Page 104 of The Nicest Thing
"No one cares what you think," Dex said."This is a family-only call.You can go whenever."
I frowned, but Seaver chuckled softly.
"Pretty sure it was you who dubbed me the other O'Brien brother," he said.
"Pretty sure that was before you put your tongue in my sister's mouth," Dex snapped.
Groans sounded at that.
"Dex, why?" Baylor said."I don't want to picture that."
"Me neither," Archer grumbled.
"Same," Chase said.
"Let's leave Emmy's love life out of this," I said.
More groans sounded at that.
"Focus, guys.I need your help."
They pulled it back together after a moment and gave me their full attention.
"Okay, so now I know what not to do.But tomorrow, we leave for the book conference.What should I say?"
Dex shrugged."Only you know that."
I waited for more then realized he was done."That's it?" I asked.
"He's right, Finn."Archer looked slightly amused by my dilemma, and I did not appreciate it."Relax.You'll know what to say when the moment comes."
"Maybe I should write something down?"
Chase tilted his head."You can, but you don't need to.Trust me, brother.Speak from the heart."
"Yeah," Baylor said, "and if you screw it up, Rose seems like a nice person.She'd give you another chance."
"If you're really unsure," Seaver put in, "wait until Rose says it first.That way there's no risk.You'll be secure in her feelings and can take it from there."
"But I don't want to wait for her to say it," I said.
"Then you go first."
"But…"
Dex's brow furrowed as he asked, "What are you afraid of?"
"Everything," I said.Running my hands through my hair, I inhaled a deep breath then let it out."I'm afraid I'll say something wrong.I'm afraid if I do Rose will never speak to me again.I'm afraid I'll lose her as a friend.I'm afraid of ruining the best thing in my life.I'm afraid period."
"Then be afraid."
I stared at him.
"Be afraid, and do it anyway," Dex said as he and my brothers all started to smile.
The words hit me, my chest clenching, knowing they were my father's.They'd had more time with him, but they never let me forget.Not that I could.My dad had been a good man, an amazing husband, and the best father.I could practically hear his voice on the wind, echoing Dex's words.
"Be afraid, and do it anyway," I repeated.
