Page 3 of Country Contract

“Hey.” I can tell it’s Helen before turning.

“You’re welcome,” I say.

“You don’t have to marry him, just meet him. It’s been ten years, Harley. I want to ask Lydia to marry me, and I want her in this family.”

“I don’t see why,” I continue.

“I know you feel like the black sheep, but you’re not. We love you and your dark, gloomy ass.”

“I’m not gloomy.” I fake offense.

“You are, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

I sigh and slink down onto the chaise.

“Of all the names in the world. Heath,” I groan.

“It could be Harold,” Helen quips, and I glare at her.

“Can you imagine, getting your naughty bits licked andmoaning a name like Harold? Oh, Harry!” she moans dramatically, and I pinch my lips to avoid smiling. “I’ll come to the dinner with you and this Heath fellow. Maybe I’ll even be able to bring Lydia and take some of the pressure off you.” She sits next to me and bumps her shoulder against mine.

“Only if you promise to kiss her in front of our parents,” I bargain.

“Easy, I love kissing my girl. It’s no news to Mom.”

I bump her back before standing. “I’m heading out. You better come to that dinner.”

“Yeah, yeah. Thanks again, Harley.” She gives me that sad smile, and I know I’m done for. Even if I didn’t have to marry him, I would for her.

I walk through my large childhood home, taking in all the small details until I make my way into the kitchen. Maria, our oldest house aid, is wrapping something in a glass storage container.

“Please tell me that’s cannoli.”

“It is my dear, for you.” She comes over and brushes some baby hairs out of my face. “Mia Bella,” she says with a soft smile.

“My parents are setting me up with a marriage match.” I pout as she cups my face. Maria has been with me since I was six. That’s when my mom had Hayleigh, and everything was just too much. Father’s business had taken a hit, and he had to work double time to make up for some loss. Helen was four and insanely bright, while Heidi was a force to be reckoned with. My mother was constantly busy with them, plus a newborn. I did everything I could, but I was only a child myself.

I stuck to Maria like glue, trying to help her, my mother, and my sisters.

“Heidi is so happy,” she offers.

“I’m not Heidi,” I say.

“You’re not, but you could like him.” She pinches my left cheek before releasing me.

“His name is Heath,” I say bitterly, and I see her wince.

My young voice rings in my ears.When I grow up, no more H’s. No H’s in anything!

“He could be nice; we should find out his middle name,” she jokes. I’m sad that everyone thinks this match is a good idea for me. Do I not seem okay on my own? Am I not enough as I am? Maria senses my deflation.

“You do not have to do anything you don’t want to.” She rubs my shoulders.

“I want to help Helen.”

“You can’t always help everyone else.”

“It’s just a dinner.” I step out of her hold and walk over to the counter where the cannoli are wrapped.

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