Page 15 of Finally a Bride: Best Friend's Brother

We’ve watched three movies, romcoms and each one Mal’s cried harder than she did when she learned about Cedric. It’s going to take time.

“I think I’m going to head to my place,” I say after a long yawn.

“You can’t drive across town. Stay. I still have a trundle under my bed. It’ll be like old times.”

I did love those times.

“Mal, I don’t think that’s a great idea.” I push to stand, leaning over to fluff the pillow that I squished behind me.

“I know, Ella.”

“Okay, I’ll head out and?—”

“No. I know about your crush on McCabe.”

This is my best friend. My ride or die. My sister from another mother. Of course she knows me.

“Ella, you’ve put love on a pedestal and I’m not sure any man will live up to what you’re thinking love is.”

My eyes burn with salty tears. “I want a fairy tale.”

She sighs. “Love isn’t meant to be a fairy tale. It’s meant to be real and hard and if you don’t try, you’ll never know what it feels like.”

She’s right.

“But you’d be okay with me dating your brother?” It just seems way to convenient.

“Hey, someone should be getting laid this weekend and it’s not going to be me.”

I burst out laughing. “You know how I know you’re going to be okay? That. You understand that life isn’t going to end. That you still care for others.”

She stands. “I love you and I love my brother. If you make each other happy for even a night, then who am I to stop it.”

“I’m scared.”

“Do it anyway.”

I tip my head. “Really?”

She wraps me in a hug. “Or don’t. But don’t let my sad-sack story stop you from making your dreams come true.”

“You’re going to be okay, you know?”

“No, I don’t know, but I’ll trust you. I always have.”

Hugging my bestie feels like hugging a sister. As an only child, Mallory is the closest thing I’ll ever have to one.

But maybe it’s time for me to finally be here for me and let go of my need to be there for others for a little while.

McCabe, you’ve changed, right?

Wait… maybe I’m the one who’s changed.

SIX

McCabe

Maybe it’s for the best. She’s right. Distance is a factor. But I also see something in her eyes. It’s a want and desire for more.

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