Heat flooded his cheeks. “That’s none of your business.”
“You’re my brother. Rachel is my sister-in-law. If there’s trouble in your lives, it’s my business.”
“Who said there was any trouble?”
Dan snorted. “Look at you. When did you last shave? Or comb your hair? Or do your PT? Your mobility isn’t going to improve if you don’t put some effort into it. And what’s with all the booze?”
“I’m not answering any of those questions.”
“Then you’re going to be enjoying my handsome face for the next two days.” He dropped onto the couch and folded his arms. “My duffel bag is in the car.”
Based on the set of his jaw, his brother was serious.
Blast.
“Why aren’t you at the firehouse?” He didn’t try to hide his annoyance.
“I finished my rotation. I have two days off. Start talking.”
“I don’t have anything to say.”
“Fine. I’ll talk to Rachel. Where is she?”
“Work—and I don’t want you talking to my wife.”
“Why not?”
Three reasons: she was fed up with him, she liked Dan, and his brother could get anyone to spill their guts if he turned on the charm.
“This is between you and me.”
“Nope. In marriage, two become one—remember?”
Greg hesitated. Rachel would be home from work in less than two hours. If he didn’t talk, Dan would follow through on his threat and pick her brain.
“Fine.” He walked back to his chair in as normal a gait as he could manage and sat. “I’ll answer your questions. Three days ago, yesterday, this morning, and I acquired a taste for beer in the army.”
“That’s a start, anyway.” His brother unfolded his arms. “So what’s with the radio silence from your end? You don’t return my calls, and I could count on two hands the words in the few texts you’ve deigned to answer.”
“I don’t have anything to say. My life isn’t exactly brimming with news or excitement.”
“There could be . . . if you got out of this house once in a while.”
“I do.”
“When’s the last time you ate at a restaurant with your wife or poked around at Lou’s shop or had a taco at Charley’s?”
“I’ve done all that since I’ve been back.”
“How often?”
He clamped his teeth together and glared at his brother.
“That’s what I thought. You know, hiding in a dark house with all the shades drawn isn’t healthy.”
“I’m not hiding.”
“You could have fooled me. Some fresh air and physical activity wouldn’t hurt you.”
“I get out.”
“Where? To the lighthouse?”
“How do you know about that?”
“I called one day, and Rachel said you’d gone up there alone. Again. She sounded worried.”
No surprise there. Rachel had been worried since the day the IED had shattered his leg—and ruined their life—eight months ago.
But it wasn’t going to ruin her life much longer, if he continued to ignore the ultimatum she’d issued.
And that might be the best outcome—for her.
“Rachel worries too much.” He gave a dismissive wave, all the while fighting back a rush of panic at the very real possibility that she might disappear from his life.
“No, she doesn’t. The woman you married has a sunny disposition and a glass-half-full outlook—or she used to. If she’s worrying, there’s a reason.” His brother leaned forward and clasped his hands together. “You need to get your act together, Greg. Dad and Mom would tell you the same thing if they were still here.”
“Well, they’re not. And I’m sick of being lectured. I don’t need you giving me grief too.”
“Too?” Dan’s eyebrows rose. “Who else is rattling your cage?”
Whoops.
Bad slip.
“No one.”
Dan inspected him with that X-ray vision unique to big brothers. “Given how you’ve been Mr. Antisocial since you came back to Hope Harbor, I’m guessing Rachel finally decided to play hardball.”
He could deny it—but if Dan hung around until Rachel got home, he’d pick up on the tension between them and know he’d nailed the situation.
“You sound like you’re happy about that.”
“I’m not sad, if that’s what it takes to bring you to your senses.”
“I don’t respond well to intimidation.”
“It’s not intimidation if someone has your best interests at heart. That’s called love.” He leaned closer. “And Rachel loves you every bit as much as you love her.”
As his brother’s quiet comment hung in the air between them, Greg dipped his chin, clasped his hands together, and watched his knuckles turn white. “I’m not certain that’s true anymore.”
“She wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t.”
“She might not be for long.”
“Sounds to me like that’s up to you.”
Exactly what Rachel had said.
“I’m not the same man she married.”
“True—but you could be even better. Positive change can come out of bad experiences. It’s a choice.”
“It’s tough finding anything positive in losing a leg.”
“Could be you’re not trying hard enough—and are too fixated on anger and bitterness to appreciate the blessing of a woman whose world has also been rocked but who’s stuck around and tried to shake some sense into you.” He stood.
“Where are you going?”
“Home. Now that I know Rachel is putting on the pressure, my work here is done. But a piece of advice. Don’t let her do all the heavy lifting. Make an effort. I bet that’s all it would take to smooth off some of the rough edges in your relationship. You could start by shaving.”
“I like this look.”
“Trust me—it doesn’t suit you. Clean-cut all-American is more your style.”
“Thanks for the fashion advice.”
Dan gave him a crooked grin, crossed the room, and squeezed his shoulder. “That’s what big brothers are for. Call if you need anything.”
“Yeah. Listen . . . you want to hang around for dinner?” After his brother’s long drive, he ought to at least offer to feed him.
“No. I don’t want to intrude on your evening together.”
“Rachel wouldn’t mind.”
“She might—if you gave her a reason to be glad I decided not to stay.” Dan arched an eyebrow.
A surge of heat swept up Greg’s neck.
Dan winked and sauntered to the door. “Hold that thought.”
“Listen . . .” Greg tried to will away the flush. “Thanks for coming down.”
“No sweat.” Dan paused, hand on the knob. “But it’s not a relaxing road trip. So answer my
