Page 137 of Forbidden Hearts
Can’t really argue with just being direct. So, I’m going with that.
“Asher!” Phoebe gasps. “Jesus. You could ease into this.” Then she turns to Olivia.“I really like your dad, and I love you. Being your friend is the best thing in the world. I meant what I said . . . you’re my best friend.”
“And you’re with my dad?”
“Yes, but that doesn’t change anything with us.”
Olivia looks to me.“Are you getting married?”
“Maybe someday, but would you be upset if we did?”
“No. I love Phoebe.”
Phoebe smiles.“I love you.”
“And Daddy?”
“Yes?”
I’m not sure how much more we should tell her, but Brynn cuts in. “My turn to tell you that you’re an idiot?”
Phoebe laughs and then lifts one shoulder.“Come on, Olivia, let’s finish our painting.”The two of them head upstairs, leaving me with my very disappointed sister.
“I get that you’re pissed, but I did what I felt I needed to.”
Brynn rolls her eyes. “Youneededto be here and talk like a grown-up, but you men never seem to do the right thing unless a woman tells you what it is first. So, here it is. Next time you want to drive twelve hours in the middle of the night to confront someone from your past—don’t. Wait until your girlfriend or I can guide you the right way.”
“And what was that?”
“Talking to me first. I’ve spent a lot of time and money on therapy to deal with my past, but you heard the man’s name and went batshit crazy. Not Rowan or Grady . . . you.” Brynn shakes her head as she sighs. “I have never been so worried about you, Asher. I worry about everyone else being stupid, but not you. Why would you leave like that?”
“He hurt another person I love.”
“You love her.”
“Yes, more than I ever thought possible.”
Brynn purses her lips. “I thought so.”
“And how do you feel about that?” I ask.
“If she makes you happy, then I’m okay with it. I think Phoebe is incredibly kind and caring. She also adores Olivia. She’s younger than me, which was sort of weird at first, but we’re all adults. However,” Brynn’s voice shifts. “I am curious to know how Sara and her father are going to take the news.”
I laugh and follow my sister into the kitchen. When she was little, this was our thing. We’d come in here, talk, and most of the time, we’d eat cookies and laugh for hours. Life was easier to some extent when Brynn was a kid. Clearly, I missed some big things, but she and I were very close.
After giving her the abbreviated version of things, she blinks a few times and laughs. “You know, you don’t do anything half-assed, do you?”
“Not really.”
“Can I ask what your plan is?”
“I’m going to marry her. I’m going to somehow convince her to move in with me now, marry me eventually, and that child will be mine.”
“Asher.” Her voice is cautious. “You’re going to be okay raising Jonathan Loa’s child?”
I thought about that a lot on my ride out there. The idea of holding this baby in my arms, knowing it came from the person I hate most in this world, was hard to wrap my mind around. Then I thought about Brynlee’s father. Howie was a horrific stepfather to me and my brothers. He was borderline abusive most days, drank nonstop, and was always yelling at my mother. I never thought I could hate a human more and hated the idea that my sister would be half his genetics. Only, when Mom brought home Brynn, I didn’t see Howie.
I saw her.
