Page 75 of A Kiss at Midnight

“Are you a counselor now?” I ask.

“I’ve done some counseling through the years,” Bill says, not at all offended at my tone.

“I’m not sure how much advice a craggy old man can give,” Tyler says with a laugh. Bill shoots him a glare.

“Don’t knock my age, boy. It won’t take too long before you’re knocking on the same door.”

Tyler looks horrified at the idea of getting old. I’m not exactly thrilled about it, but it doesn’t scare me. It’s simply a part of the circle of life.

“This marriage will help both of us. I don’t know why she has to be a pain about it,” I say, bringing the conversation back to my problem.

Bill meets my eyes. “This is about being in control. Maybe if you told her your true feelings she’d accept the proposal.”

“I’ve spoken about feelings. Yes, I like control... and you know why. That doesn’t mean I haven’t been good to her,” I remind him.

“You’ve never hurt her?” Bill pushes.

This makes me pause. “Not physically,” I say with confidence.

“I don’t know, Blake. She’s pretty broken. She needs a friend, and she needs someone who will give her what she needs most without taking too much more from her. She doesn’t have enough left to give and still survive.”

“I agree,” Tyler says. “You have the power to either break her or save her. The choice is in your hands.”

“I don’t want to break her,” I say, moving over to the liquor cabinet and pouring myself a stiff drink. I don’t down it in one shot. Instead, I move to the window and stare out while I sip the fine bourbon. How has my life become this complicated? It makes no sense. We’ve all had a plan for a long time, and it’s never come even close to breaking. Now, it seems nothing can go right.

“Then do what’s right and help her without her agreeing to a marriage of convenience,” Bill suggests.

“If I do that she might walk away,” I say. This makes my throat tighten.

“Yes, she might, but she could also choose to stay, then you’d have no doubt that it’s her choice, not because you paid for obedience,” Bill says.

“I don’t know...” My voice trails off. I can’t look at Bill or my brother. I’m afraid I’ll do exactly what they want if I do... and I don’t want to take a chance that she’ll leave me.

“I loved you from the moment you were born. I’ll love you to the day I die. I have faith this will all work out,” Bill says.

“I wish I had as much faith as you do,” I murmur, the words almost too quiet for him to hear.

Bill stands. He moves over and pats my shoulder. “You’ll do the right thing.” With this he turns and exits the room.

Tyler chuckles. “You really know how to clear out a space,” he says.

“You’re a pain in the ass,” I tell him.

“I know. It’s only one of a million reasons why you love me,” Tyler says. Then he exits the room, leaving me as the last man standing. I stay for a long time.

When I finally do leave, I’m no closer to figuring out what I’m going to do... or how I’m going to get what I want.

Chapter Review

Chapter Forty-Three

Jewel

I walk into Tyler’shome in shock as I hear the chatter of voices. Why did I accept his invitation to come over? He said it’s a company party, and it’s good for me to rub elbows with people. I’m still not in the mood... and it feels wrong to be going to Tyler’s without Blake.

“Jewel, you’re here.” I turn and McKenzie’s walking up to me, looking poised and effortless as usual.

“I honestly don’t know why,” I tell her nervously.

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