Page 29 of Can't Be Love

She nodded and smiled. “Yes, and so can you. He’s my brother, Lil. I love him. And he’s your mate. That’s not something you just turn your back on. What is it your mother is always saying?”

“God never makes mistakes, especially when pairing mates,” I said, rolling my eyes.

“Exactly!”

After a moment of silence, I told her about everything that had happened since the moment I’d arrived in Collier, including how much time I’d spent with Cole and the invaluable advice he’d given me. She got a good laugh as I painted the picture of my tattoo attempt that Thomas had interrupted, and I confessed how much it had turned me on seeing the aggressive side of my mate.

“Eww, Lily! There are some things I do withhold from you regarding your brother out of respect to you. Please do the same.”

I laughed. “MC, I lived in the same house with you and Liam. Trust me, you overshared plenty. Next time, use a freaking dampener, will ya?”

Maddie’s cheeks heated to a dark red.

We talked for several more hours about anything and everything, and I could finally breathe again. I felt Thomas’s presence even before he cleared his throat, and I knew by the look on MC’s face that Liam was with him. It unnerved me a little to see our bond strengthening in that way.

“We really didn’t want to interrupt, but Sara is screaming for her mommy,” Thomas said.

“Oh, no. We completely lost track of time. Is she okay? Where is she?” Maddie started asking.

“She’s fine sweetheart. Her big brother isn’t going to let anyone near her while she’s upset. You know how he is,” Liam chuckled. “She just started fussing. We wanted to give you guys as much time as possible.”

She jumped up and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Thanks.”

They left, leaving me alone with Thomas.

“It’s getting late. So, how about three options?” he asked.

“Um, okay,” I agreed wondering what he was up to.

“An awkward dinner at my parents’ where my sisters will no doubt continue to gawk and snicker, because once the shock started wearing off they all decided our, uh, situation, is quite hilarious. Option two, we walk into town and grab some dinner. Or, option three, I can order to go and we can head home and have dinner alone.”

He had an uncertain look in his eyes as he said option three, but there was also obvious heat behind them that made me gulp. I weighed all three options and sighed.

“If we head into town together everyone will start talking. I think I’ve had enough of that for one day, and obviously that omits your parents’ place, too, so dinner at home, I guess it is,” I said, uncertainty evident in my voice.

I couldn’t tell if that pleased him or disappointed him. Maybe a little of both, but he quickly shook it off. “Subs okay?” he asked as I nodded my head and he dialed a number on his cell.

In no time at all we walked to the sub shop, where he went in and picked up our order while I waited outside.

The shop was just across from Sydney’s store, and as my luck would have it, she was closing up for the night. She spotted me before it even registered, and was quickly crossing the street heading right for me. I took a deep breath. This meeting was bound to happen sooner or later. I had hoped I’d have a little more time to prepare for it, though.

Syd walked right up to me and, shocking me more than anything, wrapped her arms around me, pulling me into a tight embrace.

“I always knew it was a possibility I’d lose him, but I’m so happy it was to you,” she whispered.

“You are?” I blurted out. “Why?”

She pulled back and looked me in the eyes and I saw absolutely no animosity there.

“Look, I know how you feel about him, but you really should give him a chance, Lily. Thomas Collier is one of the best men I know. Get to know him and you’ll see I’m right.”

“But Sydney, you were supposed to be his mate,” I reminded her. “I know you love him, but I don’t feel that way about him.”

“A part of me will always love Thomas, but if you could see how happy he was to find you, his true mate, I knew I’d never be enough, and I also know that I deserve my true mate, too. I didn’t really understand the difference until I saw how he lit up talking about you. I want a man that thinks the moon shines on me that way too. I don’t deserve to settle for second best, and neither do you. Maybe you’re not in love with him yet, but I’m willing to bet your bond is strong and will only continue to grow. I truly hope we can still be friends,” she said hesitantly.

I nodded, trying to absorb what she had said. Thomas lit up just talking about me? I thought he was as disappointed in our mating as I had been. I hugged Sydney again, unable to formulate any words.

Thomas came out with our food at that moment.

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