“Yes.” She says it so faint, I doubt it was for us to hear. “You have her eyes. I see her there in your face.” Her voice is flat, her eyes strangely fixed on his as if she were hypnotized. Aubree swallows hard as moisture fills her eyes. “You’re dating my baby sister.” She says it catatonic. “Please, don’t hurt her.”
Aubree’s mind immediately went to revenge, but I know that Grant isn’t remotely capable of that. The fact he wants us to wait before we’re together in that special way is exemplary of his character.
“I won’t ever hurt her.” Grant pushes out a pained smile. “I want you to know that I love your sister. I don’t believe there’s another person on the planet I’m destined to be with.” He glances down at his folded hands for a brief moment before searing his gaze over hers. “I also need you to know that—I forgive you.”
Aubree inches back as if he slapped her and, just like that, rivers flow from her eyes. She drops her head into her hands and sobs uncontrollably.
Owen looks to the guard, waiting for approval before he comforts her.
“It’s okay,” my brother whispers. “Grant is the real deal. I promise he’s not playing games with you or Ava. You know I would never allow that.”
Aubree takes a moment to compose herself, her nose slicked, her cheeks still wet with fresh tears.
She pushes out a controlled breath while looking at Grant, studying his features. “Believe it or not, I did like Stephanie.” A hard frown comes and goes as if she’s struggling to keep from sobbing once again and is about to lose the battle. “I lost my mind. I don’t know what happened, who I became. I stepped outside of myself.” She shakes her head nonstop. “I am so very sorry. I realize words are cheap. There are no words, really.”
Grant softens, relaxes in his seat as if those were the very words he longed to hear. “Apology accepted.” And just like that, Aubree’s mouth falls open once again. She’s back where she started with him. Grant is inspiring in every single way. “Now”—he pauses, and the three of us hold our breath—“I’d love it if you wouldn’t mind sharing any good memories of my sister.” He pumps a wry smile. “I miss her.”
“You miss her.” She closes her eyes. “I know. I know you do. I miss those good days we had. I was close to Stephanie at one time, and I remember everything.”
Aubree engages Grant in stories about his sister for the next two hours. In a strange way, the entire visit was a broken kind of beautiful.
The rideback to Hollow Brook late that afternoon is solemn, sincere. Owen offers Grant a heartfelt embrace as he drops us off on The Row. The sky is full and heavy with dark clouds, making it feel far later than it actually is.
“I’ve never had a brother.” Owen pats him on the back. “I’m really glad you’re in our lives.” He looks to me and nods me over. Grant is kind enough to step away and take a seat on the porch.
“Everything okay?” I’m almost afraid to probe.
“Better than okay.” Owen slings his arm around my shoulders. “I never thought I’d say this—hell, I’ve neverwantedto say this, but I’m glad you found a great guy. I know the road ahead won’t be easy, but I’m here for you. How about not running from me in the future?”
“I won’t. I promise.” I wince. “But there’s one more secret I’ve been keeping from you. Don’t get mad.”
His eyes cloud with worry. “I swear I won’t, Ava. Please know that you can trust me.” The hurt exuding from my brother tears my heart out.
“I pledged Kappa G. I get a bed next fall.” I back up an inch, just waiting for the blowout.
Owen nods as if accepting this on some level. His gaze fixes on some invisible horizon just beyond me before he comes to. “Are they good people?”
“Yeah, they’re the best. I wouldn’t hang around if they weren’t.”
He pinches his eyes shut a moment. “Then I’m happy for you.” He pulls me into a strong embrace, and I take in the familiar scent of his cologne. Owen has always held the scent of home. He is my home. “You know I’ll support whatever you do. I trust you. You have me completely in every single way. I’m not going anywhere. Don’t be afraid to be honest with me. I would never want that.”
I touch my finger to his nose and smile. “Now that you’ve let go of the leash, you’ll be seeing a lot more of me.”
“Will you be around on Wednesday?”
“My birthday?” I bat my lashes up at him. “Of course.”
“Great. What do you have planned?”
“No plans. I’m easy.”
“Perfect. Meet Piper and me at the Black Bear about five for dinner?”
“Sounds like a party.” I press a quick peck to his cheek. “You’re a really special brother to me.”
“I’m your only brother.”
“I guess that makes you extra special.”
