Page 137 of Give Me Redemption

Jace

I place my beer on the edge of the counter and hit it with my fist, popping the top off before handing it to Bryce.

“No bottle opener?” he asks, taking a seat on my couch as I do the same with my own beer. It’s kind of odd having my brother here. I’m always at his place. This past week has been the best I’ve ever had. I want so bad to tell Bryce about it, but I don’t think he’s ready for that yet.

I wave my hand. “Yeah, I got one somewhere.” I take a seat. “When did y’all get home?”

“A few days ago,” he says, taking a sip of his beer.

I nod, looking at the TV. “How was the trip?”

“Good,” he says. “I asked K to marry me.”

My eyes jump to his. “Come again?”

He chuckles. “You heard me.”

“I think I need to get my fucking ears checked.” My brother is getting married? I mean, I knew Harrison was different from all the other girls he used to spend time with. And bytime, I mean fuck and nothing else.

I knew he and Harrison were serious, but marriage? I’m really blown away by this.

He shakes his head and rolls his eyes as he brings the beer back to his lips.

“She say yeah?” I ask.

“She did.”

Wow.I’m going to have a sister.

That’s pretty cool. I’m glad it’s Harrison. I rub my face, baffled by all of this. Is that why he took her there? I mean, duh, obviously it is. I wonder why he didn’t tell me he was going to pop the question? That hurts, but we have been a little distant lately.

Still.

“Damn. This is going to take some time to accept. I was just getting used to the fact you had a steady girlfriend,” I tell him.

“We’ve been dating for a while,” he says, defending the fact he’s engaged. But I’m not saying he’s being hasty. I think this is great news.

“Bryce, a week would have been a while for you. I’m not saying you’re rushing; I’m just saying… shit, I don’t know what I’m saying.”

“How about congratulations, brother? I’m fucking happy for you,” he suggests.

I smirk. Leaning up, I hold my beer out for him to tap. “Congrats. I’m fucking happy for you.”

He clinks his bottle with mine. “Thanks.”

“Now Harrison, on the other hand.” I tsk-tsk. “She’s got a world of boredom headed her way.” I grin playfully.

“Don’t start that shit,” he says. “Just because I’m not the fucking clown of the party doesn’t mean I’m boring. I did just take her to New Amsterdam and asked her to marry me in a field of red tulips. Which means perfect love, by the way,” he says matter-of-factly. He’s clearly proud of himself.

He thought this one out and didn’t tell me a thing. Why does this bother me so much?I don’t know, because it’s my brother and it’s important.

I feel left out, and I know I shouldn’t. I’m keeping something from him.

“Damn. You did some research. I’m proud of you.” I laugh, but I don’t feel it on the inside.

“Don’t make fun of me, asshole.”

“Don’t be so uptight. You know I’m kidding.”

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