Page 42 of The One Who Got Away
I blushed and looked down at my suede boots. Joe had been the one to start that nickname and it had run like wildfirethrough the brothers. All except Gus. I was always El or Eloise. Or love. My favorite one. “It’s good to see you, Joe.”
He looped his arm around my shoulders. “Took you forever to come see us.”
“Sorry, it’s been a lot with Mom.”
“I was sorry to hear about the split.” He pulled me into an easy hug and my eyes prickled. “Is there anything we can do?”
“No. She’s slowly finding this new Melody.”
I’d reached out to my dad, but things were still strained there. I had a lot of anger toward him still.
“Well, bring her next time. She’s going to be family.”
“Uh. Thanks, I’ll pass that along.”
He pressed a quick kiss to my temple. “Gus told us all about his accident in Costa Rica. New lease on life includes a fire under his ass in many ways.”
Relieved that he’d finally fessed up to his family, I smiled up at Joe. “That’s for sure. He’s been a workout maniac.”
“Not what I meant.”
“Okay.” I drew out the word, confused.
“I snuck out here to make sure you’re on the same page as Gus.”
“What page is that? I love him.”
He squeezed me. “I like the sound of that. Just making sure you knew our son was definitely thinking about his future. And it includes you.”
My heart swelled. “Goes the same for me. We wasted enough time.”
“Now that’s my girl!”
I laughed as he led me up the stairs.
Gus was in the doorway, behind the screen door. He gave me a rueful smile. “My mom kept holding me up, now I know why.” He pushed open the screen. “Whatever he said, it was probably an exaggeration.”
“So, you don’t love me?”
He hurried out and gathered me into his arms. “Nope. We’re good there. Thanks, Old Man.”
“Watch it, Angus.” His dad’s voice boomed. “And I approve when you ask the question.”
“Dad!”
“What? I see what I see and she’s the one. Don’t be stupid.” He clapped Gus on the shoulder and went inside with my cooler.
“Well, that wasn’t awkward or anything.” He lowered his mouth to mine. “I do love you.”
“Good thing we’re on the same page.” I widened my eyes innocently.
“God, is that what he said?” He pressed his forehead to mine. “They’re just excited I finally stepped up.”
“Everyone?”
“Well, especially my mom and dad. They are doing the hard press for grandkids.”
A surprised laugh exploded out of me. “We just got together.”
