Page 98 of Embers in the Dark

“Oh, so this isn’t just to solidify the fact that I’m Baylee Rios, then?” I snap. I might be reading too far into this, but something about this gift feels more like a territorial thing. I have a feeling it’s purposeful and I’m more pissed about it than anything.

“Would you rather have M for Malloy then? You’re not really married, Baylee,” he says and it stings.

“Well, we will be,” I say, placing the gift back in the box and push it back toward my brother. “And you have some nerve acting like my feelings don’t matter, Danny.”

“You can’t be serious about this marriage?” He laughs, but there’s no humor.

I look up at my brother, and right then he seems unrecognizable. “Danny, for so long, I looked up to you. I thought you wanted what was best for me. I thought you cared for my well-being. But all you wanted was me away from Tucker. So much so, you were blind to all the bad in my life, as long as it kept me from your best friend. You didn’t even see how miserable I was. You didn’t see the abuse I was enduring at the hands of a monster. First with the emotional and verbal abuse, then I had to endure physical abuse. Luckily, I got out of it. I’m one of the fortunate ones who can say they got out. I’m now with someone that looks at me and sees beauty and possibility. But when you see ustogether, you see anger and resentment. How is that possible?”

I see his anger right then. He isn’t even reflecting on his behavior. He’s selfish even in this moment. Where did he go wrong?

“He was my best friend. And you’re my favorite sister. How could you two do this?” he seethes.

“How could we do what? Love each other? See that’s what I don’t get. All we’re doing is loving each other. And you could be a part of simply being embraced with more love. But instead you’re choosing to fill your heart with hate. That’s your choice, Danny. I’m not choosing that path. Go ahead and be angry, but I’m not. I’m choosing to be loved by this beautiful man at my side. And I’m choosing to be married to him too. Because I’ve loved him for far longer than I haven’t.” I stand up.

“It won’t last,” he says, staying seated.

“You’re wrong,” I say, looking down at my brother. “But you know what? One day you’ll realize how wrong you’ve been. This moment right here you could’ve made better choices. Actually, there were many moments in the last year or so you could’ve reacted differently. But you’ll one day regret those choices. And I’ll be waiting for you to come back, because I’m your sister and I love you, no matter what. But you’ll have a lot of groveling to do with many others. I hope they have the heart to forgive you, Danny,” I tell him. “And I hope it’s not too late; because time is precious.”

With that I leave him sitting there, staring at me as I make my way through the restaurant.

I decide to head home, the cold a smack to the face the minute I take a step outside. Danny found out about the nuptials at the hospital after overhearing my parents, because he’d forgotten his bag for work at their house and had stopped by before that shift. When he walked insideunannounced, he overheard them talking about that night and what we had done.

They hadn’t known Danny was in the house when he snuck out as quickly as he had shown up, he went straight to the firehouse, looking to confront Tucker. Everything blew up from there.

I end up ordering a ride and the moment I step inside the apartment, I realize it’s still quiet. Tucker had some errands to run while I was out with Danny. I decide to grab some of my books and laptop and sit at the kitchen table to get ahead on my studying. Finals are coming up quickly after Thanksgiving.

I’m an hour into this chapter when Tucker gets home and my eyes are heavy. I stand and stretch my arms in the air.

“It is beyond cold out today.” He shivers.

“I know, I was glad to get home,” I say.

“I wasn’t expecting you home before me,” he says, a concerned look on his face.

“Yeah, it didn’t go so well,” I say, scrunching my face.

“I’m sorry, baby,” he says, pulling me to his chest, then planting a soft kiss to my lips. “Maybe I can make it better?”

“Yeah? What did you have in mind?” I smile up at him.

“You go hide in the bedroom and I’ll get things ready out here. I’ll call when you can come out.” He smacks my ass, and I yelp with a giggle.

I make my way to the room and decide to take a shower and get into pajamas. Sounds like a night in is the perfect way to spend the rest of the evening.

As soon as I get myself dressed in some warm PJs, there’s a knock on the door.

“You ready?” I hear Tucker’s muffled voice.

“Yes,” I answer.

“Good. I’m all set out here,” he says as he opens the bedroom door. I’m all moved into his master bedroom nowand I make my way through our shared bedroom and into the living room.

When I walk out to the space, my jaw drops. “You did all this while I was in there?”

“Yep,” he answers, all satisfied with himself.

“Tucker, in no way did you do this by yourself.” I smack his shoulder.

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