Chapter 37

 

 

 

Afton

 

 

I survey the collection of boxes in the library of Joel and Nelson’s home. “That’s it?”

Nelson nudges my shoulder with his hand. “That’s everything Cleta had sent over. I told her to address it to me. We can store it all here for you until you’re ready to go through it.”

I glance over my shoulder to see concern in my brother’s expression. “Thank you, Nels.”

“I love you.” He wraps an arm around my waist. “I hope you feel that and know it. I know work keeps me on my toes and with Joel and his movie role...”

I spin around to face him. “He got it?”

“They called him this morning to book a second audition.” He smiles. “That’s supposed to be a secret. He wants to tell you in his way.”

That will likely involve balloons, streamers, and a marching band down Fifth Avenue.

I study my brother. “How do you feel about this? If he gets the part, you’ll move to Ireland too?”

“Seeing his dreams come true is all I want,” he admits with a sigh. “He’s been there for me every step of the way. I want to be there for him.”

I know exactly what he’s talking about.

Last year, my brother and Joel went through the process of trying to have a baby. They arranged for an egg donor and chose a surrogate named Savannah.

When she told them she was pregnant, we celebrated and then mourned when she miscarried two months later.

It hit Nelson the hardest.

He had already started choosing names and decorating the nursery.

It took him a long time to move forward from that loss.

“We’ll rent a place with more than enough room for you and Luke to visit us.”

I take in the smirk on his face. “I’ll visit you.”

“You’ll bring Luke with you,” he presses.

I’ve never discussed my relationships with Nelson because I’ve always looked to Joel for guidance. That wasn’t a conscious decision. It just turned out that way because of the close friendship bond that I’ve had with Joel for years.

“What I have going on with Luke is casual,” I say in as convincing a tone as I can muster while keeping a straight face.

“You’re falling in love with him,” he says stoically.

“Nelson,” I bite his name out like a curse word. “Don’t go there.”

He motions for me to take a seat on an ornate couch that runs along one of the walls of the library. “Sit down. I need to tell you a story.”

I smooth my hands over the skirt of my sundress and sit. “Have I heard this story before?”

“No,” he says as he slides off his suit jacket before he lowers himself next to me. “I thought I loved someone before Joel and I got together.”

I can’t hide the surprise I feel, so I don’t bother trying. “Who?”

“His name doesn’t matter.” He scratches his forehead. “We met at a bar. Hooked up that night. It was fast and fun, and he was…he was great to look at, Afton.”

“What happened between you two?”

“We fell in love,” he admits. “Or we thought that’s what it was, but the fire burned out quickly. The sex wasn’t as great. It was good, but not great. We rarely talked about anything of substance. He didn’t give a shit about who I was as a person.”

“I’m sorry,” I say without thinking.

“I’m not,” he counters. “That relationship taught me that you can’t settle. When Joel and I crossed the line from friends to more, I knew right away that he was it for me. That first kiss blew the ground out from under me. He wanted to know everything about me. He still does.”

I reach to squeeze his hand. “You’re perfect for each other.”

“We are,” he agrees. “Because it’s all there for us. We have fun in every way possible. We balance each other, and we would step in front of a train to save each other.”

“I know.”

“You cared for Warren,” he says softly. “Hell, maybe you loved him, but I know you, sis. I know that right now, you’re the happiest I’ve ever seen you. I don’t want to say that Luke is completely responsible for that, but I know he’s a big part of it.”

I agree with a nod of my chin. “He is.”

“It’s okay to fall in love with him.” He smiles. “Don’t worry about how fast it’s happening or what anyone thinks. My relationship with Joel started less than a month after I dumped the other guy, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

I move forward to hug him. “I don’t know if he’s falling in love with me, Nels.”

“I’d bet my last dollar that he is.” He pats my back. “Trust in his heart, Afton. Trust in your own too.”

When I move back, I study his face. “There’s a lot more to you than meets the eye.”

He loosens the tie around his neck. “I’m an orthodontist. We’re the best secret keepers.”

I laugh. “That can’t be true.”

“Oh, it is.” He winks. “I have a few more secrets up my sleeve.”

I watch as he rolls the sleeves of his white button-down shirt up to his elbows.

“One involves mom and dad,” he whispers. “They’re coming back soon.”

“They are?” I ask tentatively. “They told you that?”

“Cleta did,” he answers quickly. “I spoke to her this morning.”

A knot forms in my stomach. “What about mom and dad? Have you talked to them lately?”

He holds my gaze with his own. “No. I’ve given them the space they wanted. When they get to Manhattan, I’m there by your side when you talk to them. If you need that.”

“Thank you.” I pat his forearm. “I think I’m ready to face them on my own.”