Page 54 of Pucking Obsessed

I’ve attended events that my twin has been invited to or as Robyn’s partner. But no one has invited me as anindividualin my own right before.

A strange sensation is building in me. I can’t process the emotion yet.

Why are my eyes smarting?

I wish that I could say yes.

Perhaps, I can find a way to manage this party for once. I don’t want to turn Cody down.

I straighten my shoulders. “Why are you throwing her a party?”

Cody groans. “My sis the birthdayphobic. She hasn’t told you, huh? Ryn’s birthday is coming up soon. I’ll text you the details.”

My eyes widen. “Shit.”

What am I going to do?

I haven’t bought her anything. We haven’t planned a celebration.

I can’t fuck up Robyn’s first birthday with us. Shay taught me about how special birthdays are for people.

“Hey, don’t panic.” Cody grins. “I have an early surprise party covered. Ryn can’t escape. You’ve got time to buy her something or...and I’m serious about this…make her something. She was married to an asshole millionaire who bought her jewelry worth thousands every birthday. Except, he didn’t. He had his PA select it and send it over. Ryn told me that she never wore it because it made her feel how little her husband cared about her. Just do something that shows her what she means to you.”

Except, isn’t that more difficult?

Robyn is worth more than the world to me. But how do I put that into words?

Perhaps, I can show it in actions.

“Ehm, what’s that glint in your eye?” Cody quirks his brow. “Look, this is what you need to know. I’m seriously protective of Ryn. She’s honest and loyal. She loves with her whole heart. It makes me worried for her. I can’t bear to see her hurt again. Yet I’ve seen how happy she is with you guys. She’s changed. I’ve never seen her like this, and after everything that we’ve both been through, it’s like a fucking miracle.”

I stare at him. “Is this you giving me your blessing?”

“A blessing wrapped up in a shovel talk.” Cody’s look becomes dangerous.

“Fair.” I lick the sweet jam off my fingers to give myself time to think how to answer. “I will treat your sister and her heart with respect. I’d rather burn to ash again than hurt her. I’ll spend my life protecting her from the monsters that haunt this world.”

“Andthat’swhy you’re perfect for her because you understand.” Cody pulls his knees up and wraps his arms around them.

He’s become ashen.

Instantly, I bristle.

Who has made him look like this?His dad?

I can recognize the signs when Cody is around coach. They’re ones that I live with.

Perhaps, broken people recognize other broken people.

I don’t think that Robyn truly understands.

My expression darkens. “Are you safe?”

Cody ducks his head, and his hair covers his eyes. “I am now. At least, Dad can only hurt me with words. I’m trying to repair our relationship. Dad text me and asked me boating tomorrow. That’s a good sign, right?”

I shrug.

“Dad has never taken me boating. It’s his favorite hobby, and after Mom… Well, he spent more time on his lake than in the house. Every weekend, he’d take Ryn out. He used the excuse that I was on permanent chore punishment not to include me. I was never taken off those chores. Yet I was only being punished for standing up to the bullies, who’d been tormenting my sis. I don’t regret it. I don’t know if Dad does.”

---