Cayla’s empathetic expression shifted to no-nonsense. “First off, calm down. That’s never going to happen. You aren’t your mama. Holt raised you better than that. Second, does Cash know?”
All the blood drained out of her head. “Is it that obvious?”
A faint hint of amusement lit her brown eyes. “I’ve suspected for a while.”
A fresh spate of panic shot through her. “Does Holt know?”
“No. I figured that was best coming from y’all, even before this.”
On a slow breath, she picked up the glass Cayla had poured and began to sip. The smooth lemon-lime flavor slid down her throat, almost immediately soothing her stomach. “What is this, anyway?”
“It’s kind of like a lemon-limeade. Tons of fresh lemon and lime juice, mixed with a simple syrup.”
“It’s good. And I think it’s already helping.”
“Getting some food in there will probably help, too. Have you had breakfast?”
“I couldn’t tolerate the thought of it.”
Her sister-in-law retrieved some saltine crackers. “I don’t have a ton here, but give these a try.”
Hadley opened a sleeve and began to nibble. “I’m the reason we didn’t tell Holt we were involved to begin with. I figured he’d freak out, and I didn’t think it was any of his business if we decided to scratch each other’s itch.”
“Mmm. And how long has said itch-scratching been going on?”
“Six months. Even before… well… this, things were getting more serious than we planned. Cash had a crisis of conscience about the whole thing. It’s why we both came down, planning to tell Holt in our own way. But this changes everything.”
“Does it?” Cayla challenged.
“How can it not? Now it’s not just a matter of explaining to my brother, ‘Oh, hey, we’re hot for each other. By the way, we epically fucked up.’ I don’t know if he would’ve lost his shit over us seeing each other, but he will absolutely lose his shit over this.” She grabbed Cayla’s hand. “You can’t tell him.”
Cayla offered a reassuring squeeze. “I swear, I won’t. I covered for you last night, and I’ll keep covering for you as long as you need. But you have to talk to Cash. He needs to be in on this whole decision. Whatever that decision ends up being. Then you both need to talk to Holt about the two of you. Together. I get why you waited, but he’s going to be hurt that you didn’t trust him.”
“Yeah, well, he’s the least of my worries right now.” Hadley ate another cracker and poured another glass of the magic anti-nausea drink. “I need to get my head on straight before I talk to Cash. Can I hang out here for a while?”
“Of course. You stay as long as you need. I meant what I said. We’re here for you, no matter what. That’s what family does.”
It wasn’t what all families did, but it was clear Cayla meant it.
Hadley leaned forward and wrapped her in a hug. “I’m really glad my brother married you.”
Cayla squeezed her back. “Me, too, honey. Me, too.”