Page 17 of Fall

Clearly, he doesn’t want to talk anymore, and I don’t know what to say. I walk away, shutting the attic door behind me.

Why would he have no choice?

Chapter Eight

Harley

“Harley, I’ve been looking for you,” Blake says as he walks into the attic, Luke following close behind.

I shut my laptop so they don’t see the baby store I have open on it. I’ve ordered a lot of stuff to come tomorrow as a gift to Tilly, making sure it’s all boxed up well so I can tell my family I’m having a room re-done or something.

I’ve never bought a girl anything, and here I am, ordering nappies and cot sheets. I don’t know if she will be okay with my buying all this stuff for her and the baby, but I want to help her. It can’t be easy running from your past and leaving your family behind when you have a baby on the way. I know I didn’t get her pregnant, and she isn’t my responsibility, but I can’t walk away from her. It feels like she is mine, and it has felt that way since I first saw her.

“I could use a distraction,” I say with a laugh, walking over to the sofas where Blake sits looking nervous. I share a look with Luke, who only grins.

“Okay, what’s going on? Blake, you look like you’re about to shit yourself, while Luke looks like he is waiting for you to do just that,” I say, and Blake laughs, but it’s a nervous one.

“I want to ask Izzy to marry me, and I would like your permission. She never had a father figure in her life, but she has told me on more than one occasion that she sees you like that,” he says, and I’m not entirely surprised he is asking me. I know how much he loves my sister.

“You didn’t need to ask me, but yes. I’m going to say this once, though. If you hurt her or do anything other than love that girl, I’m going to beat the shit out of you,” I say, watching as he nods at me in understanding. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to protect my sister.

“Congrats, man, but what he said,” Luke says, and Blake laughs.

“I’d rather hurt myself than ever hurt her, so don’t worry,” he tells us, and it makes me feel a little better.

“Can’t believe you're actually going to be our brother-in- law. I always saw you as a brother, even before you started dating our sister.”

“I felt more like he was a guy who ate our food, lived in our house most of the time, and made sure Seb found his way home when he was drunk,” I comment, with a smile to show him I’m joking.

“Oi! I brought food here sometimes, like food my mum cooked for you guys,” Blake responds with a fake, hurt expression.

“Oh, yeah. I’m coming to yours for tea tomorrow night,” Luke says with a dreamy look as he rubs his stomach. Even I have to admit the food she sends us is impressive.

“Fine, but no hitting on my mum, it’s not funny anymore,” Blake says, and I can’t help but laugh when Luke winks at him.

“Your mum is hot, though. If only I were twenty years older,” Luke says, and Blake throws a pillow at him.

“Harley . . . just . . . thank you for bringing her into my life. I was lost until her, and I know I can’t really explain it, but I know I have you to thank for bringing her here.”

“I didn’t bring her here for you. In fact, when we found out you two were together, I wanted to beat the shit out of you,” I tell him honestly.

“Understood. If I had a sister, I would be the same way,” Blake replies.

“Luckily, you don’t. If she looked anything like your mum–” Luke says, and Blake throws another cushion at him to stop that sentence.

“What’s the plan? How are you going to ask?” I ask, changing the conversation.

“Well, she loves the beach so I’ve booked a private boat in a month, and I’m going to ask her while we’re on it,” he says.

“That’s a good plan,” I say, knowing Izzy told me about how her mum used to take her to the beach as a child. The fact he knows that shows me he listens to her. That he loves her.

“I had this ring custom made for her. I’ve been waiting for it for three months now, but I only want the best for her,” he says and hands me a small, white box. I open it to see a ring with one large diamond, and at the side of it sits two, tiny blue stones. I think they are sapphires.

“She will love it,” I reply, handing the box back to Blake. Luke doesn’t ask to see it, so I’m guessing he spoke to Luke before.

“How is Tilly settling in? Izzy is worried about her, and I’m not sure what to say to Izzy,” Blake asks.

“It’s been a week, but honestly, Tilly will talk to Izzy when she is ready,” I say, leaning back in my seat and trying not to think about Tilly.

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