Staying on Course (Finding our Way 2)

My heart belongs to you. See you soon.

I re-read the email three times with tears filling my eyes. It’s not healthy for him to continue to carry this blame solely on his shoulders. I became an easy target once I let my insecurities grow. This weekend, we’re going to talk, and he’s going to finally let it go.

Chapter 30

I bounce in place, then pace, watching out the window. Quinn and Dean sit behind me on the sofa making jokes, but I ignore them. The snow is falling, and Bryce is an hour late. Nate has called a few times to say they are close, but the weather has them delayed.

I stop pacing and go to the kitchen. The appetizers are laid out, the wine and beer chilled, and the most recent bouquet of flowers from Bryce is in the middle of the table.

Dean walks in and surprises me by yanking me into a hug. “Calm down, sweetness. He’ll be here soon.” His voice is so smooth and velvety that I instantly relax.

“You know everything, don’t you?” I muffle into his sweater.

“Yes, and I know he’s as anxious to see you as you are him.”

“Not possible.”

He holds me a little tighter, and Quinn yells she’s going to ‘sedate me with wine and tequila’.

“Listen, I have about one minute here, bu

t I need your advice.” Dean steps back and looks behind him. “I’m coming back in two weeks when Paul and Michelle are here for her exhibit. She knows I’m bringing my family, but there’s more to it. I want to ask her to marry me.”

I start to scream but slam my fist to my mouth. I bobble my head.

“You think she’ll freak?”

I bobble again.

“Will you help me with some of the details?”

I finally find my voice and squeak, “Of course.”

“It’ll be a big weekend. You’ll be on-spot.”

“Of course,” I repeat.

“Thank you.” He looks relieved.

“They’re driving up,” Quinn shouts.

I swing my head between the living room and him, and he does a head jerk for me to go. I jump into his arms and kiss his cheek then sprint to the door.

Nate, Jamie, and Bryce all get out of the truck and rush toward the apartment in the snow. I run directly to Bryce. He picks me up and covers my mouth with his own. He carries us into the apartment and breaks apart to set me down.

I move to hug my brother and Jamie. When I step back, her eyes are shining. I grin and introduce her to Quinn and Dean.

We go to the kitchen, and Bryce holds me close. Nate opens the wine and serves Jamie first then pours for Quinn and me.

Out of nowhere, Quinn slaps Bryce’s shoulder with both hands and shouts, “Never again, you hear me! I’ll kill you!”

“Never again,” he agrees, rubbing his arm, and yanks her into a hug. He mutters ‘thank you’, and she sniffs.

Jamie looks at me with warmth and understanding then sidles up to Nate who throws his arm around her protectively.

“Okay, enough, let’s eat, and I have a surprise!” I step away from Bryce and rush to my room to grab the box even Quinn doesn’t know about.

When I get to the living room, everyone has a plate of food and has found a seat. Bryce puts his food to the side and sets me on his lap.