Page 49 of An Endless Memory

“Just hang out and give each other a hard time for no other reason than because we’re sisters?” I glanced at Eliot and stroked my gaze over his broad back to his impeccable ass. “The Knights are always hanging out, and I know I’ve heard them say they haven’t always been that way, but… I just want sisters I can talk to. Brothers too.”

“Well…” Poppy continued to pull at her long bangs. “We don’t live close like you said they do.”

“I know.” I shouldn’t have brought it up, but after the Fourth of July, I couldn’t quit wishing for what I didn’t have, which included a sexy husband who made my panties wet while he cooked hamburgers on the grill.

Violet dropped her chin down and studied the concrete. “I think you underestimate how much we worried about you with Carter. We could all see the wedge he was putting between you and us.”

“It didn’t help that I felt like he wasn’t all wrong.” That was the rub. His and his parents’ catty remarks had held a lot of truth. “You guys were always taking care of me, and I never wanted to upset anyone.”

“Carter was different,” Violet said. “He was a sentient red flag, Lil. He treated you like shit.”

“He treated me like a queen until I wasn’t necessary.” That was how he fooled me.

“Yes,” Violet replied, “but there were several red flags under his bravado. Look, we were all supportive of you marrying him so you could adopt Cali. But dropping out of vet school? That douche could’ve found a way, but he wanted a free babysitter.”

He could’ve, but he’d dangled exactly what I wanted in front of me. My own family. “At least I came out of it with two amazing kids.”

“They’re the only reason Alder and Jasper didn’t kill him and hide the body in the oil fields,” Poppy said.

I might be bloodthirsty for the way I liked to hear that, but so be it. “Carter’s out of my life, and I’m better for it.”

“Don’t you want to go back to vet school?” Violet asked. Of all of them, she would be the one ruminating over why I wasn’t trying to finish what I’d started. She’d have clawed her way to the top no matter what.

“Actually, no. I like being able to do my job and leave. I’ve worked in clinics enough now to see the stress. Plus, I get to deal with the animals more than the people. The vets don’t get that.”

My sisters peered at me for a moment, then Violet nodded. “It’s your life.”

“It is,” I agreed, grateful they seemed to understand that I didn’t need to be at the top of my profession to be happy. I wanted a job I enjoyed and a house full of love like I’d had growing up. I was also ready to move on from the topic of me. “So, when are you all getting married?”

Violet blanched. “Can you imagine if I dragged Willis to North Dakota?” She scoffed.

Was I brave enough to say what was on my mind? I glanced at the tall man with the nice ass who was my husband. Yes. I was. “Willis has always reminded me of Carter.”

Poppy was in the middle of a drink when she sputtered. Clover turned like she was trying to see where Cali was playing with our parents. She most likely wanted a reason to get away from the conversation.

“You can’t be serious,” Violet said in a haughty tone.

“As serious as Carter’s love for hair product.” If I didn’t feel it was important to open my sister’s eyes to her crappy boyfriend, I’d keep my mouth shut.

Clover swiped a hand over her face, but her smile stayed in place. “What have you done with our timid little sister?”

“I think you’re asking the wrong person.” Poppy jerked her head toward Eliot. He was putting a plate of burgers on the table. “What’s he doing to her?”

“Ten bucks if you give me the good details,” Clover said.

“Clover!” She’d be scandalized if I listed everything I wanted him to do to me. She’d be even more appalled if she knew that the final answer would be nothing. Eliot and I were doing nothing together but pretending to be in love.

Violet shook her head, back to being an impervious older sister. “It looks like it’s time to eat. I’ll get Mom and Dad.”

Poppy nudged my shoulder. “Thanks for having the balls to bring up Willis. He’s the reason she never comes to visit. Montana is too hick for his California ass.”

“He can stay out of Billings, then,” Clover said. “I can’t believe she left him long enough to come here.”

I watched Violet turn on her chipper voice to let our parents and Cali know it was time to eat. “As long as she’s here and he’s not.”

Poppy threaded her arms through mine. “You’re right, though. We need to get together more. It’s been too long.” She snorted. “I’m just not getting married to do it. But you’ve been through a lot, and you deserve the sexy cowboy who fell into your lap.”

Eleven

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