Page 48 of The Road Less Traveled By

Tears flood my eyes instantly. Happiness blooms from my chest at the thought of Tristan becoming an official part of our family. “Are you serious?”

“Of course, I’m serious.”

“And you’re asking for my blessing? Why? You should know that you don't need it.”

Inotice his eyes are all glassy, too.God, the way he loves my sister is once in a lifetime.“You and Liv don't talk to your parents anymore, and normally, I’d ask your dad for his blessing. But I know the only true blessing Liv cares about comes from you, Bree. You’re her sister, her favorite person on the planet—”

“Besides you.”

“You know that’s not true. The way Liv loves you is different from the way she loves me. You two have only had each other your whole lives, and that means something. Yours is the only blessing I want. It would be an honor to become an official part of your family, Bree. If you’ll let me, I’ll make Liv the happiest girl in the world.”

I’m full on crying now. “Tristan, you already make her feel that way. Of course you can marry my sister.”

He reaches across the table and grabs one of my hands, squeezing it. “Thank you, Bree. I promise I’ll only be an annoying older brother some of the time.”

Older brother. “I’ve never had a brother before, but I wouldn't want it to be anyone else, Tristan. Thank you for taking care of my sister. I know the road hasn't been easy, but I’m glad you guys found your way back.”

“Me too. It’s been rocky, especially this past year, but I’m excited to start this new chapter with her. I think it’s going to be the best one yet.”

I hope so. For their sake, I hope they know nothing but sunny skies and beautiful sunsets. If anyone deserves it, it’s them. “Do you have the ring, and if so, can I see it?”

“I have a bunch of options, but I wanted to ask you about cut and size because I genuinely have no idea what I’m doing, and you seem like an expert.”

I laugh at his insinuation, and for the next thirty minutes, we scour a few sites to try and find the best ring for my sister. I know Tristan likes silver, and so does Liv, but based on a few conversations from our childhood, I know she’s not the flashy type. She prefers smaller diamondsover huge and heavy ones. We finally narrow it down to a few contenders before our food arrives.

“Thank you!” I say to our server before she gives me a weird look and leaves.

Tristan must notice because he immediately says something. “What was that about?”

“It’s part of the job. It keeps happening when I’m out. I either get mobbed by cameras or stared at.”

“I’m sorry, Bree. I can't imagine how that feels.”

“It’s fine. It’s a part of what I do.” I don't add that all the cameras make me jittery. I also don't add that I hate the situation I’m in—fake dating Alex. It feels like any time I leave the house now, there’s a spotlight on me. I’m performing for the entire world when I’m in public, and it’s all a big fucking lie.

“And how have you been doing lately? I know Liv asks you that every day, but you should know that you can talk to me, too.”

“Thanks, Tris. I’m…” I trail off, unsure of if I want to tell the truth. Nobody close to me really realizes how dark my head can get sometimes, and I’m afraid if I tell them the truth, they’ll see me differently, that they’ll leave because being around me is too much. I decide to anyway, because I know Tristan understands the most out of everyone. “I’m not doing great.”

“Is it all just too much? Maybe you should tell Connie you need a break,” he tells me as he takes a bite of his pizza.

“I’ve been on an extended break from events out of state since the news broke about Ralph. Alex flies here for every fake date we have, and all I’m required to do is see him, upload as usual on my YouTube, and post my sponsored shit. I’ll be fine, Tristan. It’s just hard being in my head some days.”

“I know the feeling, Bree.” He takes a sip of his water. “It was a rough week for me.”

“I’m sorry. I can’t even imagine how it feels.”

Before I think he’s not going to elaborate, he says, “I lost one of the shirts Tobias gave me for my birthday. It was the smallest thing ever, but it sent my mind into a tailspin. I was worried that if it was gone forever, he’d be mad I lost it. The smallest, stupidest thing set me back so badly that I completely wrecked our bedroom and laundry room trying to find it.”

My heart starts to ache for him, for his family. I can’t imagine losing a son and a brother the way the West family has.

“Liv found it yesterday underneath some boxes in the basement. It fell while it was hanging up to dry. I apologized profusely for practically tearing the house apart, but she just wrapped me in a hug and held me until my tears stopped falling.”

Liv has always been my favorite shoulder to cry on, and I’m glad he has her.

“It’s a battle every single day, Bree. I miss my brother so bad, it feels like my body might explode, like my bones might crack under the weight of my own thoughts.”

“Well, would you rather grieve or never love anyone enough to be able to?”

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