“No. I will never stay here.”
“Not for anything?”
I’m not being fair. He doesn’t know all the reasons behind why I’m asking.
Declan’s jaw tightens, and he shakes his head. “There’s nothing that could hold me here. This town … it’s filled with things I can’t be near.”
Things like me.
“Maybe one day you’ll change your mind,” I say and then turn.
“Syd.”
I shake my head, spinning back to face him. “Don’t. I’m not asking for it to be me. I’m really not. What happened a couple of months ago was meant to be a goodbye. I know where you stand, and you know where I stand.”
I also know that the next six months will prove a lot.
“You two going to make out?” Connor calls from the top of the porch.
“Keep it up, and you’ll have a house full of ducks,” I warn.
His grin falls, and I mentally pat myself on the back. He’s so easy to rattle. Connor is the only former SEAL I know who is afraid of a freaking farm animal, and I’m not afraid to use it.
“Let’s not forget I know your fears too,” he replies with mischief in his voice.
Declan and I climb the stairs, and the two of them embrace. “Good to see you, Duckie,” Declan slaps his brother’s shoulder.
“I already wish your six months were up.”
“Me too.”
“Me three,” I tack on.
Connor laughs. “She’s a pistol.”
“Always has been.” Declan’s voice is smooth like whiskey as he stares at me.
I will not let it warm me. I fight the pull to put his lips to mine and take a slow, long sip until his fire burns through my veins. However, I know what happens when I play with fire … I end up with a baby.
Dinner is … tense.
No matter how hard I try, I can’t ignore the brooding man beside me. Ellie and Connor are sitting, hands held on the table, and my heart aches a little. That used to be Declan and me. We were the couple so deliriously in love that we were unable to resist touching each other.
Now, we’re both sitting, ram-rod straight with our hands clasped in our own laps.
I smile at the right time and answer the questions that are asked, but I feel as though I have my hand on an electric wire, waiting for the first current to electrocute me.
Not even Hadley could lessen the tension. As soon as dinner was done, she begged her parents to let her go out to her tree mansion. I look over at the clock for the fortieth time and note it’s only been two minutes since Hadley disappeared. It would be rude to leave before seven, which means I only have twenty-three more minutes of torture to endure.
Ellie wipes her mouth, not removing the grin from her lips as though she knows what I’m thinking. “Dessert will be in about a half hour,” she says.
“I’d love some dessert,” Declan states.
My eyes narrow at Ellie. “I don’t know that I can stay.”
“Really? Why not?” There is innocence in her voice, but I’m not buying it.
Because I’m going to be in jail for murder.
“I have a big case tomorrow,” I lie.
Ellie’s brows lift. “You do?”
I release a breath through my nose. “I do.”
Connor’s eyes move between us for a second, and then he decides to take the wheel of the bus currently backing over me. “You said you weren’t in court until next week.”
“I got an email saying they’re moving it up.” My tone is curt, and I hope I injected enough warning.
“Interesting,” Ellie adds before bringing her glass to her lips.
“Well, you know, I should actually get going now. Beat the traffic home and get a jump on things. I would hate for my client to be let down.”
Connor’s hand darts out, gripping my wrist. “Can you wait five minutes? Ellie and I wanted to talk to you both.”
I already know what they’re going to talk to us about and have no idea why I’m being forced to stay, but I nod and relax back into my seat. I may want to kick their asses right now, but my happiness for them doesn’t overshadow that.
“What’s wrong?” Declan’s voice immediately turns into concern.
“Nothing,” Connor says.
Ever the protector, Declan shifts forward, and his eyes bounce from Connor to Ellie. “Are you okay? Hadley?”
“We’re fine, Mom.” Connor rolls his eyes. “It’s nothing bad. In fact, it’s great news. We’re getting married.”
My smile is automatic and tears burn the backs of my eyes. I’m so happy for her. “Married? You’re getting married? Seriously?”
Ellie nods, her own eyes brimming with moisture. “And we’re pregnant.”
“I knew that part, but I didn’t know he proposed!” I scream and rush toward Ellie. My arms wrap around her as I hold on tight. Could this be any better for them? No, it can’t.
Ellie is going to marry Connor, and it’s all so damn perfect.
“When?” I ask as I pull back.
“Umm, we’re thinking about two months from now. You know … before I start showing.”
I grin and nod. At least now I don’t have to worry about being the size of a house at the reception.
“Wow, that’s soon and a lot of news,” Declan says as he stands, pulling his brother toward him in an awkward hug.
“I hope you’re happy for us.” Connor’s voice is firm.
“I’m so happy for you!” I say and then give Declan a look of warning. If he ruins this, I’ll beat him with his own arms.
Dec smiles as he pats his shoulder. “Of course I am. My baby brother found a girl who is willing to put up with his stupid ass for the rest of his life.”
I release a deep breath and hug Ellie again. I was worried about what he would say. While there is basically a year between each brother as they
