Page 42 of Inked Devotion

“Of course, and I made it, so you know it’s going to be good.”

I looked skeptically down at the reusable bottle in my hand then back up at my sister.

She scowled at me. “Ouch. That’s not very nice.”

“I’m kidding.”

I shook my head, opened up the bottle, and took a sip. It wasn’t sweet tea, but it was an aromatic honey tea and it hit the spot. I took a big gulp and exaggeratedly smacked my lips together as I let out a breath. “Amazing.”

“Jerk.”

“Hey, I’m sorry. The tea’s great. Almost as good as that peach tea you made me.”

Paige beamed. “I’m glad you like it. Now, get out.”

I blinked. “Get out? Where?”

“Anywhere. Just get away. I can hear you sigh and scowl from my desk, and today is not working. I’m kicking you out because I love you. Play in some dirt. I’m sure there are a few site visits that you can go check in on your team with.”

I shook my head. “No, I’m scheduled today to be in the office.”

“And we all know schedules can change.”

I took a staggering step back, my hand over my heart. “Are you okay? I’ve never once heard those words leave your mouth before. Do we need to talk?” I was only partially joking at that point.

My sister was the queen of the planners. She knew everybody’s schedule off the top of her head, as well as in her paper planner, and her digital one. She kept us in line and was one of the main reasons our company was a success. And she was telling me to go off script. Worry didn’t even begin to cover it.

“Paige.”

“I just have a lot of work to do, and Colton’s parents are in town.”

My eyes widened. “Have you met them before?”

“No, not until last night. And it went well. I’m pretty sure his dad loves me, and I’m pretty sure his mother doesn’t know what to do with me.” She cringed, and I set down my iced tea so I could wrap my baby sister in my arms. I held her close and kissed the top of her head.

“Why do you think that?” I wondered if I would have to kick Colton’s ass for letting my baby sister get hurt.

“She just acted as if I was just a normal girlfriend that would be in and out of his life like others. Not the woman that’s been with her son for over a year now. I mean, I realize I don’t have a ring on my finger, and that’s fine. Colton isn’t there yet.”

I let out a breath and then asked the question that I had wanted to ask but hadn’t yet, because it might hurt my sister. However, the time had come. At least, I hoped so.

“So, he’s not ready to get married?” I kept my voice low, trying not to spook her.

She gave me a look that told me she knew what I was doing.

“Colton and I just aren’t there yet. I know everyone thinks that any minute now, he’s going to get down on one knee and propose, but it’s not our fault that the rest of our family seems to like getting married as soon as they fall in love. We’re taking our time. And I do have time. I don’t need to race to catch up with the rest of the family.”

“As long as you’re sure.”

“I am sure, however, no matter what, that we are serious. I’m a little worried that his mother didn’t seem to understand that.”

“Did he stick up for you or anything?”

She nodded. “He told me that his mother doesn’t want to get close to anyone that she might actually like, and then have to walk away from. His older brother was in a relationship for six years before he and his girlfriend broke up. I think that’s why she acts the way that she does. At least, that’s what I’m going to tell myself. Either way, though, that doesn’t make me feel great, you know?”

“I don’t want him hurting you,” I whispered.

“It’s not hurting me.”

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