Page 71 of Devoted

Ethan’s lip split open in a shit-eating grin. “I’m so far gone where that woman is concerned, man. She’s it. She’s the one.”

My eyebrows shoot up, even though I know precisely how he feels. “No shit. That’s fucking fantastic, man.”

“Thanks. It’s crazy. I know it hasn’t been that long, but I feel it. She makes me so fucking happy. It’s like I finally understand what I’ve been waiting for. It was her.”

“Damn. It’s like you’re taking the words right out of my mouth.”

“You feel that way about Jess?”

I bob my head up and down as I scoop the onions into their bowl and then grab a different cutting board to start on the tomatoes. “I knew that my attraction to her differed from anything I’ve ever felt before. But after these past few months, and especially last weekend, I’m right there with you. She’s the woman for me.”

Ethan chuckles before taking a drink of his beer again. “Look at us, man. Falling hard at the same time. I don’t want to get all mushy with you, but fuck, I’m glad you moved home. You’re not only my cousin, but one of my best friends, Brooks. I know things are tough right now, but I feel like we’re all going to be okay, especially with these women by our sides now. Who knew that speed dating would change our lives, huh?” He winks.

“Right? And I’m glad to be home too, man.” We clink our bottles and then I finish chopping the vegetables and place all the toppings, chips, and salsa out on the counter. I made the chicken in the crock pot and shred it so it stays warm. The only thing we’re missing is Jess, so then we can eat.

“Everything smells wonderful, Brooks.” Aunt Liz comes up behind me and inhales the chicken once she lifts the lid off of the crock pot.

“Thanks. I hope mom will be able to enjoy it and keep it down.”

“She should be find tonight. Next week will be rough though after her next round of treatment.”

“I know.” The peace I just felt from my conversation with Ethan is quickly replaced with my looming reality.

“Hey,” she says while placing her hand on my shoulder. “She’s doing much better since her fainting spell. I’ve made her rest the past week and a half, and believe me, her thorniness hasn’t subsided one bit.” She laughs and then squeezes my arm. “She’s doing the best she can. Try not to focus on her sickness tonight, Brooks. Try to focus on the memories you’re making with her and introducing her to this woman that’s taken you by surprise.”

My lips spread up on their own accord. “Thanks, Aunt Liz.” I kiss her cheek and make my way back into the living room just as the doorbell rings. Taking stride towards the door, I look back at my cousin, aunt, and mom, all grinning from ear to ear as they wait to meet the woman that I’m hoping that will soon fit in seamlessly with my family—because she’s come to mean as much to me as these people do, and I’m committed to keeping it that way.

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