Page 21 of Crashing the Altar
“Couldn’t keep those two apart growing up if we tried,” Meemaw chimed in. “It’s a wonder that girl didn’t get fed up and just climb on top of you all those nights you spent in each other’s beds.”
Mac whipped his head around at that juicy piece of information. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. There weresleepovers?”
Meemaw kept rolling. “If it were me, I would have played the ‘oops, I slipped and fell’ card when that morning wood popped up. At least then Tripp wouldn’t still be a virgin.”
My brother-in-law made a choking sound before slowly turning around to train his wide-eyed gaze on me. “Is this like a Sullivan sibling thing? Did the two of you make a pact?”
There was a headache brewing in my brain, and I pinched the bridge of my nose against the pressure mounting behind my eyes. “I don’t know which one of you needs to hear this more. Sometimes, it’s okay to keep thoughtsinsideyour head.”
Hopping down from his perch inside the SUV, Mac gripped both of my shoulders. “Dude, I knew you had it bad for Penny, but this takes it to a new level.”
I shucked him off. “I’m not having this conversation with you.”
“Fine. Let’s shift topics. Why don’t you share with me why you’ve cut off all communication with her?”
My jaw clenched, and he flashed me a smug smirk as he gauged my reaction. God damn him for knowing which buttons to press.
“I get that you’re hurting, but she works on your family’s ranch, the same ranch where you happen to live. She’s going to be a part of your life forever, no matter what goes down today. So what’s the point of keeping your distance when sheneedsyou?”
Voice thick, I argued, “She doesn’t need me. Especially not today.”
“You gonna pretend like she didn’t express her wish to have you there just this morning? Because a little birdie told me she saw her text something to that effect when they were getting their hair done.”
Swallowing against the lump formed in my throat, I rasped, “Why’re youpushing this so hard?”
His brown eyes softened. “Because, at the very least, you need closure. Be there for your best friend, watch her get married, and find a way to move on with your life. I know it’s not ideal, but you’re out of options.”
Shifting to peek over his shoulder, I directed the following question toward my grandmother. “That what you were thinkin’ too?”
“No. I was wondering what kind of pansy-ass genes you got from your mother’s side because Sullivan men take what they want, the rest of the world be damned.”
Mac let out an amused snort, and I shot him a glare.
“Sorry.” He hid a smile behind his hand. “So what do you say? Will you come back to Rust Canyon with us?”
They hadn’t really left me any room to say no.
“Fine. But I’m taking my own truck. Don’t need another tongue-lashing over leaving the team overnight, so I’ll be headed straight back after the ceremony.”
The grin on Mac’s face grew. “Don’t worry, buddy. I already cleared your leave of absence with Daddy Jett.”
“Stop calling him that,” I begged on a groan.
Mac’s brows furrowed before he consulted with Meemaw. “What? No good?”
My grandma’s blue eyes sparkled, and I mentally braced for impact.
“Don’t listen to him. It’s only natural that, with a baby on the way, you’re exploring a daddy kink.”
Jesus fucking Christ.
The man standing before me snapped his fingers. “You know what? I think you’re right!” He winked at his elderly companion. “Thanks for the clarity on that, Meemaw. What would we do without you?”
Even if I didn’t need the use of my own vehicle to get back here later tonight, there’s no way I would survive the two and a half hours back to Rust Canyon with these two feeding off each other the entire drive.
Besides, I needed time alone to get my game face on. It was going to take all my effort to pretend like I was happy for Penny when we got there.
I wasn’t sure I had it in me.
