Page 125 of Marry Me Forever

“I’d like to think yes, but probably not.” I glanced at my sister. “I love her, Abby. Truly. But I can’t even talk with her, let alone explain things and tell her that.”

Tapping her fingers against the tree trunk, Abby said, “Normally, I’d offer to help my big brother without any sort of conditions. But I’m in a bit of a sticky situation right now and might need your help soon. Can I call in a favor later and you’ll be discreet?”

I searched Abby’s face, and only then noticed the dark smudges under her eyes. Something wasn’t right. But judging by the stubborn set of her jaw, she wasn’t ready to reveal her troubles. Yet, anyway. “Whatever you need, Abby, just say the word, and I’ll be there.”

“Truly?”

I smiled wryly. “It’s something I’ve tried offering to you all for years, but pride and ego seems to make us all stubborn asses.”

Abby’s mouth twitched. “We are that.” She sobered. “I’m sorry if I’ve been extra distant the last year or so. I don’t have an ex that’ll go as far as orchestrating a kidnapping, but I have my own ex-asshole issues.”

She must mean whatever had happened in San Jose during her student teacher internship.

However, Abby could close herself off when pushed, so I merely said, “If you ever need to talk, I’m here. I’ll even jump on a plane, if I need to.”

“Thanks, Nolan. I’ll remember that.” She cleared her throat. “Now, about you and Katie. I’m willing to help, provided you finally declare your undying love and sweep her off her feet.”

I nodded. “If she’ll talk to me, and if she doesn’t hate me, I’m going to offer my heart, my future, my everything to her.”

“Why are all the good guys related to me?” She sighed. “I’ll round up the BFF Circle, and we’ll hit The Watering Hole for drinks. And don’t worry, I’ll figure a way to get Katie out of the house. She hasn’t stepped off her family’s property since returning to Starry Hills, but it’s high time she does.”

I frowned. “If she’s truly not ready, don’t force her, Abby.”

She smiled. “Despite all your fame and fortune, you’re still such a nice guy.” She looked away and muttered, “Unlike some other guy I know.”

I had no idea what she was talking about. But before I could ask, Abby took out her phone and typed. She must’ve got a reply straight away because she nodded and smiled at me. “Emmy’s onboard, and Amber will be, I’m sure of it. We’ll be there by 8pm.”

I nodded. “That gives me enough time to get everything ready.”

Abby tilted her head. “Ready for what?”

“Nope, I’m not saying. It’s part of me offering Katie everything, and it’s a surprise.”

“You always were good at keeping secrets, so I won’t even try badgering you. Although I have one thing you might want to add.”

As she explained, I had to admit it was pretty good.

Once I said I’d do it, Abby yawned. “Awesome. And if I’m going to be on my A-game tonight, I’d better go home and take a nap. I’ll text you about any changes.”

Abby waved goodbye and dashed off. The dark circles under her eyes, her yawning, and her brief disappearance made me wonder what she’d been up to.

But Abby was a grown woman now and not the nearly defenseless baby sister from when we were kids. I had to trust that she’d ask me for help if she truly needed it.

With a sigh, I looked up at the Wishing Tree—tall, solid, and one of the few constants in my life. Thinking about that helped ground me a little, and I whispered, “All I want is a chance to talk with Katie. If you make that happen, I’ll ensure you’re taken care of and pampered for all time.”

As the breeze blew, I laughed at myself. I was now talking to a tree.

And yet, as I left the orchard, I felt more optimistic than I had in days.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Katie

Ididn’t want to go out, but Abby, Emmy, and Amber didn’t give me a choice. When they threatened to tie me up and toss me into the car—we had an inside joke about friendly kidnapping each other, and it seemed to be my turn—I caved.

As Kyle drove to the bar so he could drop us off, I resisted sighing. Because given my shitty luck lately, everyone would stare and laugh the second I stepped foot inside.

Amber bumped her shoulder against mine. “It’s going to be fine, you’ll see.”

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