Page 62 of All My Heart

“If you want to help, I'm not going to say no.” I'd have to figure out a way to tell Luna so she wasn't hurt. Why was everything so complicated? This is why I'd avoided my family. They wanted to be involved in everything, and there was no reason to say no.

“I'd appreciate it. Charlotte's everywhere I go lately, and she's so positive, you know? It drives me crazy.”

There was something about the way he talked about her. Like he admired her as much as she irritated him. “I don't want to take you away from the farm.”

His lips curled. “It will be the perfect excuse.”

“I'm glad I could help.”

Teddy nodded. “I'm feeling pretty good about this.”

“Avoiding your issues doesn't get you anywhere. Ask me how I know,” I said.

“This situation with Charlotte is nothing like you not telling us you were home.” Teddy walked toward the front door. “I'll tell Dad you're home, and you can do the rest.”

“I appreciate you not telling the others I've been home for a while.”

“There's no point in hurting everyone else.” Teddy turned to face me at the door.

I cleared my throat, uncomfortable talking about feelings with my brother. “I'm sorry I hurt you.”

Teddy shrugged. “I can take it. But I'd be more careful getting involved with the neighbors. You might be getting more visitors.”

That's what I wanted to avoid. I followed Teddy outside and saw him off. Then I knocked on Luna's door. What must she be thinking?

Luna opened the door with a wary look in her eyes, and a glass of champagne in her hand. Her cheeks were flushed, and I wondered if she'd been drinking since I left. My shoulders felt tight. “I'm sorry about my brother showing up.”

She raised a brow as I stepped inside. “How did that happen again?”

I half expected her to block my entrance, but she didn't. I didn't feel like I was in the clear though. I shut her out when I took my brother into my cabin. But then again, she needed time to get dressed.

She closed the door behind me, then led the way to the living room. “How did he find out where you lived?”

“He talked to my commanding officer. My new address was on the discharge paperwork.”

Luna winced as she sat on her couch, sipping her wine. “That sucks.”

“I wasn't ready to talk to him tonight, especially not right after—” I waved a hand in her direction.

“Can you imagine if he'd driven up just a few minutes earlier?” Luna chuckled but looked away, and I got the impression she didn't find any of this funny.

I sat on the couch, purposely leaving space between us. “He didn't, but I don't think we can have naked hot tub sex anymore. My brothers could show up at any time. And then there's my sisters.”

Her lips curved into a tentative smile. “Are you ready for it?”

I sighed. “As ready as I'll ever be. Teddy promised not to tell them I lied to them.”

Luna nodded, drinking the rest of her wine. “That's good. I guess.”

“A part of me wants to come clean, but it would just hurt them unnecessarily.”

Luna's forehead creased. “Yeah, maybe.”

My stomach tightened when I added, “Teddy offered to help with the bathroom and the kitchen installation.”

“Oh,” Luna said flatly.

“It'll be easier with the extra manpower,” I said, wondering why I was so worried about telling her.

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