McKenzie Cousins Box Set 2

“I want to be angry that you didn’t tell me, but seeing you now, I can’t be.”

“I’m so sorry Rachel.” Paige sniffles. “I wanted you with me, but at the same time I knew how long you’d waited to be with Alexander. I know I was a bitch to you both. I just wasn’t handling the news well at all. I didn’t know what to do.”

“You’re my twin, and Alexander would have wanted to be here for us both if he’d known.” I wipe my tears away. “Let’s not talk about what should have happened, but about what’s going to happen now.”

“What do you want to know?”

“Everything, Paige. And don’t even consider leaving anything out. I mean it.”

She glances at me, and then moans. “God, I forgot how difficult you can be.”

I laugh. “Pot calling kettle.”

Paige grins, but turns serious. “I’m going to be okay, Rachel. I panicked in the beginning, but I promise I’m going to be fine.”

“I’m not leaving you.” I cling to her hand and then she stills when her finger touches my ring.

Her eyes widen and she lifts our joined hands to her face.

“I wanted to tell you myself and not over the phone.”

“Oh Rachel. I really am so happy for you.” She kisses my ring. “Is Alexander with you?”

“No.” I shake my head. “He desperately wanted to come, but because of everything, I wanted to come alone first. I’ll call him tonight and knowing him he’ll be on the next flight out … and not just because this is where I am.”

“As much as I wanted to go through all of this alone, I’m so glad our dads discovered what was going on and stayed with me. And I have my sister.” Paige smiles and rests her head on my chest. “I’m tired, which is to be expected, but I’m happy Rachel. Please don’t worry.”

Paige sleeps in my arms and I find myself also drifting off to sleep, thankful that I’m with my sister.

29

Alexander

My flight into Boston was delayed so I’ve come straight to the hospital only to be bumped into from behind. I turn and find Dylan who is just as surprised as I am.

He rubs the tiredness from his eyes and glances at his friend. “This is Seth. Seth, my cousin, Alexander. Rachel’s fiancée.”

I offer a wry smile while nodding to Seth. “Rachel told you?”

“Paige did.” He smiles and looks nervous.

“Paige is okay, right?”

“As far as I know.” He glances at his friend again.

“He’s nervous because he doesn’t know if she’ll see me.” Seth shrugs. “She hasn’t yet.” He wanders toward the elevators while I stay at the entrance with Dylan.

“He has feelings for Paige?”

“Yeah. I feel bad because I always thought he was only after one thing, you know? But since Paige has been sick I’ve realized he really does have feelings for her.” Dylan runs his hand through his hair. “She’s refusing to see him. He’s been here every day and I’m worried about him. He won’t give up.”

“We all know how stubborn Paige can be. She’ll be worn down eventually.” I smile. “I’ll talk to her.”

“Will you?” Dylan relaxes. “I’m not used to all these feelings floating around. It’s scary as shit.”

I shove him with my shoulder as we get on the elevator with Seth. “One day you’ll fall like the rest of us. I just hope I’m there to see it.”

Seth doesn’t pay any attention to our banter as he watches the number rising to the floor that Paige is on.