She studies me for a moment, her expression knowing. “That’s not the same thing,” she says quietly.
“It is to me.”
“When I go—”
“Anika,” I snap, sharper than I intend.
She doesn’t flinch. “Hear me out,” she says, her voice low but firm.
I exhale slowly, my jaw tight. I hate this, the way she talks about dying like it’s inevitable, like it’s already decided.
“When I go,” she repeats, softer now, “I need to know you’re looked after. That Sebastian is looked after.”
“He will be,” I say immediately.
“Because we both know Luke won’t step up when it comes to it,” she continues. “And I can’t stand the thought of Sebastian not having someone—”
“He’ll have me,” I cut in. “And Dale. You know that.”
Her eyes soften. “I do. But a good woman will—”
“Men can raise kids, Ani,” I say, forcing a smirk. “Don’t be sexist.”
She doesn’t laugh. “Can’t you just try?” she asks quietly. “For me.” I already know where this is going. “Wynter is perfect for you.”
I let out a short laugh. “Perfect?”
She watches me carefully, so I sigh, “Go on then,” I say. “Enlighten me, because I can tell you exactly why we’re not compatible.” I tick it off on my fingers, like I’m listing facts. “She’s emotional. Cries at the drop of a hat. She’s young. Naive. And she has no idea what kind of man I am.”
“Do you trust me, Ray?” she asks.
I sigh again, heavier, and take her hand, careful like always, even though she can’t feel it. “You know I do.”
“Then trust me to know you,” she says softly. “To know what you need.”
I shake my head, already pulling away. “I don’t need anyone.”
“Everyone needs someone.”
“Not like that.”
Her gaze doesn’t waver. “Wynter is it for you, Ray. She’s it.”
Something unsettles in my chest and I immediately crush it. “She wouldn’t last a week with me,” I say bluntly. “She can’t handle me, Ani.”
A small smile touches her lips. “She’s stronger than she looks.”
I shake my head again, dismissing it, because if I don’t, I might start thinking about it properly, and I don’t want that.
“How about this,” I say. “I’ll find someone. I’ll try. But not her. Not Wynter.”
Anika studies me for a long moment. Then she smiles, like she’s already won her case.
“You won’t find anyone,” she says lightly. “Because she’s it.” I huff out a breath. “But if it makes you feel better to look,” she adds, “go ahead. When you realise it’s a waste of time, I’ll be right here to tell you I told you so.”
Dale laughs when I tell him about Anika’s latest scheme.
“She believes in love so desperately,” he says, shaking his head. “It actually hurts my heart that it never worked out for her.”
