Page 143 of On a Fault Line

My heart feels like it is melting from the joy that my once-jaded brother has found his person.

“How is Claire?” Angie asks, joining us in the driveway.

I look behind him. “Yeah… Where is she?”

Nic shrugs, guiding me to the porch. “Sheseemsto be doing well. I’m on the verge of bribing the doctor to order her to home confinement, just so she can slow down and take a rest.”

I let out a little laugh. “You and I both know that she will hate that, resent you for it, and?—”

“She won’t find out.”

“Ha,” Angie chokes out. “You can’t honestly believe that?”

Looking sheepish, Nic gives us a grin. “She’ll know I had something to do with it the moment the doctor tells her.”

I nod. “Exactly. Then you’ll have to deal with her wrath.” I fake shudder.

Angie giggles. “And there’s not enough armor in the world that can protect you in that battle.”

“This is true,” Nic grumbles. “She would schedule removal surgery for my balls. And I need them if I want more kids.”

I smirk. No one in the family ever thought Nic would find someone to put up with his overbearing ways. Yet Claire seems like she was created specifically for him.

Gah. I want to feel that way. Adored. Cherished. And then beastly ravished.

I yearn for that all-consuming and passionate love.

If it wasn’t for my brothers finding it with their women, then I would think that it doesn’t really exist. But I know it does. They are living proof.

Looking behind me, I see Collins and Graham chatting quietly.

And of course, the one man I’m truly connecting with is the one who I can’t have long-term.

Why is life so unfair?

Nic leans his weight against the pillar, just as the front door behind him opens and out pops Claire.

“Oh, good. You all arrived and just in time. I made cocktails!”

She is by far the best thing that has ever happened to my otherwise boring brother. No wonder he is always trying to make her happy. He’s afraid of her. I smile to myself at the irony of the controlling man being dished his own medicine. Serves him right.

“She’s been prepping this event all morning,” Nic explains with a forced smile.

“Oh, fun,” I say, clapping my hands together.

“Well, come on in,” Claire insists. “I’m going to use the bathroom and will join you ladies in the kitchen.”

Once she’s out of earshot, Nic leans into Angie and me. “I need a big favor.”

“What is it?” Angie asks.

“I need you to pretend you like the drink she’s planning on serving you.”

My face scrunches up with confusion. I look to Angie and then to Nic. “Why would we not like it?”

Angie taps her foot, looking to be deep in thought. “Oh no… Not one of those healthy things she tries to endure.”

“Ew,” I agree. “Do we have to consume it?”

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