“Of course I want to spend time with you. You’re one of my best friends, and I love that little boy.”
My chest warms, heart expanding like a hot air balloon. “He loves you, too. We both do.”
Her cheeks flush, a blush works up her neck—all the way to the tips of her ears.
“I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember,” she whispers, her eyes glancing through long lashes.
“And I’m sorry it took me so long tofigure that out.” I slide my hand up her jaw, fingers cupping the back of her neck. “I don’t need time to know that I want you in my life. If I didn’t think it’d send you running for the hills, I’d take you to Prescott’s and get you a ring right now. It’ll never be enough—the time I get with you. I know the way loss can sneak up on us. I know we’re not guaranteed tomorrow, and I’m not about to waste any more precious seconds when you could be mine.”
She works through a swallow, her head bobbing on a nod. “Then date me, you crazy person. Don’t jump straight to marriage and living together. Date me, until the house is ready. And then, if you haven’t changed your mind and you’re sure you want to leave the house with all of Lara’s memories, we’ll move into the big house.”
“Deal.” I smile into her mouth, pressing my lips into hers. Sibyl greets me, her body surging into mine. The kiss devolves into something more needy, hungrier than it started.
Hazel’s voice goes up in a cheer, drowning out the sound of someone hacking. I’d bet anything it’s Kellan, choking on a bite of pie.
“Should we make a run for it?” I whisper.
“My keys are in the cupholder...” She grins, mischievous eyes meeting mine. “It should probably be towed, though.” She grimaces. “Turns out Kellan didn’t fix it after all.”
“What’s wrong with it, exactly?” I ask, offering her a hand as I haul myself out of the booth.
“The brakes don’t work one hundred percent of the time…” She gives me a nervous smile.
“Jesus.” I wrap an arm around her shoulders, hauling her into my side. “I’m going to have words with your brother. You can’t drive something that isn’t safe.”
“He’s hoping that if he takes long enough, I’ll give up and buy something new.”
“Didn’t he just put a transmission in?”
“I did.” Kellan pops up behind us. “I’m tired of fixing the same car. I’m a body guy, Sibs. I hate mechanic work.”
“Ahh,” Sibyl croons, looking back at Kellan as we make our way out the door. “But you’re so good at it.”
Kellan narrows his eyes at her.
“Hey, Dad.” Sibyl smiles at Chuck. I let her go so she can hug him. “Sorry to scare you guys.”
“That’s okay, Sugar Plum.” Chuck gives her a toothy grin before jumping into the passenger seat again.
Sibyl glances at her car, a little pout on her face.
“I’ll have it towed.” I run my thumb along her pouty lip.
“Okay,” she concedes, following Hazel into the backseat.
“Did you watch the video?” Hazel practically shouts at Sibyl.
“Hey, man.” Kellan stops me at the driver’s side door. “You sure about this? About her?”
“I am.” I nod.
“Hell yeah.” He pulls me into a hug. “It’s about time!”
“Weren’t you just about to punch me at the shop?”
“That was just my initial reaction to seeing you kiss my sister. Let’s try to do that as little as possible. Yeah?”
“Cover your eyes then.” I wink, climbing into the truck next to Sibyl. “I don’t plan on wasting a single second not kissing your sister.”
