Blinded by Beauty (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 8)

“What the hell do you mean by that, Jaris? You love her. Chance loves her. What’s the damn problem?”

“How can I tell her how I feel when I know she and Chance love each other? They’ve known each other for ages. I’ve only known her for less than a year. I can’t come between them.”

“There’s no coming between anybody, Jaris. This is Destiny, not Chicago. We don’t put any stops on the people we love. Look at me. My brothers and I love Amber. She’s the woman of our dreams and we have the best life imaginable. I love my brothers, and we always wanted to have a family together, just like our parents.”

“But Chance and I aren’t brothers.”

“Oh for God’s sakes, Jaris. Everybody knows you are just like brothers. Being brothers is not just from blood. It’s what you mean to one another. And there’s no doubt in my mind Chance couldn’t be more of a brother to you if you had the same parents.”

“That’s true.”

“And you? Willing to leave town just to let him have a chance at a life with Kaylyn. Screwy logic, but I know it comes from your heart. You love him. He is your brother.”

“Yes, he is.” Is Emmett right? Is it possible that Chance and I could figure a way through this? Can we really sh

are Kaylyn?

“You’re being very selfish, buddy. That’s a fact. Have you even thought about asking Kaylyn how she feels? You’re one of the best men I have ever met. Hell, you’re a goddamn hero. You took a bullet for Nicole. Stop being such a chickenshit. It’s time to man up and go talk to her. And you and Chance need to talk. Nothing is ever solved by running away. You just take it with you.”

He leaned back in his chair, thinking about all Emmett had said. Chance was his brother. The man had helped him learn to see with his other senses. He’d never been as close to another person in his life other than his dad. And what about Kaylyn? She was from Destiny. She’d grown up with two dads.

“I hadn’t even considered the possibility that I could share her with Chance, Emmett.”

“Not surprising, since you’re not from here.”

“Actually, I never considered having a family of my own before. The Simmons men have a long history of bad luck when it comes to women. I always thought I’d be a bachelor my whole life.”

“Pardon the expression, Jaris. Open your eyes. Happiness might be right in front of you.”

“How do you think Chance will feel? He’s not from Destiny either.”

Emmett stood. “There’s only one way to find out.”

“You’re right. I will talk to both of them tomorrow.” Jaris smiled. “Thank you, Emmett. You’re a good friend.”

“Thanks for the beer.”

“Thanks for the advice.”

“That’s what friends are for, Jaris. Good night.”

“Night.”

As Emmett walked to the big house, Jaris was starting to believe there might be a happy ending for him in all this after all.

* * * *

Chance felt like he could conquer the world. He’d made love to the woman of his dreams, his best friend in the world. Kaylyn was his. He’d never been happier.

After finishing making the peanut butter sandwiches, he gave Annie a treat. “Good girl.” They walked back into Kaylyn’s bedroom with their meal. “Dinner is served, my lady.”

“Looks delicious. Thank you.” Kaylyn’s tone was a little muted from when he left her, which surprised him.

They ate their sandwiches quietly. He’d been famished, so he was glad to have some food.

He listened to Kaylyn’s breathing, which seemed a little shallow to him, sometimes a sign that something was on her mind. “Sweetheart, would you like to talk?”

She sighed. “We really need to.”