Page 35 of Ever After All

Wyatt

“You’re married?” McKenna yelped, her mouth dropping open.

Rosie’s cheeks were pink, and she shrugged as she smiled sheepishly. “Um, it was a Vegas thing.”

McKenna’s hands flew to her mouth. She stared at us before they fell. “I knew something was going on with you two, but even I didn’t guess that.”

She spun to look at Rhys, who had just toasted us. He winked over at Rosie and me before glancing back toward McKenna. “You knew?” My little sister’s tone was accusatory.

“I didn’t know for sure,” Rhys clarified. “I suspected. And it turns out I was right. I’m thrilled for them, aren’t you?”

McKenna’s gaze softened. “Of course.”

Family and friends made a few more toasts as conversation carried on around us. My mom came over to hug us and held both of Rosie’s hands in hers. “I am thrilled for you and Wyatt.”

“You are?” Rosie sounded surprised.

My mother nodded. “Most definitely. Honestly, I never mentally paired you two together, but now that I know you’re…” She paused before she beamed. “Married. It just feels right.” Her eyes slid to me. “Wyatt is strong-willed, and he needs someone like you.”

“What’s your point, Mom?” I teased as I curled an arm around her shoulders and gave her a squeeze.

“My point is precisely that,” she replied tartly. “Rosie won’t hesitate to stand up to you, and she’ll take care of your heart.”

I could feel the sting of tears in my eyes as I looked down at my mother. I knew I needed to come clean soon with the whole story.

Chapter Twenty

Rosie

A few mornings later

* * *

When I walked outside, I noticed my brother leaving early. I told myself I wasn’t trying to keep tabs on Brent. It’s just that I always worried. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why he would be leaving this early. It was a foggy morning with the mist hanging heavy in the air.

This was the day I usually went to the transfer station, which was the only reason I happened to be outside loading the trash in the back of my car.

Brent glanced over. It looked as if I caught him doing something when all he was doing was leaving early.

“I know things are wild when you’re up at this hour,” I quipped.

His expression was pinched.

“Is everything okay?” I asked.

“Oh yeah,” he said quickly. He paused as he opened his car door, resting an elbow on the rooftop. “How are you and Wyatt?”

I didn’t want to assume he was trying to change the subject, but it sure felt like it. But then, this was my brother and he liked to tease. Regardless of his reasons, it was an effective distraction. I was relieved for the gray, barely light morning and the cool air. It might’ve masked the heat that flared in my cheeks.

“We’re fine, thanks for asking.”

Brent studied me for a moment, his gaze considering. “I think he’s good for you.”

“You do?”

“I do. You carry a lot. You don’t have to do it alone.”

I didn’t even know what to make of that comment. He tapped his fingers on the roof of his car. “Nobody has to do it all alone. I gotta roll. Love you, sis.”

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