Page 84 of Playing for Keeps

Edith tries to smile, but she’s in a mopey mood.

“What’s bothering you, cousin?” Val asks and hugs her to his body.

“Nothing. I’m glad you’re happy,” she says and pushes him off. “But don’t force me to meet your happiness with my own.”

Val backs off and acts like he might walk away. Changing gears, he takes my hand and smiles at Edith.

“Lola and I are planning to hit up Arcadia next week,” Val explains while Edith stares as if he’s threatening her. “I know the whole gang is planning on going down there soon to make a lot of noise. But Lola and I thought you might like to make it a smaller affair. The three of us could roll around town, scoping out men worthy of your many qualities.”

Edith’s gaze flashes to me. I think she’s worried about coming along on our honeymoon. I smile warmly, hoping she realizes how every day is a honeymoon with Val. Plus, I’d like to help her find someone special.

“I know you don’t want to move away from the homestead,” Val says softly. “I don’t think that’ll be an issue. Once your dream guy meets you, he’ll be willing to give up everything to have you.”

Edith’s face pinches, and she backs away. I’m startled when she begins to full-fledged cry.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Val says and reaches out to hug her.

Edith backs away from him, even though her tear-filled gaze remains locked on me.

“Oh, no!” Tuesday gasps from nearby and comes running.

Edith dodges her cousin’s embrace and walks away while hugging herself.

“Don’t suffer alone,” Tuesday insists, blocking Edith’s escape. “Spread the pain around, so we can all help you carry it.”

“What pain?” Ike asks, walking over and frowning at Val. “Did you make my sister cry?”

“Yes. I’m sorry.”

“Edith, what’s wrong?” Donovan calls out from Court’s back porch.

Hearing her name sets off Edith, sending her running from the people wanting to soothe her.

Everyone stops what they’re doing and focuses on her, likely the opposite of what she wants. I even notice my father walking over to see what’s happening. Clover joins me while Grandma Erin watches from Christine and Jared’s back porch.

“Edith, don’t be sad,” Tuesday says, corralling her cousin back toward the group. “I only want to hug away your pain.”

Clover opens her mouth to ask what’s happening. Her question is cut short when she notices Duke walking right for Edith. Tuesday backs away as if startled.

Before I can put words to what Clover’s thinking, our father cups Edith’s face and plants a very inappropriate kiss on her lips.

“The stripper,” I gasp, and Clover grips my hand while Val seizes my other. “It’s all so obvious now.”

“Is it, though?” Clover asks.

“No, not really, no.”

“Why is your dad sucking on my sister’s face?” Ike asks me. “Should I tackle him?”

Edith must hear her brother’s question. She wraps her arms around Duke to prevent him from being tackled.

“The curse is officially broken,” Val tells me.

I have no idea what the hell is going on with Duke and Edith, but I can’t deny the curse has lost its pull on me. Val Mercer wanted what he wanted, and nothing was standing in his way, not even a hundred-year-old curse.

VAL, AKA THE LUCKY ADONIS CELEBRATES HIS WINNINGS

Soon after Lola and I are married, we spend a week in Arcadia. I quickly learn I’m excellent at surfing while Lola proves she looks super sexy falling off her board. When not in the water, we enjoy the seaside restaurants and spend time at the lake behind Rie’s house.

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