Page 337 of Breaking the Rules

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But he's seen me claw my way out of shit too.

If Brendon really thinks I'm not good enough for his sister—

Maybe he's right.

I swallow hard.

I don't want to acknowledge the possibility.

But it's there.

It's possible I'm not what's best for Em.

And, whatever happens, I'm not getting in the way of Em blossoming.

She has a big, beautiful life ahead of her.

I want to be a part of it.

But not if I'm holding her back.

"Where are you going?" she asks.

"Your brother is more reasonable than you think."

She sticks her tongue out. "He's a caveman."

"He's looking out for you."

"So you think he'll be okay with this?"

"Yeah." Mostly.

"You want to tell him?"

"Soon."

"How soon?"

"By the end of the month," I say.

"That's soon."

"I know."

"Maybe we can do it at the shop. Or a party. Tell him then. When other people are around. So he can't throw a fit."

"Strategic."

She nods. "You have to be." She brings a scoop of cocoa oatmeal to her mouth. Chews. Swallows. Sighs. "How can you not love this?"

"I do." I love that sigh.

Her cheeks flush.

It never gets old.

"Okay, I'll agree to this on one condition." She takes another bite. Licks the cocoa from her lips.