Page 129 of The One I Hate
“Exactly,” Connor says. “Charlie gave up her life for me when our Mom died. She was twenty-one years old and took on guardianship of a sixteen-year-old kid who was mad at the world because his mother was just taken from him and his dad never gave a shit. She took me and Lila in without missing a beat, when I was scared to even hold the baby I didn’t know I had.”
“She’s a good woman.”
“No, she’s agreatwoman,” Connor emphasizes.
“You’re right,” I say. “She’s the best person I know. She makes me a better person.”
“That’s what she does. And for that, she deserves the world.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” I say. “And I want to give her that. Whether it’s with us, or the diner, or our family, I want to give her everything she wants and needs.”
“I know you do,” Connor says, but he pauses. I follow his line of sight to Charlie dancing with Lila and Jayce. Her smile is lighting up the room as she happens to look over at the two of us.“She comes off as strong. She wants to do everything for herself. Take care of everything herself. Never ask for help.”
“I’m well aware,” I say, the ping of guilt stabbing me in the gut as Connor talks. It’s like he knows.
“What I’m saying is, for years I thought you were the enemy. But now you’re an ally. Help her where you can. Be strong for her so she doesn’t have to do it all the time. Be her partner. Just…be there for her.”
I nod and extend my hand. “You have my word.”
We stand and shake hands. I’m a little shocked when Connor pulls me in for a bro hug.
“Oh, and Simon?”
“Yeah?”
“Hurt her and I’ll kill you.”
I laugh, but nod as we step away. “I figured you felt that way.”
“Don’t all brothers?”
I take a glance at the dance floor to see not only my sisters, but all of the women in my life who I love like family, are all gathering. My heart doubles in size as I take them all in, knowing that I’d do anything to make sure these women were taken care of.
“Yeah. Yeah, we do.”
The DJ announces that there’s five minutes left until the ball drops.
AKA—five minutes until this place is covered in pink.
Connor and I walk to the dance floor as he scoops up Lila and I take Charlie by the hand.
“You ready?”
Her smile and radiating happiness nearly knocks me on my ass. “Let’s go, Daddy.”
I kiss her hand as we make our way to the microphone. Because of course I have to give a speech.
“Friends, family, I want to thank you all for spending your New Year’s Eve with us.”
“And we’d like to thank you for paying for the open bar!”
Everyone laughs at Wes’s joke as I hold up the glass of champagne I was just handed. “This is a night of celebration. For everyone, this is the start of a New Year. For Charlie and I, this year is going to be one we’re never going to forget.”
A round of “awes” echo as I kiss the top of her head. “Now, I hope that you have all placed your bets, because in thirty seconds, the ball is going to drop in Rolling Hills. If you’d like, grab your confetti cannons, which are packed full of either pink or blue confetti. But remember, don’t set them off until the clock strikes midnight!”
A round of applause is quieted by the traditional countdown to New Year’s. I take Bug and lead her to the floor so we can take in the moment with those we love.
“I love you, Simon Banks,” Charlie says, her hands resting on my shoulders.
