Page 79 of Inked Obsession

“Eli.”

My brother scowled harder. “You’re my baby sister. He understands.”

“This is my home, Eli. And you know I’m with Beckett.”

“I didn’t have to see it. You get it, don’t you?” he said to Beckett.

The love of my life just shrugged, and I wanted to strangle them both. “Since I have two little sisters and two brothers, I get you. Now, I’m going to go put on a shirt.”

“For the love of God, please do.” The dryness of Eli’s tone made me roll my eyes.

“And I am going to put on a jacket or something. Or a bra.”

“Please,” Eli said with a laugh. Beckett and I practically ran to the bedroom, finished getting changed, and I came out to see Eli making a pot of coffee and opening a box of donuts he had brought.

“I didn’t realize you’d brought anything.”

“Of course, I did. I’m not going to show up at my little sister’s home without something. Now, come hug me.”

He opened his arms, and I slid into his hold. He gripped me tightly and kissed the top of my head. “You seem happy.”

“I am,” I said honestly. “I promise.”

“I came to check on you. I wanted to make sure you were serious about wanting to stay here.”

I gave Beckett a look. He shrugged and sipped his coffee. “Do what you need to. I understand.”

“I love him, Eli. I love this family. I mean, I love our family. And you know that I’m going to visit you down in Texas as much as possible.”

“We’ll make sure of it,” Beckett said, and I rolled my eyes at him.

“I know it might be awkward up here because of Marshall’s family, but part of mine is here, too. And while I wish you guys could retire here, I get why you’re going down south to do it.”

“The jobs are there.”

“And you’re always welcome in my home.” I looked at Beckett. “Our home.”

“Are you shacking up with my sister?” Eli asked with a groan.

“Seriously?”

“That’s such a lovely sentiment,” I said on a laugh. “I’m happy.”

“And the thing with Marshall’s parents?” Eli asked, and Beckett gave me a look as I stiffened.

“They called after the accident to make sure I was okay. They heard about it and wanted to make sure that I was alive.”

“Not just because of the money, right?” my brother grumbled.

“That was my question, too,” Beckett said, and Eli toasted him with his coffee mug.

Men.

“It was sincere. And we’ve already discussed it, all of us. You were part of that discussion too, Eli. I’m going to give Natasha some of the money because Madison needs it. For school. I don’t care. I have a life. I have my own income. And, honestly, I don’t know if I want all of those memories tied up into things. Natasha can make sure her daughter has a college fund, but it won’t bring Marshall back. And, as it turns out, I’m okay with that. Not that I know exactly what everything means or how I feel about it, but I’m coming to terms with it all. I didn’t have to give them any money. I did. Or will. Because it’s my choice.”

My brother nodded, staring at me as if he wanted to take away all of my troubles. That was his problem, though, and always had been. Another reason why his life was changing as it was. “That wasn’t an easy decision to make.”

“No, it wasn’t, but I’ll figure it out.”

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