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.