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He shook his head. ‘Our parents love him, as does Eveline—’
‘She loves everyone.’
‘Jack thinks he’s a good person, as do all the staff at BDE. Connor, Leo and Willow like him, and you just heard what Summer thinks. The only people I know who were still holding out against James were me… and you.’
Estelle didn’t know what to say.
‘Libby’s always said his arrogance was a mask for insecurity and she was correct. It’s far easier to hang onto a belief than to change it. But I’ve changed my mind about James.’
‘Since when?’
‘It’s been happening slowly for months. I saw how supportive he was of you when we had to put on that event for the councillors, and how great he is with our folks, no matter what they throw at him. It’s little things, and it’s big things. He shows up, and not just because he’s in l—’
‘In what?’
Henry let out a long breath. ‘Last year, Eveline was right. James never wanted Summer. He’s only ever wanted you.’
Estelle’s mouth fell open.
‘It’s only been my own bloody-minded belligerence that’s stopped me from seeing it sooner. Once I’d stopped hating him, it was blindingly obvious.’
‘But he’s leaving,’ she said in a small voice.
‘Have you asked him to stay?’
‘He doesn’t want to.’
‘Yes, but have you given him a reason not to go? Have you actually asked him if he would stay?’
She gave a half-shrug. ‘It doesn’t matter. It’s too late now.’
‘It’s never too late. Look at me and Libby.’
Estelle huffed. ‘Yeah, but you’re perfect for each other.’
‘Don’t you think you and James might be perfect for each other, too?’
Estelle looked down, scuffing at the grass with her shoe.
‘You’re a force of nature. And James is… Well, he’s James Hunter-Savage. The two of you together are likely to be fierier than one of Dad’s curries.’
The corners of Estelle’s mouth twitched up as she stared at the ground. ‘I really like him, Henry,’ she mumbled. ‘But I think I’ve messed it all up.’
‘Nonsense. Wait till the chaos of the festival is over, then talk to him. Or go and find him now.’
Estelle brought her gaze to meet her brother’s. ‘I don’t know if it would work or make a difference. I don’t want a relationship where he’s away all the time, and I sure as shit don’t want to move to London.’
‘Just talk to him. Open your heart.’
Huh? ‘Open my heart? What the hell, Henry. Have you been drinking one of Mammy’s weird teas?’
He grinned. ‘Nope, I’m just hopelessly in love with my fiancée and want everyone else to be as happy as I am.’
Estelle hugged him tightly. ‘You’re the best, little brother. Thank you.’
He hugged her back. ‘It’s going to be alright. I promise.’
Estelle swung the Defender into the livery just after midnight. The lights of her house were on, the front door wide open, and an unfamiliar pickup truck was parked outside. Climbing out of her car, she went forward cautiously, wishing that Chester and Joy were there and not enjoying a three-day holiday with Molly.
