I guess I figured if I couldn’t get that from my own family, it was pointless to try with anyone else. But she’s already lived with me and accepted me for who I am, flaws and all, and she’s still offering her love, without conditions. All I’d have to do is love her in return, in my own way.
“What’s going on in there, man?” Rowan asks after a while.
I cringe and scratch the back of my neck. “A whole lot of shit I never imagined. And you know it’s already a dumpster fire in here most days,” I tell him.
He laughs softly. “I’ve always pictured the inside of your head as more of a circus—organized chaos.”
“Not far off, but I think it’s less fun,” I reply, smirking.
“A browser window with too many tabs open?”
I snort. “And one of the tabs is blasting music, but I can’t figure out where it’s coming from to turn it off.”
“So how many of those open tabs are reserved for my sister?”
“All of them—I mean, only the wholesome ones.” I barely get it out with a straight face before he shoves me.
“In all the time we’ve known one another, this is the deepest heart-to-heart discussion we’ve ever had,” Rowan declares as he stands. “Don’t you think that’s pretty significant?”
I roll my eyes. “Are you going to get all mushy and talk about all the ways Daisy’s changed me?”
“I was actually going to say it’s funny how this whole thing panned out. You thought you were in it to help Daisy, but you ended up learning about trust and love from her, just before those feelings seem to have developed for you. It’s almost as if the Holy Spirit took both of your strengths and weaknesses into account before He nudged you together on purpose.”
I laugh. “Maybe. It would make sense if that’s how this works, since you’re still single. Because what could you possibly have left to learn?” I blurt out, realizing how hurtful it sounds a second too late. “Sorry, man. I meant that as a compliment.”
He nods, his smile looking sadder now, and I’m immediately overcome with guilt. My intentions don’t seem to matter this time. He needs first aid, not an explanation.
“I mean, I’m sorry. That was insensitive, and I shouldn’t have said it,” I tell him firmly.
“Nah, it is what it is, right? I’ll find someone if and when God wills it,” he replies. “And probably when I least expect it.”
“Yeah. For what it’s worth, I wish I had more sisters to spare,” I say, making him laugh.
“It doesn’t have to be an even trade. Just promise me you’ll take good care of mine.”
I have to swallow the unexpected emotion in my throat before I can reply. “Always.”
“And you have to let her take care of you,” he adds with a smirk, and I agree.
CHAPTER 39
daisy
Landry coughsquietly as he merges onto the interstate. I sigh and shift my position in the passenger seat, then pick up my phone again.
Okay, so maybe I’m fishing for a reaction from him. I know we both hate letting any kind of conflict simmer, so his unusually calm and collected demeanor this morning is making me feel exceptionally anxious. But I’m in love with him, and I need him to quit being so stubborn and admit that he loves me, too. And I really want to skip to the part where we kiss and make up.
“I’m sorry,” he begins awkwardly, and I sigh inwardly. “About last night.” He glances my way, his expression contrite.
“I’m not surprised to hear you say that,” I return bitterly when I realize he’s only apologizing for the parts I enjoyed.
“Look who’s sounding cynical now.” He smirks.
I roll my eyes. “You can’t blame me for assuming you’d regret kissing me again.”
His face falls. “But I shouldn’t have been kissing you after the other stuff I’d just said, and I certainly shouldn’t have let it go that far.”
I huff out another loud sigh. “Right, because I’m just a silly, little girl who can’t think for herself. And you’re the Big Bad Wolf who’s come to seduce me.”
