Page 118 of Redemption

“Okay,” Greer said, taking a seat. “What’s going on? You’re making me nervous.”

Sloan shifted on her feet. “I, um—” She turned to me, her expression pinched. “I don’t know if I can do this.”

“Do what?” Greer glanced between us, confusion marring her features.

I knew this was it—the point of no return. There’d be no going back after this. I took a deep breath. “Sloan and I are together.”

Greer blinked a few times. “Together? As in…”

I stepped closer to Sloan, sliding my arm around her waist. She felt so right in my arms. In my life.

“Oh.” Greer dragged out the word. “Oh! You’re… Wow. Okay.”

Sloan tensed, and I braced myself for something more.

“Okay?” I asked after a minute. “That’s it?”

“I’m…still processing. Jeez.” She rolled her eyes.

Sloan took a seat next to Greer. Sloan’s voice shook when she spoke. “You know that my relationship with you is so, so important to me. You have been there for me through everything.”

“And you’ve always been there for me,” Greer said with a watery smile, patting Sloan’s hand.

“I hope…” Sloan wiped away a tear. “I know you were opposed to the idea of Jackson and me in the past, but I hope—” her breath hitched “—you can be happy for us. Because we’re so happy together.”

Greer said nothing, silently considering. She hadn’t lashed out, which was good. But I didn’t know what to think of her reaction.

She turned to me, narrowing her eyes. “You better not break her heart.”

I didn’t blink. Didn’t flinch. Didn’t look away. “I love Sloan, and I’m not going anywhere.”

“Love?” Greer blinked a few times. “Love? You love her?” I nodded, and she turned to Sloan, who smiled and nodded as well.

“We love each other,” Sloan said.

Greer’s eyes looked as if they might bug out of her head. “This is a lot to take in,” she said, clearly shocked by the news. “But I guess I should’ve realized it was serious if you decided to tell me.”

Sloan caught my eye, casting me an anxious glance.

“But—” Greer frowned. “You just got out of a relationship with Edward,” she said to Sloan. “I want to be happy for you, but aren’t you moving a little fast?”

“Ah. Um…” Sloan glanced to her lap.

“Jackson?” Greer looked to me for answers.

“Sloan and I…” I drew in a deep breath, hoping this wouldn’t ruin everything. “Sloan and I fell in love years ago, but the timing wasn’t right.”

“Years ago.” Greer furrowed her brow. “Just exactly how long ago are we talking?”

“College,” Sloan whispered.

“College?” Greer reared back. “You were…” She waved her arms before her. “Wait. What?” She stood and started pacing. Her questions came out rapid-fire. “When did it start? For how long? Were you together at my wedding?”

I finally explained the truth behind my discharge from the SEALs. A tear trickled down Greer’s cheek, and I hated that she was hurting—because of me.

“Jackson.” She shook her head. “I wish I’d known. I wish you’d told me.”

“I just…” I blew out a breath. “At the time, I was so ashamed. I’m your big brother.” Your hero.

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