.

“Yes, he is, so what is his bride-price? Give me an offer,” I challenge him.

He narrows his eyes, but he can tell I’m serious. “I will love him until the day I die. He will want for nothing. He will always have a home in my arms and any money or place he wants. I would die for him.”

I shrug. “Yeah, yeah, that’s lovely and shit, but what’s the bride-price?”

“I could build you a car.” He frowns.

“Not interested. Try again,” I retort.

Alice shakes her head, but she doesn’t stop us.

“I’ll buy you tickets to see that singer you like,” Alek offers, looking desperate.

“Nope.” I sigh. “I guess we don’t have a deal.” I go to stand, but his hand darts out, stopping me.

“I’ll give you my sister,” he blurts, his eyes wide and pleading.

Leaning over the table, I grin at him. “Big guy, she’s already mine, and she isn’t going anywhere.”

“What if I give you permission to have her forever?” he says.

“Deal.” I hold out my hand, and he shakes it. When I sit, I can’t help but laugh.

“I would have done it for the car, but it works in my favor.” I wink at Alice. “Looks like he sold you to me.”

“How will I ever live?” she teases as she leans into my side. “Are you really proposing to Evan?”

“I wanted to the moment we became official, but I didn’t want to scare him off, so I’ve been taking it slow. I knew from the moment I met him that he was the one, even if I didn’t want to admit it. I don’t want to waste any more time. Life is too unpredictable. I want him to be my husband. I want our family.”

“I’m so happy for you, big brother,” Alice says, tears in her eyes, and he smiles brightly.

“Think he will say yes?” he asks.

“He would be a fool not to,” Alice replies, wiping her eyes.