My head snaps up. "He said that?"
"Yes. He said he realized it wasn't fair to either of them to keep pretending." She pokes me in the chest. "So stop using him as an excuse to be a coward."
"It's not just that. She's?—"
“Young, yes, I'm aware. She's also brilliant and independent and mature beyond her years in many ways." Sadie's eyes soften. "Harlon, you look at her like she hung the moon."
I shake my head and sigh.
She grabs my hands. "What if you finally let yourself be happy?"
I close my eyes. "Jayce is still going to hate me."
"You won’t know until you talk to him." She gives me a squeeze. "But he is your brother…and he wants you to be happy. Give him a little more credit."
Her voice goes steel. "But Harlon, if you walk away from her because you're scared, you’re a total dumbass. And more importantly, you'll never forgive yourself."
Before I can respond, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out, and my stomach drops.
Merry Christmas, bro. Call me when you get a chance.
I stare at the message from Jayce, heart pounding.
"What?" Sadie asks.
I show her the screen. "Well. Guess you're telling him sooner rather than later."
"Yeah." I pocket the phone. "I should do it now. Before I lose my nerve."
"Good." She stands on her toes and pulls me down to kiss my cheek. "And Harlon? That woman is perfect for you."
I walk back into the living room, and my eyes immediately find Piper. I know I can't go back pretending these feelings don't exist and spending the rest of my life wondering what if.
Our eyes meet across the room, and everything else falls away—the noise, the people, the complications—none of it matters as much as the way she looks at me.
Like I'm worth the risk.
Like we both are.
Meredith says something I don't catch, but everyone laughs, and Piper ducks her head, that flush spreading across her cheeks again. When she looks back up, she's still watching me, and there's a question in her eyes.
I mouthlaterand she nods, understanding.
My phone feels heavy in my pocket. I need to call Jayce and have the conversation that could blow everything apart.
Whatever happens with Jayce, whatever obstacles we face—I'm done running from this.
Done denying what I feel.
CHAPTER 7
PIPER
Ineed some air.
The cabin is warm and full of laughter, everyone smiling, unwrapping gifts, and telling stories, but me…my chest feels tight. I slip out the back door with Bear trotting after me, his tail wagging like we're about to have the adventure of a lifetime.
"Just you and me, buddy," I murmur, grabbing a tennis ball from the porch basket.
