Page 22 of The Re-Proposal

He clears his throat. “I didn’t say this was because of a girl.”

“Of course you didn’t. But you want some advice?”

“What?”

I tap his shoulder. “Just be yourself. You don’t have to show off or change who you are to impress anyone. Got it?”

He blinks. “Uncle Cody?”

“What?”

“If you’re so good with girls, why don’t you have a girlfriend?”

I freeze, taken aback by the direct question.

“I never had the time,” I hedge.

Abe tilts his head. “You always make time for us.”

“True but…”

“Are you scared too?”

Ouch. Burned by an eleven year old. “Maybe I am.” I rise to my feet and nudge him forward. “How about we make a pact, huh? You face your fears bravely.” I hook a thumb in my shirt. “And I’ll do the same.”

“Deal.” Abe shakes my hand.

I slip a couple hundred dollar bills into it. “Deal.”

His eyes light up.

Just then, Island calls from downstairs. “Abe, your dad is here! Let’s watch this commercial.”

“Boys!” Another voice rings. “Get off those video games and get down here!”

Abe groans.

I smack his back. “You ready?”

“I think I’m going to be sick.” He slings an arm over his stomach.

“Just don’t hurl on the carpet. It looks expensive.”

Abe scrunches his nose.

The other boys join us as we move downstairs. Everyone is already seated in the living room and they’re all looking expectantly at Abe.

I place a steadying hand on his shoulder.

“Deep breaths,” I coach. “You got this.”

“Over here, Abe.” Island waves. She’s half-sitting on Clay’s lap while Regan is snugged comfortably in her arms.

My brother meets my eyes and nods.

I nod back and settle into the couch next to Deej and her husband. Around me, couples are snuggled together, looking happy and content. Even Stinton—usually ice-cold and more heartless than I could ever hope to be—looks like a different man with his wife and daughter.

The ache in my chest that I usually fill with work starts throbbing. This laughter, this joy, this sense of family. I want it. I want it badly.

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