Page 124 of Five Days to Be Mine

“I thought I'd put a ring on her finger.” I glance behind me, even though I'm keeping my voice down and I know Mara’s in the shower.

Noel whistles. “Congratulations. You’re going to make mom and dad so happy and the other two are going to be seething with jealousy.”

“I was kind of jealous when I heard Holly’s voice,” I admit.

Noel laughs. “Theo has to take a chance with this Callie girl.”

I know Theo had a long term relationship that didn’t work out and it nearly left him as wounded as I was but I didn’t get all the details.

Our younger brother is private, but I've long suspected Noel knows what happened with Theo.

“I guess we're setting an example.”

“It’s our duty as the older ones,” Noel says.

I hear the smile in his voice and I laugh. “I’m happy it worked out for you. I’m going to bring Mara to your wedding.”

“I can’t wait to meet her. We’ll be there for your birthday bash.”

“Yeah, I can’t wait for the party.”

Noel chuckles. “I got to let you go. I’m taking Holly to a matinee play.”

“Talk to you later.”

“Yep. And Evan? Go get your girl.”

I laugh and hang up.

In the kitchen, I put the finishing touches on breakfast. Mara is a tidy person, which matches my style of things nicely. As much as the idea of breakfast in bed is a romantic one, I know that crumbs on the bed sheets would bother her.

I’m humming as I cook, and I am so happy, it’s ridiculous.

I hear Mara in the bathroom and rush over to the door.

“Good morning, princess,” I offer the tray.

She giggles. “A hairbrush in a vase?”

“It’s for curly hair.” There is a sudden ball of nerves in my gut as Mara sets the tray down on the bed and picks up the brush.

“Besides not being fond of flowers, I figure giving a floral designer a rose is like…”

“Giving a shoemaker shoes?” Mara says.

“Yes.” I drop a kiss on her cheek.

She runs it through a part of her hair while staring in the mirror.

“Thank you, Sir Evan.” She smiles, her eyes lit with pleasure.

“You’re welcome. Come, let me feed you.”

“You always want to feed me.”

I grab her chin and crash my lips over hers.

As our lips touch, I sigh. The taste of her is so sweet, so familiar and one that I absolutely need.

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