Page 51 of Fight for Me
Declan releases a shaky breath, but when he answers, there’s nothing but steel in his voice. “Nothing worth holding on to at least.”
I love him. I always will, but it’s clear he won’t try. Sure, he wants me—it’s undeniable when we’re together. It’s just not enough. He has to want more.
He has to want it all.
“Okay then. I’m glad we got that settled.”
Only I don’t feel good or glad or settled. I feel sad and like a part of my soul has just left me.
Chapter Fifteen
Sydney
Ugh. This puking thing is for the birds. I thought I was done with the morning sickness thing, but apparently, I am not.
I get up, wash my mouth out, and brush my teeth. Today is the annual Country Tractors and Treat fair in Sugarloaf. It’s one of my favorite things we do, but I’m just not feeling it. Tonight is Ellie and Connor’s joint bachelor and bachelorette party, and I can’t miss that. I figure if I can rest and keep my stomach settled, maybe by tonight I’ll be good.
Not that I understand why the hell they want to do this as their send off to being single. A small country concert is not exactly my idea of a good time. At least, not anymore.
Once upon a time, I loved the fair’s concert. We would listen to whatever local band or singer they found at the karaoke bar pretend to be the next American Idol, dance, and have fun. I loved how Declan would dance with me, laugh as we made fun of the bad singers, and talk endlessly about our future.
I haven’t gone to the concert once since he left. It’s not the same anymore, but for my friends, I’ll suck it up.
There is a knock on the door, and I head down, not sure who the hell would be at my house now.
When I open the door, I’m greeted by the huge smile of one of my favorite people, who just happens to be in the arms of the man who starred in my dreams last night.
“Good morning, Aunt Syd!”
“Good morning, Miss Hadley!”
“I brought Uncle Declan.” She beams.
“I see that.”
“Morning, Bean.”
I really wish he’d stop calling me that. I’m not his bean anymore. “Dec.”
“We’re going to the festival today!” Hadley pipes up.
“You are?”
She nods quickly. “Uncle Declan said we’re going on a date.”
I laugh and lean against the door. “Well, you are a very lucky girl. You know, your uncle loves to buy things and carry them around all day. So, you make sure you take him to every single stand, and don’t be afraid to ask for anything you want.”
Hadley beams up at him. “You do?”
Declan looks at me with his lips set into a thin line, which disappears when he turns to his niece. “Not every stand, but—”
“Oh, don’t let him fool you, princess. He loves to spoil the girls in his life.”
Declan clears his throat. “You know, Syd, you’re right. I do. And that’s why I’m so excited that you’re coming with us.”
My lips part, and I scramble to think of a way out, but Hadley squeals first.
“You are! I knew it! I knew that was why we were coming. Uncle Declan said he had to come do something here and then we could go, but I was hoping we would be picking you up first. And I was right! Aunt Sydney, it’ll be so much fun. We can go see the animals and eat all the food and then they have tractors and all kinds of toys and games. You have to go get dressed so we can go!”
