Page 63 of Until the End

I bite the inside of my cheek, debating on whether or not to share my worries or keep them to myself. In the end, there’s no reason to hold back with the women I love the most. “I’m worried that Carson is going to get sick of always having to cater to me and my career. Why would anyone be willing to drop their entire life and live on a tour bus for months on end? It doesn’t seem fair to me. Carson would be giving up everything, and what am I giving back to him?”

Gia wraps her arm around my shoulders. “He’s getting you, Gin. It’s the only thing Carson’s wanted since we were kids.”

“Gia’s right,” Natalie says. “Carson has always loved you. Now that you guys are together, I think he’d be willing to do just about anything to keep you.”

“But how can I make him happy long-term?”

“You love him as much as he loves you.” Natalie shrugs.

“That’s easy.” I huff out a laugh.

“You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. This is the time when you get to bask in thewonder of a new relationship with your guy. Enjoy it. The future will handle itself as long as the two of you keep open communication.”

I smile at Natalie. “Now I know where Carson gets it. He’s been the communicator extraordinaire.”

Natalie’s smile is proud. “That’s my boy.”

My front door opens to a clatter of men’s voices. Teddy’s got Cooper’s arm wrapped around his shoulders as he helps him over to my couch.

“Oh, boy,” Quinn murmurs. I fold my lips into my teeth to keep from laughing out loud. She heads straight for her purse while Natalie goes to the freezer.

The rest of the guys come in behind Teddy and Cooper. Tucker is rotating his shoulder, my dad is massaging his lower back, and Carson is shaking his head, amusement clear in his eyes.

It might be time to ban laser tag from guys’ nights.

Carson rests his hands on my shoulders and presses a kiss to the top of my head. “We’re never playing laser tag again.”

I snort. Tilting my head back, I smile up at my handsome man. His mom’s words roll around in my head. Have I been catastrophizing our relationship because I’m scared it’s going to end? Given how my relationship with Weasel went, it would make sense. I’ve been so caught up in worrying about the future, I haven’t let myself enjoy our present.

“That’s probably for the best. It’s only a matter of time before one of them gets seriously injured.”

“Looks like you guys haven’t made much progress.”

I look down at my blank canvas. This is pretty typical of paint nights, actually. “Nope. Too busy talking to paint.”

Carson leans down to whisper in my ear. “How long will it take to get everyone out of the house?”

I glance around the room. With the exception of Cooper and Quinn, everyone has gathered in my kitchen to talk. “Longer than we’d probably like.”

“We could always just sneak upstairs. They’d lock up when they left.”

“We can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

My first thought is that it would be rude, but this is our family, not a bunch of random guests. They’d probably laugh at us first and then clean up my house before heading out. We’d be treated to an endless amount of teasing, but I think I could handle that.

“You’re a horrible influence on me. Let’s give it an hour. I want to make sure my dad didn’t mess up his back too badly.”

Carson gives me a look. “One hour. If they’re not gone by then, I’ll throw you over my shoulder and carry you upstairs myself.”

I shiver at the thought. I can’t decide if I want everyone to leave right now or if I want them to force Carson to follow through on his threat.

Chapter 38

Carson

Reaching over the middle console, I grab Ginny’s hand. She squeezes mine between both of hers. The gesture eases a bit of the worry building in my stomach. She’s been oddly quiet today. When I asked if she was okay, she smiled at me and promised she was fine. She even made a joke about truly meaning it instead of saying it as a subtle hint of discontent.

---