Page 105 of Covenant

“There’s so much space outside, but I’m thinking of getting a couple of hydroponic garden systems.” I’m on a video call with him and filling him in on the progress I’ve been making.

Jackson’s lips quirk in amusement. “What the fuck is a hydro-thingy garden?”

“It’s a water-based nutrient solution, instead of soil,” I explain enthusiastically. “Means you can grow plants indoors even in smaller spaces. That way we can keep growing things over winter too.”

“What’s the point?”

I roll my eyes. “So we can have produce year-round, obviously.”

Jackson rolls his right back. “Yeah, but you’ll be leaving in March, right? Isn’t that the plan?”

I falter as the reality of the situation hits me. “Well, yes, but just because I’m not here… Matthias can keep growing things.”

“Has he shown literally any interest in it?”

“Yes,” I say hotly. “He’s very interested in whatever I have to tell him.”

“Maybe it’s because it’s you talking,” Jackson says, his face serious on the screen. “I doubt he actually cares about the garden. He cares about what you care about.”

I glare at my younger brother. God, I miss the days when he believed the sun shone out of my ass. Seeing how low I fell while trying, and failing, to care for him, those days are long gone. “What’s your point, Jackson?”

He shrugs. “Just…I thought this whole thing between you was fake. That you’re just pretending to be husbands.”

“It is. We are.”

Liar,my heart whispers.It’s more than that.

Jackson doesn’t buy it. “Sure. Fake husbands who went on a two-week honeymoon. Who sleep in the same bed every night. A temporary home where you’re planning a year-round fucking garden.”

I sit up and scowl, my face turning red. “You don’t know anything, you little shit.”

“I know that’s a hickey on your neck,” he drawls. “So I’m going to go out on a limb and say you’re also fucking him.”

I curse, slapping my hand over it. “That’s not a hickey. And how would you know what one looks like?”

“I’m a man.”

“You’re a child.”

He rolls his eyes and then stares at me for so long I start to squirm.

“It doesn’t mean anything,” I murmur.

“Mm-hmm.” Jackson doesn’t believe me. That’s fair. I’m not sure I believe myself. “Would it matter if it did mean something?”

“Enough,” I say gruffly. “You don’t have the right to ask me these questions, Jackson. Since when have you gotten so mature?”

“I think you missed me growing up. I think I had to after the accident, but enough about me. Wyatt, do you think I’m overstepping? Or are you not answering my questions because you’re scared of the answers?”

I swallow hard, my throat clicking. “How about I not answer that and you tell me how rehab’s going.”

Jackson sighs and runs a hand through his messy hair. I don’t meet his eyes on the screen, not wanting to see the disappointment lingering there.

I’ve seen enough of that to last me a lifetime. I know I fucked up after his accident. I know I’ve made so many mistakes. And I think doing this with Matthias may end up being one as well.

But I can’t admit that. Not now. Not yet.

After a long pause, Jackson fills me in on the progress he’s been making, how good the program is, how he’s already gained weight and built muscle. He’s on track to be back home with us in three weeks.

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