Page 135 of Whiskey Wednesdays

Liam looked at me for help, and Connor laughed into his craft beer. Dad kindly explained that the octopus didn’t need its leg anymore.

We showed Elodie the troll statue with the VW Beetle under the bridge, and rode the great Ferris wheel.

I also took her to the infamous chewed gum wall at Pike’s Place.

“Why would people stick their chewed gum on the wall?” she asked in disgusted wonder.

I held up my hands. “I have no idea, Ellie. It’s just one of those weird things.”

Before Liam left on Sunday morning to take the train to the airport, Dad and I met him for coffee in the Four Seasons foyer.

“So. Connor McCoy,” he began.

“Yeah. I’m not sure how it happened. But… yeah.”

“It’s been a roller coaster.” Dad shook his head.

Liam studied me. “A man who bluntly tells a woman’s brother he loves her and plans to keep her isn’t messing around.”

Smiling, I patted his hand. “You should have seen the look of horror on your face when he talked about practicing to have babies.”

Dad groaned. “Lord, I’m glad I missed that.”

“Like I said. He’s not messing around,” Liam said, grimacing.

“I love him.”

“Okay then. I could probably start liking him. In about ten years.” He checked his phone and sighed. “It’s time for me to get going.”

“Just wait until it happens to you. I already miss you so much. Where are you going to next?”

“D.C. today, then Amsterdam next week.”

“Don’t forget about us, okay? Come stay this Christmas. Connor’s house is huge, and Dad has a spare bedroom.”

He cocked his head. “Do you think you’ll still be there in December? You’re too good for him. You know that, right?”

Dad smiled and patted Liam’s back. “She’s too good for anyone. And the miracle is she doesn’t know it. She’ll still be there.”

Liam stared at Dad. “Damn. You like the guy.”

“Yeah, I do. He sacrificed the rest of his career for Elodie, and he loves Isa the same way. He bought her skateboard shoes and origami paper when she wouldn’t let him give her a Mercedes. He loves her the way she needs to be loved.”

On the flight home, I sat quietly next to Connor thinking about what my dad said to Liam. Dad and Elodie were asleep, so I slid over into Connor’s lap and curled around him.

“Thank you for making this weekend so wonderful. And for not drop-kicking Liam.”

He wrapped his arms around me. “I just kept reminding myself I couldn’t kill your only sibling.”

I palmed his cheek. “I need you to know something.”

“Yeah? What’s that?”

“I love you. I love your kindness and patience. Your generosity, even when it’s hard for me to accept it. And your possessiveness. I also love how you adore Elodie and are willing to learn little girl hairstyles and watch princess movies with her. You’re it for me, and I love you.”

His hand spasmed on my thigh, and I heard him release a long breath. “Fuck, sweet girl. I love you too. And I’m glad you love my possessiveness because it doesn’t seem to be going away.”

I smiled up at him. “That’s okay because neither does mine.”

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