“We’re just so different,” I admit.
“You and Rae?”
“No, Asher and me.”
“That’s true, but do you think I’m like Dumont or McQuaid?”
“Fuck no.” I chuckle, and then realize the point he’s making.
“But you all get along. Asher and I really only get along when we’re—” I cut myself off not needing to get into the specifics.
“You think we’ve always gotten along?” Brent scoffs. “You’ve only seen the last twenty-three years of us being together but trust me it was not always smooth sailing.”
“Really?”
“Really. All relationships have issues, whether it’s just two people involved or multiple. But all that matters is how you handle those issues. And if this is what you three want, then it’s up to you to figure it out.”
“Any advice?”
The side of his mouth quirks up in a smile. “Be prepared to tell her dad. And her brothers.”
I grimace because I knew at some point, we would have to tell everyone. Jared has always been nice to me, he’s on the quiet side like Brent, but I’ve also never had to tell him that I’m in love with his daughter.
“I doubt Steele and Nash are going to be a problem.” I shake my head. I’ve always gotten along with them.
“Maybe not for you.”
I understand he’s talking about Asher, and since we’re all in this together that matters as well.
“Do you think this is a mistake?”
“Do you think she’s worth it?” he counters.
“Of course she is,” I answer immediately.
“Then you’ll figure it out. You’re a good kid, always have been.”
I don’t even bother arguing that I’m not a kid anymore,instead I grab the puck with my stick and start skating it around again, shooting it toward the goal, making it easily.
“And if Jared wants to kill me, will you defend me?” I joke to lighten the mood.
“Nope, I’ll let you handle that yourself.”
I chuckle, knowing he’s not kidding. I don’t think Jared will freak out on me; if anything he may not have the best reaction to Asher, but I guess the good news is that he knows how to fight.
Brent skates out, getting the puck and skating around to the other side of the rink before shooting it easily. I think this conversation is done, until he skates back over, passing the puck back to me and speaks again.
“People are always going to have opinions on your life, even more so because you and Rae are in the public eye. But remember that none of it matters. If you’re happy and willing to work together, then you can get through anything. It’s not anyone else’s life but yours.”
I nod, knowing he’s right. But I can’t help but make a comment that already has a laugh bubbling out of me. “Is that how you finally accepted my parents being together?”
My uncle gives me an unimpressed look. “I’m still working on it.”
I bark out a laugh. Even if they won’t admit it, I know Brent and my dad get along better now than they did when they were younger. At this point it’s like a running family joke that they still have a rivalry. Though, I’ve caught them having a good time watching hockey games throughout my life.
It makes me think of Asher and myself, because even though we may not get along we have one massive thing in common. Even if he won’t admit it, I’ve seen the way he looks at Rae. But I’ve also seen the way she looks at him too.
And I think the thing we have in common is something there’s no denying. We’re both utterly and completely in love with Rae Colver.
