Page 82 of Seal of Approval

“But Jasmine’s not like that,” Steve said.

That’s true. She didn’t need a man in her life to feel fulfilled. She didn’t need me. Now that Max was gone, she definitely didn’t need me.

“No, Jasmine is nothing like Mom.”

Steve watched me in the silence. “That’s a good thing, right?”

“Of course it is. Bailey and Rose feel loved and protected.”

“But what about you?”

“What about me?”

“Do you feel loved and protected?”

I shrugged. “What does it matter? I’ll be leaving in two months.”

Steve frowned. “Stop hiding behind the time.”

“I’m not.”

“Ethan.” His voice was firm. “We never lie to each other.”

I sighed. “I don’t know. I don’t know how serious she is.”

“How does she make you feel?”

Now or before? And why was it different now? Because of what a psychopath said? Or because of my deep-seated fears?

“I felt seen and understood.”

“Do you still feel the same?”

No lying, right? “No.”

“Why?”

“I’ve never felt loved like that before. I don’t trust it.”

“I love you.”

“You’re my brother.”

“It doesn’t mean I need to love you.”

I laughed. I’m sure at some point in our lives he didn’t love me.

He gave me the dad look he was a master at. “You need to talk to Jasmine. Tell her how you feel.”

I nodded.

“Maybe record it for posterity. You know, the day Mr Buried Feelings actually lets them out.”

“Ha ha. Funny.”

He waved me away. “Off you go.”

I walked back to the house. Jasmine was on the porch watching the kids and Timmy on the beach.

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