Page 111 of For the Promise

And now I feel like the biggest asshole in the world. Distancing myself from her doesn’t mean I have to keep reminding her of her parents’ death.

I want to reach for her to comfort her. But I don’t dare. One touch and I’ll be ensnared by her again. All my work of the past two days distancing myself will be for naught.

“I’m certain they’re fine. They refuse to step foot inBootleggersince the last time they were here Kai and Miles decided to strip down and streak through the bar.”

She giggles. “Let me guess. It was a dare.”

Eli knocks on the table to get everyone’s attention. “I have news.” His gaze settles on me. “Good news.”

When he doesn’t continue, Rhett growls. “Are we supposed to guess?”

Dakota pats his hand. “Don’t be grumpy.”

“What do you expect? I haven’t seen you all day. I’m ready to whisk you home for some alone time.”

Blossom sighs as she watches her friend. I want to reach for her but fist my hands instead.

“Tell them,” Paisley urges. “Or I will.”

“The way you told everyone you’re pregnant before I wanted?”

“Your mom guessed.”

“Fine.” Eli meets Blossom’s gaze and smiles. My stomach flips over and a growl builds in my throat as jealousy fills me. My brother shouldn’t be smiling at my wife.

Blossom rubs my shoulder. “Be calm, nerd boy.”

For a moment, I allow myself to enjoy the feel of this woman who makes me lose control of my emotions before pulling away. Her brow wrinkles.

“Alan dropped the lawsuit.” Blossom gasps. “And he’s paying you for your attorney costs.”

“What? I don’t understand. My lawyer didn’t mention anything.”

“I asked her not to.”

Blossom blinks at Eli. “You asked her not to? Have you been in touch with my lawyer?”

“I had to contact her as she’s the lawyer on record for the lawsuit.”

“Eli,” Blossom growls. “Please explain yourself. Because I know you couldn’t have possibly taken over the defense of my lawsuit without asking me first.”

“Told you so,” Paisley whispers under her breath.

“I won’t apologize.”

Blossom’s nostrils flare but Eli holds up a hand before she speaks.

“You obviously care about my brother. And he cares about you. I didn’t want you to have this cloud hanging over your marriage. I’m sorry, Blossom. But I’m not sorry. I will always take care of my brother and the people he cares for.”

Hanging over our marriage? Without Alan’s lawsuit, there’s no reason for us to be married.

“Can you arrange the annulment?” I ask Eli.

Blossom gasps. “Annulment? You want to annul our marriage?”

“It’s what we agreed upon when we got married.”

“When we got married?”

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