Page 65 of Cursed Luck
Edward cocked his head to the side. “Didn’t you put him in a ring of fire?”
She shrugged. “Not a hair on his body was injured in that incident… or I should say incidents…”
He laughed. “Enough about your strange love life. Did you get a chance to buy the flowers I asked for today?”
Brandy grinned. “I did. I have them in the office.”
When she pushed up from the table, he set a hand on hers. “I’ll get them in a second.”
She lowered back into her seat and stared. “What’s this all about? Did you piss her off again and need to grovel?”
“No, not yet at least. I…” He paused and couldn’t stop the shit-eating grin from his face. “I plan on telling her how I feel tonight, and I want it to be special.”
“What? You still haven’t told her you love her?”
He shook his head. “It hasn’t been the right time.”
“And how do you suppose today is the right day?” When he didn’t answer, she continued. “Is it right because of the flowers? Or maybe some chocolate? Or are you taking her to some fancy restaurant? Because I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but Mia isn’t into any of that. Except for maybe the flowers, but we both know she’s got that covered.”
Edward chuckled as he leaned back in the chair. “You done?”
“Maybe… yes, no, fine, all right I’m done.” She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him.
“I haven’t got the foggiest clue if today is the right one, but I’m going to do my damnedest to make it special for both of us. If I don’t tell her soon, it’s going to come out at the wrong time.”
Brandy’s face lit up. “I’m thrilled for you. To be honest, I’m also rather shocked.”
His brows narrowed. “Why?”
“You don’t share, Eddie. For as long as I can remember, you’ve kept your private life very private. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad thing. Hell, anytime we were able to keepanythingprivate as a family of eight was probably a miracle.”
He laughed as memories flitted through his mind. “Especially from my nosy little sister.”
She nodded. “You love me, and you know it.”
Edward leaned his elbows on the table, getting closer to her. “I know I’m not the easiest of our bunch, but don’t ever deny I love you and all our brothers, Bran. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you guys.”
She studied him before nodding. “I know, Edward. I just wish you didn’t make yourself the odd man out so often.”
He could see the pain his actions caused her. “I’m trying to be better.” He shrugged as he flashed her a smirk. “After all, I’m sharing about Mia, am I not?”
Brandy rolled her eyes. “Because you had no choice. You needed my help.”
His lips formed a thin line. “I had a choice, and I choseyou. Iamprivate, and I don’t let people in, but I know I can trust you with this.”
He turned the conversation to his niece and lighter topics. Visiting with Brandy was one thing he vowed to do more of. It would take more with each of his brothers, but he had not lied. He wanted to repair whatever damage he had caused each relationship with his distancing. They did not deserve it, and it had been his own misguided attempt to spare them. His time with Mia showed him he wanted to be a part of their crazy family. She did not grow up with a large brood, but he wanted her to be wrapped up in the love of his.
“Ta da!” Brandy announced as she revealed the bouquet from behind her back.
Edward grinned, envisioning Mia’s look of surprise at the spray of wildflowers he had decided on. They reminded him of a field his father had once taken them to in the forest when they were kids. He’d let them run around, enjoying the fresh air, and fed them with a packed picnic for eight. Edward let the warmth spread through him at the memory. “These are perfect! Thanks, Bran!”
“Now go get your girl! And for what it’s worth, I really like her and think she’s perfect for you.”
He pushed to his feet and took her in an embrace. After thanking her again, he made his way out of the café with a bouquet made for his woman. He set the flowers on the back seat when he reached his car, but before he could round the hood, he froze.
His body tingled, magic flowing over him at a clipped pace. Something was wrong with Mia—or would be. He did not know which, but the feeling in the pit of his stomach made him brace against the car as he vomited on the curb.
Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he heard light footfall as it reached him.
