Page 45 of Red Flags Only

Mmhm. “And Flag Day is on a Friday this year. I checked. That’s kismet, surely.”

“Can’t help but agree.” He clears his throat. “In… other news…”

“More news? On top of planning a town festival?” I knew Mars could do anything, of course, but seeing it in action is an entirely different thing. Pride flows through me, swiftly filling my chest. “You’re amazing,” I tell him.

“It’s not that amazing. It’s just… you know Ceres?”

Uh. “Who?”

Mars laughs, sets his fork down on his empty plate and runs his fingers through his dark hair. “Right. That’s what I figured. Ceres. Our neighbor. Next-door neighbor.”

“Is she the one you do home security for?” I ask. Mars, in his benevolence, moonlights as something of a neighborhood watch. For our neighborhood… of two houses…

I swear, he could not be more good at heart.

“What about her?”

His hand falls from his hair to tangle with his other atop our kitchen table. “We’re engaged.”

I blink.

I blink again.

I blink a third time.

There is, in fact, so much blinking that Mars loses his ability to sit through it.

He shifts in his seat. “I should clarify. I’ve asked her to marry me. Several times. She’s said no several times. But they aren’thardnos, so we aren’t exactly not together presently. She’s helping me plan the Flag Day festival. Maybe I’ll hire someone to marry us during it.” He shrugs. “Seems entirely possible.”

Ah. I see. “You’ve fallen in love over Flag Day. Thismakes sense. Will I get to meet her before Flag Day?” I ask

“No.” His attention catches on my shoulders, then lifts to my eyes. He smiles; it’s blinding. “Sorry. I’m just not sure it’s proper for her to meet another man before our wedding.”

“I understand.” I don’t, but I’m not the expert on love here, so I’ll defer to his judgement. “I’m so happy for you, Mars,” I smile, resisting the urge to pull my touch-averse brother into my touch-starved arms. “Do you need anything from me? I’m pretty tied up with Lyra and the book, but I can make time for you.” I can always make time for him.

His smile warms. “Thanks, babe. I appreciate that, but you focus on your girlie. I’ll handle mine.”

Focus on my girlie. Not on my only brother’s impending nuptials.

Right.

I can do that.

For Mars.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Another date, another chance for some yummy red flags.

Jove

Friday comes, bringing with it the culmination of a week’s worth of anticipation.

“Come in!” Lyra yells, voice muffled by the door. “It’s unlocked!”

“This is a massive safety concern!” I yell through the house as I enter, locking the door behind me. “I could be a big, bad, scary man!”

“Youarea big, bad, scary man,” she counters, walking into the living room. “How much worse could it get?”

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