Page 21 of Fight for Me
“We’re fine,Mom.” Connor rolls his eyes. “It’s nothing bad. In fact, it’s great news. We’re getting married.”
My smile is automatic and tears burn the backs of my eyes. I’m so happy for her. “Married? You’re getting married? Seriously?”
Ellie nods, her own eyes brimming with moisture. “Andwe’re pregnant.”
“I knew that part, but I didn’t know he proposed!” I scream and rush toward Ellie. My arms wrap around her as I hold on tight. Could this be any better for them? No, it can’t.
Ellie is going to marry Connor, and it’s all so damn perfect.
“When?” I ask as I pull back.
“Umm, we’re thinking about two months from now. You know … before I start showing.”
I grin and nod. At least now I don’t have to worry about being the size of a house at the reception.
“Wow, that’s soon and a lot of news,” Declan says as he stands, pulling his brother toward him in an awkward hug.
“I hope you’re happy for us.” Connor’s voice is firm.
“I’m so happy for you!” I say and then give Declan a look of warning. If he ruins this, I’ll beat him with his own arms.
Dec smiles as he pats his shoulder. “Of course I am. My baby brother found a girl who is willing to put up with his stupid ass for the rest of his life.”
I release a deep breath and hug Ellie again. I was worried about what he would say. While there is basically a year between each brother as they go down the line, he’s always been older at heart and his heart has hardened since he left.
Years ago, Declan was easy with a smile and a laugh. It seems that time has made him less of the boy I knew and more of the man I no longer recognize.
He’s always been strong but never with this armor that nothing other than an eight-year-old could penetrate, especially not me.
I was once the exception, now it’s as though it’s physically painful to look at me.
Ellie releases me and then Connor pulls her to his side. “I’ve been dying to tell you. But we also wanted you guys at dinner to ask if you’d stand up with us?”
I cover my mouth and nod as tears fall without hesitation. “I would be honored.”
Connor and Declan share some weird brother hand clap, and then it’s my turn to pounce on Connor.
“I’m so happy for you. So, so, happy it’s not even normal,” I tell him quietly.
“I am too, Syd. I didn’t think I would ever find someone like Ellie. I still don’t deserve her.”
I smile, loving that he feels that way. Not because he doesn’t deserve her, which is the furthest thing from the truth, but because it shows how much he wants to be good for her. “You deserve her, if for no other reason than because you don’t believe you do. You’ve cherished Ellie, protected her, and been the man I’ve always known you to be, and that’s why you both are perfect for each other.”
He pulls back to assess me in a strange way. “You deserve happiness too. Even if you and Declan never get your heads out of your asses, you shouldn’t give up on being happy.”
“I know.”
“Do you?”
The question makes my heart sink. “I think I do.”
His gaze shifts to where his older brother is deep in conversation with Ellie. “You know, I never wanted to be alone for the rest of my life. I’d resigned myself to it, sure, but I had a different vision. I never knew a love like you and Dec had, and it was something that Jacob, Sean, and I were always jealous of. To meet the person who was your other half when you were just kids. But, Declan, he hardened himself when he walked away from you. He put up a wall so high I’m not sure anyone can scale it. He won’t even entertain the idea of wanting what I have now.” Connor’s lips purse and then he shakes his head. “I’m just saying that some of us can’t undo what we’ve done.”
Declan may not want a family, but he isn’t going to have a choice in about seven months.
“Good thing I have no intention of becoming a climber,” I say, knowing I have rope and an axe, and am preparing to start my ascent, hoping I don’t break when I fall.
Chapter Seven
