“Nope.” She shudders. “We’re going to go look at apartments for now. I think it’ll end up being our home base. Then the
rest of the time, we’ll travel the world and help those who are less fortunate than us.”
Yup. I definitely entered the Twilight Zone.
“You’re serious,” I decide, inspecting her like she’s been captured by a body snatcher, and she’s not my real sister anymore. Her cheeks are flushed, and she looks happier and more alive than I’ve seen in months. Actually, I haven’t seen her this happy since she found out about Liam’s lie. It ripped her apart.
“Yup. Dead serious,” she replies, her tone brooking no argument.
“And you’re okay with this?”
Laughing, she walks around the counter and pulls me into a hug. “I’ve never been happier, Say. It’s like every single piece fell into place. He’s even giving me a divorce so we can have a real wedding. The one that I wanted. With the dress. And the church. And the man of my dreams that I’m marrying for the right reason…because I love him.”
With a giant bear hug, I squeeze her as tight as I can and murmur, “I’m happy for you, Skye.”
“Me too.”
“Normally, I’d say we should celebrate with a yummy breakfast or something, but I need to get to work, and you need to shower.”
Her jaw drops. “Excuse me?”
“No offense, but you smell like sex.”
Cheeks on fire, she buries her head in her hands as a light laugh escapes her. “You did not just say that.”
“I most certainly did. Now. Chop-chop, little sister. We’ll celebrate tonight.”
Cringing, she chews her thumbnail while avoiding my gaze like it’s the plague.
“What is it?” I ask.
Her attention darts over to me before continuing its perusal of the room. “I mean…I kinda, sorta, maybe made plans with Liam––”
I wave her off. “Oh. Say no more. I get it.”
“I can cancel––”
“Don’t. We’re good, Skye. Trust me. I get it.”
“You do?”
“Of course. You deserve to spend every single minute with Liam for the rest of your life if that’s where you’re happiest. And I can attest that when you’re with Liam, that’s definitely where you’re happiest.”
Chewing her lower lip, she argues, “I know, but––”
“But you don’t want to leave your lonely sister behind?”
She grimaces. “Maaaaybe?”
“Well, I have news for you, little sister. If you hadn’t bailed on dinner last night, you’d know that I brought a certain guest to Mom and Dad’s house.”
Eyes like saucers, she gasps. “A certain guest with the affectionate and aptly chosen nickname of The Big O?”
With a wry grin, I mimic her word from earlier. “Maaaaybe?”
“Saylor!” she yells before practically tackling me with a bear hug. “How did you not tell me?! I’m so freaking happy for you!”
“Me too,” I reply into a head full of her hair. “Me too. And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I kind of…didn’t have the chance.”