“It’s just so soon. Elijah and I are only just finding our way back to one another.”
“Is that a problem?” I ask, wondering if I need to slap my elder brother upside the head for making my friend feel unsure.
Pen shakes her head. “Heavens, no. Elijah is thrilled. He wants us to elope and get married. And Lottie. She’s over the moon at the idea of being abigsister.”
I grip her hand tightly until her gaze meets mine.
“Pen, my brother loves you. He’s loved you for so long… even when he couldn’t be with you.”
I pick up my glass of water, taking a sip.
“That’s the problem. I don’t want us to get married because I’m pregnant. He’s already done that once.”
I choke.
What?
“Um, you and Elijah are nothing like the first time around,” I say. “Believe me, there was never any love between Darra and my brother. Lust, yes, at least in the beginning. Convenience, in the middle, but by the end, it was pure necessity as far as he was concerned. But it definitely wasnotlove.”
I should know.
Zach and I spent enough time around them in the early days of their marriage, and then Darra was always bringing Lottie around.
Now I know why.
A sudden tightness grips my chest, my body growing hot.
I choke down some more of my water as a distraction to my wayward thoughts.
Pen sighs. “I’ve told him he can propose after the baby is born, if that’s what he still wants.”
I place my glass down, pleased that my hand is steady.
“You think Elijah, of all people, is going to change his mind?”
Pen grins. “No, but it gives me some time to breathe.”
“Then the question really is, doyouwant to marry Elijah?”
My heart stalls as I ask the question. I think I know the answer, but with everything that’s going on, I’m struggling to trust my judgement.
Pen stares at me wide-eyed. “Really?” she says.
“I had to ask,” I reply, expelling the breath I’m holding.
She chuckles. “Don’t tell him, but I’d marry him in a heartbeat,” she says, the honesty of her words shining through.
“Then, I better keep my eyes open for the perfect wedding outfit,” I say with a wink. “When are you due?”
“June.”
I squeeze her hand again, only this time she flips it, grasping mine in hers.
I smile. “I couldn’t be happier for you both. You and Eli were made for each other. I’m glad fate has finally stepped in.”
Our waitress reappears, and we order our usual. When she leaves, Pen inclines her head.
“Enough deflecting. How are you?” she asks. “And I mean,really? Not the bullshit you’ve been feeding everyone else.”
