“I know,” I answer honestly.
“But… it’s so, so worth it,” she continues. “Every hard day. Every insecure thought. Every look from people who’d never understand. Because when it works? It’s a love you could have never experienced in your wildest dreams.” There’s such devotion in her voice. A gratitude for this new life she’s been blessed with. One I’ve envied since the day she found it.
A love you could have never experienced in your wildest dreams.
I swallow harshly at the thought.
“But hear me, Jasper. This only works if every single one of you remembers she is not something to be won. She’s not a prize you compete over. She’s a person who gets to choose that life. Every. Day.”
I close my eyes, leaning my forehead against Dezzy’s neck. “We know that.”
“You think you do,” she says gently. “But knowing it and living it are two different things. You don’t take from her when you’re angry with one another. You don’t pull her into you out of fear that she’s getting closer with someone else. And you sure as hell don’t let jealousy turn into silence or distance because you’re afraid.”
“You talk,” Joe continues. “Even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially when it’s uncomfortable. If one of you feels threatened or insecure or left out, you say it. Don’t punish her for feelings she didn’t ask for.”
“I’d never—”
“I know,” she interrupts. “That’s why I’m saying it now. Before the lines blur even further. Before emotions get tangled. Before one of you decides being noble and stepping back without explanation, and breaking her heart in the process, is the way to go.”
That one lands square in my chest.
“And Jas?” she asks quietly. “It’s normal to be angry. To be upset with some of the hands life decides to deal with you. Lean into that feeling. Don’t run from it. No one worth loving will ever punish you for feeling angry. Your anger isn’t the problem. But your silence would be.”
I swallow hard. “So what… we just trust that it’ll all work out?”
“No,” she says with a small laugh. “You work at it, you idiot. You protect her peace like it’s sacred. You make sure she never has to wonder if she’s safe with you—physically or emotionally.Because after everything that woman’s survived, the bare minimum is respect. The rest?” I can feel her smiling into the phone. “Well, the rest is fucking magic.”
I let out a slow breath. “You really think this can work?”
“I know it can, Jas. I live a life as beautiful as that every single day,” she replies. “If all of you are willing to love her louder than your fears, you’ll be lucky enough to have her.”
There’s a small pause before she adds, “And don’t think that just because you’re my brother, I’ll take your side. You hurt her, I’ll kick your ass.”
I snort. “I’d like to see you try.”
“I’ll send Big Daddy, how’s that sound?”
I scrunch my nose in disgust. “Okay, first of all, what have I said about calling Dante that around me? And second of all, I want his Hulk fist nowhere near my precious face. Message received.”
The two of us laugh, and even though I know she’s joking, it makes me smile knowing Abigail has a friend who would stand up for her that way.
“I love you,” she says.
“Love you too, Joe.”
“Call me if you need me. Okay?”
Big sister til the very end. “I will. I promise.”
I hang up and rest my palm against Dezzy’s nose, before looking up.
Abigail’s crossing the yard toward the barn, hair loose beneath a white stocking cap, sunlight catching its strands. Beau’s laughter carries faintly from the house behind her, and Lawson’s voice follows.
She’s fucking glowing.
And as she catches sight of me and offers me one of those precious smiles, one I know is reserved just for me—because it’sdifferent than the way she smiles at Lawson, or Beau, or Lincoln—I know I made the right call.
Chapter forty
