“I’m not sure I understand,” I say slowly.
She puts her hand on my arm and gives me a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "Read the book, and I promise you will.”
Chapter 10
Sutton
“Brother, we’ve got a slight problem,” Case says by way of a greeting as I walk in the front door after work.
“OK. First things first, is it the ranch, the weddin’, or the donkey?” I joke as I put my messenger bag down on the dining table. Moving into the kitchen, I make a beeline for the coffee machine.
I’ve got just enough time to have a shower and get changed before I’m due to meet up with Blair for the promised bunker tour.
It’s notexactlythe kind of date I’d ever imagined going on but when I saw how interested she was in Gramps and his stockpiles, I couldn’t say no. I figure we’ll just incorporate the bunker tour with showing her the rest of the ranch. Well, as much as we can see in a few hours.
After our hiking date on Sunday, I figure I’m willing to do just about anything if it means spending more time getting to know her.
“Can you tell me while I get ready? I’m meetin’ Blair soon.”
“Sutt, you’re as subtle as a neon billboard. We know y’all are datin’. Jude told us when we got home on Sunday. He said, andI quote ‘y’all better add Blair as Sutt’s plus one to the weddin’. Romance is afoot’.”
I cock my head. “Romance is a what now?”
“You heard me,” Case replies with a knowing grin. “Just know that we know, Sutt. You really thought Jude–the brother that always ran to Mom to tattle on us would keep asecret?”
I shrug. “He said he would,” I mutter.
“His brain works a mile a minute. He could say that and in the very next breath, forget all about it. Anyway, that’s not the point. You think Blair’s your One?” Nodding, I return to making my coffee before turning round to face my twin. “Were you goin’ to tell me?” he asks quietly.
“You didn’t already sense it?”
“Sutt, it doesn’t matter ifIknew it. You’re closest to me. We share everythin’, remember. I thought we did, anyway,” he says.
“You’re busy with the weddin’ and Isla. I would’ve told you when I knew for sure.”
“OK. I hope that’s the truth. Doesn’t matter what’s happenin’ in my life, nothin’s changed between us, Sutt. It’s never goin’ to. I hope you know that.” His lips curl up into a grin. “I’m still here. I just have a bonus Isla by my side.” I chuckle and shake my head. “When did you think it might be her?” he asks.
“If I’m bein’ honest, probably the day I first saw her in the garden. When did I know for sure? That would’ve been on our hikin’ date.”
He nods. “OK. I get it. As long asyouknow that it doesn’t matter where I am or what I’m doin’, you can always talk to me. Nothin’s changin’ here except I’m gettin’ married.”
“Case, you know that it’s inevitable that our relationship is goin’ to be different. Before Isla, it was always you and me. Now, it’s you and her.” He opens his mouth to argue but shuts it again when I pin him with a stare. “It’s OK, Case. It’s the circle of life and all that.”
“Still,” he huffs. “You could’ve toldmeabout Blair beforeJude. I mean… Jude? Really? Do you know how much he’s been teasin’ me?”
Just the thought of Jude lording it over Case has me biting back a laugh. “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you.” I sigh. “I guess I didn’t want–”
“The pressure that comes with us knowin’ it’s your turn and wantin’ you to experience the happiness we’ve found?” he says, summarizing my thoughts out loud.
“It’s kind of creepy when you two do that,” Will says, walking into the room.
Case smirks. “Shouldn’t you be used to it by now.”
Will takes a stool at the island. “How ‘bout you make me one of those,” he says, gesturing to my coffee mug, “then at least I’ll have somethin’ to drink while you tell us why you’re suddenly keepin’ things to yourself.”
“Since you asked so nicely,” I shoot back.
“Sutt,pleasecan you make me one of those delicious brews of yours. It tastes better when you do it,” he asks, making a whole show out of it.
