Page 38 of Hitched

“Caleb says that Laney doesn’t want to get married. I was just telling him about you and Shaylea.”

Ethan flops on the couch dramatically. Making me roll my eyes. “Yeah, I had to cut her loose. Once you and Laney get married, I’m next in line to be the most eligible bachelor.”

He’s acting like I had a choice in the matter. Like I asked to be toted as that. “And what makes you think the torch will just be passed on like that?”

Da pipes up. “You don’t think your brother will cut it?” He asks with a teasing tone in his voice. Why he’s feeling playful today is beyond me. But it normally doesn’t last so I don’t get too comfortable.

“I didn’t say that, da. I just mean that it wasn’t something I planned, and therefore, it probably shouldn’t be something that Ethan plans, either.”

Ethan ignores my comment. “So, Laney doesn’t want to marry you. Think she’ll marry me?” He taunts. My teeth grind together but I don’t dare let him see that he’s under my skin.

I close the lid on my laptop and grab my cell phone off the desk, without saying a word to da or Ethan.

“It’s probably because of the murder, Caleb. You should try again now that that’s over with.” Ethan scoffs, talking to me like I’m a complete idiot.

I ignore him. “I’ll talk to you later, da.” I say, leaving.

But, stupidly, I look back at my brother, and I see his satisfied grin, which makes my skin crawl.

Laney

I arrive at Gretchen’s house before Caleb. She’s so happy to see me, she gives me a big hug. “How are you?”

“I’m good. Peg’s just in the house napping.”

Her smile is bright, matching mine. “Did you get a job?”

“No, but I had an interview, so I hope that leads to something. I’ve got another interview tomorrow.”

“I’m glad. How’s the water heater?”

She smiles again and nods. We’re outside on the porch. There’s a small bistro table that she’s sitting at, with two chairs. Gretchen has a pot of tea, mugs, milk and a sugar bowl sitting on a small tray on the table. After pouring me a cup of tea, we sit there, sipping. “Have you given any more thought to coming to the states?” I ask her casually, not trying to pressure her, just simply gauging her.

“I’ve never been anywhere but Scotland, Laney.”

I place my hand over hers. “I promise you’ll love it. And I’ve checked; they’ve got lots of places where you can go for your meetings. I really think it would be the best thing for you, Gretchen.”

Just as I say this, I see Caleb pull up. Gretchen immediately rises. Caleb’s arms are outstretched as he approaches her. The hug he gives her is akin to one you would give someone that you haven’t seen in years and miss dearly. Like best friends or favorite siblings. He actually kisses her on the cheek. “You look great, Gretchen. Gosh, I’ve missed you.” He looks around. “Where’s the bairn?”

When he says this, the front door opens, and Peg slips out. Her face lights up like a goddamn Christmas tree when she sees Caleb. I’m almost jealous. His face matches hers as he picks her up and swings her into the air, as she squeals so happily, my heart could burst. But it’s when he pulls back and looks at her that I fall in love. With her, but also with him. It’s also the moment that I think to myself that I’d like to see that look on his face again. With his own child. Although, the look on his face tells me that he couldn’t love her any more if she was his own.

I feel a lump in my throat the scene is so powerful. Caleb loves Peg. Loves her to bits. It’s evident, in that he’s been around since she was just a wee bairn, and it looks like he’s never going to stray from her. He loves Gretchen, too, and it literally melts my heart that he can give so much and ask for absolutely nothing in return. Like she’s his prize, Caleb carries Peg around, holding her tight to him. “Why don’t you show me that little bear that you made the last time I was here?”

Gretchen looks at me. “He bought her one of those Build a Bear kits last time. They spent hours making this thing and she promised him that she’d make him another, so that he could have a matching bear to keep, sort of like a receiving blanket for her…but for him.”

Could he be any cuter? We head inside and I watch Caleb fawn over Peg. It is the most precious thing. He is completely in love with her and I can’t not look at the two of them together. “They have a special bond, Caleb and Peg.” Gretchen explains, as though an explanation is needed. “I don’t know what I’d do if she didn’t have him in her life. I don’t dare bring any other man near her.”

“Can’t say I blame you there.” I say, but not loud enough for Peg to hear. Peg sits in Caleb’s lap and he regards her like his own precious daughter. She’s smitten with him. Caleb looks at me and winks. He’s so in his element. And as sexy as hell. I chide myself for thinking of him in that way at such a time, but I can’t help it. Never knew a man fawning over a child could be so sexy. But god…damn, it is.

“Mama said something about us moving closer to you. Is that, true, Caleb?” Peg asks.

He looks at Gretchen. “Well, that’s up to your mama, sweetheart. But I sure would like it if you were closer. Then we could see each other every day.”

She smiles and looks at her mama. “Mama, I want to go to live there. I miss Caleb.”

Gretchen smiles, but her eyes are glassy. She’s afraid but wants so badly to make everyone happy. My heart hurts for her and all that she’s been through. “No matter what happens, Peg, Caleb and I will always come and visit you often.” I tell her to put her mama at ease.

“That’s right, sweetheart.” Caleb agrees. “You’re never getting rid of me.”

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