Jace tips his chin. No words.
“Do you want to do this now?” I ask him. “It can wait or we can talk. Whatever you want.”
“What I want?”
“I know. You didn’t get a vote here. And I’m sorry.”
He’s quiet. I know him. And I see all the layers.
That’s what kills me.
“Now’s as good as anytime,” Jace says.
I had a whole speech planned, explaining how and why. Telling him how much I love his sister. None of that seems sufficient now that we’re face to face.
“I’m sorry,” I say, simply. And I hold his gaze.
My skin feels hot and uncomfortable, but I don’t look away.
“My sister?” he asks.
“I love her.”
He narrows his eyes and studies me as if he could sniff out any falsehood.
“You love her?”
“I do. I’ve liked her for a long time—been attracted to her.”
He winces slightly. Man, I’m not doing this right.
“She’s amazing. And I kept my distance out of respect for you. I thought it would pass—my feelings for her. But I only …” I blow out a breath. “I couldn’t get over her. I love her.”
“So you said,” he says with a nearly imperceptible quirk of his mouth.
“You’re my best friend—as close as a brother,” I tell him. “We’ve always had each other’s backs.”
He nods.
“I would do anything for you,” I tell him. “I’d probably even die for you.”
His face shows no emotion, but then it softens slightly and he nods.
“I’m not giving her up,” I say. “Not even for you.”
I swallow hard.
My words surprise me for a moment—but they’re true.
Jace’s head pulls back slightly. He didn’t expect me to say what I did.
“I didn’t mean for you to find out like you did. We were going to tell you after farrowing—after the wedding.”
“I know. Carli told me on the ride over here.”
I nod.
“Today’s about McKenna,” Jace says. “Let’s focus on that.”
