Page 134 of Ward Willing
We pause for a minute as we each take another shot.
“Elias wrote me a letter, and inside was a letter to both you and Zoe.”
Carolina’s brows pinch together. “And you’re giving it to me now?”
I shake my head. “No. I mean, yes. I only opened mine last weekend.”
Carolina’s expression softens in understanding. “After what I said to you, I’m sure it wasn’t easy to read it. That’s why Zoe came to see me last night.”
I nod. “Maybe. I don’t know. We haven’t really spoken since that night.”
Carolina sighs and takes the letter when I hand it to her, opening it as she leans back. Her eyes flick over her brother’s words, and her hand comes to her mouth after she finishes, placing it down on the table before taking another shot. She fights against the tears, but one slips through. Brushing it off her cheek, she sniffs and shakes her head.
“I’m sorry for what I said, Liam.”
My brows furrow. “You weren’t wrong?—”
“Iwaswrong. And I told Zoe the same thing last night. When I saw the two of you at the bar, I assumed something untoward was going on. But Zoe filled me in last night. I’d planned to come see you and apologize, but you beat me to it.”
Relief washes over me as I lean forward. The tequila shots are making me dizzy and emotional, so I reach over for a third one, shooting it back with a grimace.
“She explained that nothing ever happened until she was a consenting adult. That she pursued you. And that she was in love with you.”
My head snaps up at that, heart pounding. “She said that?”
Carolina smiles. “She did. And after she told me everything you’ve done for her… everything you continue to do for her…”
I put my face in my hands and try to tamp down the emotion clawing up my throat.
Fuck.
Zoelovesme.
Smart, kind, funny Zoe is in love withme.
It slams through me then…
The way she feels in my arms. The way her brows pinch together slightly whenever she’s worried about me. The way her smile makes me feel like I’m on a rollercoaster, free falling.
“I’m in love with her, too.”
I quickly take a fourth shot, and Carolina’s eyes track each one of my movements.
She holds up the letter. “Elias told me to tell you not to spend your life as a recluse. That if need be, to set you up with someone who would push your boundaries. Who would challenge you.”
I huff a laugh. “Zoe is very good at pushing my boundaries in every way.”
Carolina laughs. “That’s good.”
“Fuck,” I groan, drunk and sappy. “I’m an idiot.”
“Yes, you are,” Carolina agrees. “That girl is so head over heels for you. And while I might not understand it completely, you have my blessing. And, because I know you’re wondering, I think Elias would approve, too.”
The heavy, potent feeling threatening to spill out of my throat comes out sounding like a choked sob.
Hearing Carolina give us her blessing… while it’s not technically Elias’s blessing, it’s the next best thing.
I give myself a minute to regroup, rubbing my eyes. “She’s gone,” I say, my voice quiet. “I fucked up.”
