Page 33 of Unexpected Love

Asher and I both laugh, catching each other’s eyes. I love that my brother is so confident in himself. I know I felt the same way when I was his age. I even felt that way through my entire military career if I’m being honest with myself.

It wasn’t until I got home after my discharge that my ego started to return to normal—and I remembered the importance of humility. I know I’ve got some good qualities about myself, but I also know there are plenty of things I can work on as well.The second we stop striving to be better is the moment we fail ourselves.

“So, you’re seeing this lawyer?” Asher asks.

“No, I’m not seeing her. Though, I have had a couple of meals with her at Murphy’s. Like Leo said, she’s in town helping Scott Marks with a custody case. I’m just being neighborly.”

“Yeah, all right.”

I know by his tone he doesn’t believe me. And honestly? I don’t blame him. I wouldn't believe me either.

It’s been a really long time since one night wasn’t enough for me. Since I’ve even beenkind ofinterested in knowing more about a woman. And while I’ve always wanted to fix the world's injustices, I’ve never been so invested in an individual person’s problems the way I am with Ava.

I want to help her regain whatever she lost back in Boston. I want to leave her feeling better than when I met her.

“Dad says she’s nice,” I hear Leo say, pulling me from my thoughts.

“Dad’s met her?” Asher asks, shocked, glancing between Leo and me.

“Yeah. He even had dinner with her.”

“Okay, let’s calm down here.” I force a chuckle at the mischief I see in Leo’s eyes. “I had plans to grab dinner with Dad at Murphy’s, and while waiting for him, I happened to strike up a conversation with Ava. Dad walked in while we were talking and invited her to join us. That’s all it was.”

“Oh, he definitely likes her if he’s getting defensive.” Asher laughs.

“I’m not defensive,” I mumble, causing both of them to laugh.

The conversation moves on to something else, but I’m not paying attention. I know I like Ava; I haven’t denied that. But is it more than that? Asher’s right. I’ve never felt the need tocorrect anyone's assumptions in the past, so why do I care what my brothers think now?

Not wanting to spend my day with Asher and Leo worrying about this, I decide that my feelings have to do with the conversation about Asher and his girlfriend. It’s the only explanation I’m comfortable with. Because anything else goes against everything I’ve always claimed to want for my future—and my future has already been altered enough.

fifteen

AVA

I setmy alarm Sunday night for the morning even though I doubt I'll need it. I'm still not sleeping well after everything that happened, but I don't want to risk it.

That conversation with Brian might have given me a little push toward Gage, and that night with Gage might have made me feel like I had a little more control of my life, but it was the conversation with Scott that really got my butt in gear.

If I really want to take back all the power and control I inadvertently gave my parents, I need to get back into a routine. And I have to figure out what I want to do with my life, completely separate from the one they planned for me.

My first step is stopping by Falls Book Haven as soon as they open this morning to officially apply for the job.

Step two is to contact the landlord of my Boston apartment to give my notice. I still have six months on my lease, but I’ll use my trust fund to pay the fees if I have to. I’ll have to tell my parents at some point, but I’m giving myself a little bit more time on that front.

I may not know what I want to do or where I want to live, but I know with 100 percent certainty that I don’t want to live in Boston or Harborview.

Step three is finding a place to live here in Ashford Falls. I don’t know if this is where I’ll stay, but being close to my brother feels like a good call. At least for now.

I want to try new things to help me figure out what I actually like because I honestly don’t know anymore. I didn’t have much free time back in Massachusetts, but the little time I did have was taken over by my parents, and I’m done living my life that way.

I’m up and moving around before my alarm goes off, exactly like I thought I would be. But instead of lying in bed until I hear Declan leave for work, I’m already dressed and making coffee when he comes down the stairs.

“Hey! You’re up early?” he questions when he sees me.

“Yeah, I’ve wallowed long enough. It’s time to get back into a routine.” I place a mug filled with coffee on the island counter for him.

His eyebrows draw in as he steps up to the opposite side of the counter and picks up the mug. “You’re leaving before the hearing next week?”

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