Dax rolls his eyes. “Please. Jasper would probably scare him.”
“He’s not here to defend himself,” I tell them. “At least try to pretend he’s in the running.”
“Nah.” Dax wiggles his fingers in front of Caleb. “I’m claiming the title of favorite uncle. You can’t take it back.”
“That’s it.”
“What’s it?” they all ask.
It hits me like a lightning bolt. What I need to do to get Stevie back once and for all.
That one move of his hand.
The hand flex.
What Stevie loves.
I don’t want Stevie to be the one that got away. She’s too important. I love her too much.
I have to show her how much she means to me. That we can weather any stormtogether. That she doesn’t have to run when things get hard.
I need to channel my inner Darcy and let her know just how much she means to me. And that I’ll never let her get away.
ChapterThirty-Five
STEVIE
No. No. No. Definitely not, no.
Not having a job is the worst. I’ve been doing nothing but looking for available jobs and applying until my fingers hurt. I don’t want to be picky, but I don’t think my car could make an hour round-trip drive every day.
It’s been crickets. All of the hiring immediately ads are lying. I have experience. If you don’t actually want someone, then why say that?
Ugh. I hate how angry I’m feeling right now. It’s not helping anything. My phone buzzes on the nightstand next to me.
My heart drops at the name on my phone. Every time it rings, I’m secretly hoping it’s Bode.
He’s giving me my space like I asked for.
“Hey Harper.”
“Good, you answered,” she tells me by way of greeting.
“Why wouldn’t I answer?” I lie back against the oversized pillows. Thankfully Cressy’s guestroom was ready for me. It might not have much besides a bed, nightstand, and dresser, but it’s all I need.
“I was worried you’d be upset with me.”
“Why would I be upset with you?”
“Because of everything that’s happened.”
I wince, rubbing a hand over my forehead. I’m going to get wrinkles early from all the tension headaches I’ve had. “It’s not your fault.”
“I know, but I feel terrible. I wish I could do more.”
“You’re still here.”
“How are things?” she asks.
