Page 113 of Wild About You
“Fine. I’m tired from the drive anyway. I will be back in the morning to get her. Please make sure she’s ready.” Stephanie comes out of the living room, gaze flitting over me on her way out.
I wait until she’s gone and rush back to the living room.
Tyler has his head in his hands.
I’m torn between wanting to console him and yell at her. Luckily, the guys come back in almost like they were watching and waiting so they could be here for Tyler and Everly, so I give them a small smile and slip out.
“Wait.” I jog down the driveway toward her.
I’m out of breath from nerves and exertion when I reach her car.
“Don’t make her leave. Not now when she’s just getting settled. I’ve watched her transform over these past months.”
“I appreciate your concern, but I think I know what’s best for my daughter.”
“Look, I don’t know you.”
“No, you don’t.” She turns to get in her car.
“But I do know your kids. Everly is smart and stubborn and weary of letting people in. When I first met her, she was so angry. She barely spoke and she lashed out. But now she’s become this amazing young woman. She hasn’t failed here, she’s blossomed.
“And it’s no coincidence that she did that here surrounded by people who love and support her. Each one of those guys inside would do anything for her. None more than Tyler. He is the best big brother. He has this huge heart and always puts everyone else’s needs before his own. He has sacrificed a lot for her and expected nothing in return. Do you know that the first thing he does after every game is call her to check in? Or that he took her on college tours? Or that he added a back seat to his precious car, so it’d be more family-friendly?”
Emotional laughter bubbles up in my chest and I let it free. I realize no matter what I say, if she hasn’t figured out by now how amazing of a son she raised, she may never. And because of that, and a million other reasons, I’m going to spend the rest of my life making sure I tell him.
“Don’t tear them apart,” I plead. “They need each other.”
“Tell Everly I’ll be back in the morning.”
She gets into her car without another word, and I walk back into the house. I left the door open as I ran out, and Tyler stands just inside. The look on his face is stricken.
“Did you hear all of that?”
“Yeah.” His voice is gruff.
“I’m sorry for meddling. I couldn’t help it.”
He yanks me to him and kisses me hard. “No one has ever stood up for me like that.”
Tears burn the back of my eyes because someone should have.
When he pulls back, he lets out a tired moan. “I need to check on Ev. Don’t go anywhere.”
“Go. I’ll be here.”
Always.
38
I WANT TO SMASH SOMETHING
TYLER
Declan is standingin Everly’s doorway. His big frame rests against the wood and his arms are crossed over his chest.
“Hey,” I say as I step to him.
He lets his arms fall to his sides and he pushes to his full height. “Everything good?”
