“What the shit, Bucks?”What is so funny about my question?
He goes to open his mouth, but nothing comes out.
“What?” I demand. My irritated reaction seems to amuse him, and he can’t hold back his shit-eating grin any longer.
He takes deep, meaningful breaths, trying to calm himself down, and when he finally does, he apologizes.
“I haven’t had a good laugh in a while. Thank you for that.” He smirks.
“Just leave,” I huff, and turn to pour myself a drink, even though it’s half past ten in the morning. I need something to take the edge off.
I know I’m always the group’s jokester, but I can’t say it doesn’t sting when I ask him something serious and he laughs in my face.
I don’t need it this morning.
He puts his hands up in defense. “I’m sorry, truly. I’m not laughing at you, Peters. I’m laughing because I was taken so off-guard. I’ve been waiting for this very day… everyone has. Of course I think you’d make a great couple. It’s the two of you who don’t see it.”
My eyes go wide. What is he talking about? “Seriously?” I nod toward my drink, and he shakes his head.
“Yes, seriously, and it’s the fecking morning. Why are you drinking?”
“Don’t ask. I’ve already had the wildest day ever. Please, explain.”
“I mean, isn’t it obvious? You guys are meant for each other.”
I lean back in my chair and sip my scotch. I’m in complete shock.
John, now Declan.
“Sadie’s always said Belle’s had a crush on you since she was a kid. You seriously didn’t know?” He frowns.
“A crush is different. That means nothing.”
“Come on, Jackson. I see how you gaze at each other when you think no one is looking. Honestly, the first day you met Nora… you remember, at the restaurant? She even picked up on it. She still says to this day that you two will get married.”
I choke on my drink and hit my chest from the burn. God, if she only knew.
“You good, mate?”
I nod.
Shocked is what I am, so I change the subject. “How is my favorite redheaded beauty? Ah, excuse me, my redheadedbeauties.” Declan recently had twins, and they are the spitting image of their mom.
Whom I happen to adore. The day I met Nora, we clicked instantly.
“No changing the subject, but they are all good. Great.” He smiles and puffs out his chest.
He’s so proud to be a dad.
A tinge of jealousy hits me in the chest. I’ll miss out on that if I never settle down.
Of course, I have my nieces—including Declan’s girls—though it’s not the same. I’ve always wanted kids of my own.
I want to show them the life my sister and I were never lucky enough to have.
“I have to ask, so don’t take offense—”
“Anytime someone says that, the other person instantly takes offense, Bucks.”
