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“I’ll stay tucked in on my makeshift bed on the couch, safe as can be.”
“Now that’s a picture I’d like to see.”
They both jumped when the door opened and banged against the wall.
“You don’t have to stay out there like two teenagers scared of getting caught by their parents while making out. Come in, for God’s sakes.” Marie’s hair looked wet, presumably from the bath she had mentioned going in for, and she’d wrapped herself in a fluffy purple robe. She had no makeup on and held a glass of water in her hand. It became obvious they’d been outside a lot longer than Sabrina had realized.
They both looked at Marie, then back to each other, before breaking out into infectious laughter. “Sorry, Marie. I didn’t realize how long we were out here. I should come in, anyway. Isaac was just leaving.”
“Yes, I am,” he replied smoothly. He shook Marie’s hand and brushed his lips across Sabrina’s cheek. “Good night, ladies.”
She smiled as she watched him trudge his way to the car. His steps were slow and maybe even a little cranky. She knew he hated driving and avoided it as much as possible. He much preferred a more natural way of travelling—running. He would groan when she asked him to drive her somewhere, and she’d always laugh at his disgruntlement.
She turned to see Marie watching her, her eyebrow raised and lips puckered. “Sure you don’t want to chase after the car?”
“Oh, shut up already.”
They went inside and locked the door behind them. “Did you have to be such a bitch tonight? He’s a good guy. I’ve told you he isn’t a loser how many times?”
Marie held her hands up in mock surrender. “Okay, you’re right. Take it easy, though. I had your best interests at heart. I had to make sure you aren’t falling for the guy out of desperation.”
“If nothing else, one look at him can tell you it sure isn’t desperation that attracted me to him,” she pointed out sarcastically.
“Yeah, I can concede as much.” They both laughed, and Marie sobered. “If you had told me how gorgeous he looked, maybe I’d have understood your obsession a little better. And maybe I’d have not come out. He’s definitely one of a kind.”
“Yup, he is,” she whispered. Uneasiness washed over her, and Sabrina tugged on a loose curl. Marie had no idea how true her words were. “But I’m glad you came out. I missed you.”
“I missed you, too,” Marie said. “You guys are so weird together, though. It kind of freaks me out.”
“How are we weird?” she asked. She bit her lip as she awaited the answer. Had Marie, perhaps, picked up on something she shouldn’t have?
“When he looks at you, it’s like he’s known you for years. He seems to know what you’re thinking before the thought even crosses your mind. Just like an old married couple, who finish each other’s sentences. He’s also very protective of you. Whenever you move, his gaze follows you to make sure there’s nothing new around the two of you that could harm you. If you sigh, his eyes meet yours. If you enter a new room, he positions his body around yours so he’s protecting you from all sides. It’s like he expects the big, bad wolf to jump out at you and attack.” She ended, amusement clear in her voice.
Sabrina got struck speechless. She didn’t know what to say to Marie’s statement. She hadn’t realized she and Isaac were so obvious in their affection toward one another, and she could have slapped herself in the forehead for her ignorance. Of course Isaac watched her like they had been together for fifty years. He’d already lived a lifetime with her—a lifetime cut short by betrayal and murder.
“Well, at least you know I’ll be safe around him,” she joked.
“I have no doubt about it. I think he would manage to catch the big, bad wolf and tear him to pieces using his bare hands. And you look at him like he’s the only thing that matters in your life. But, what I wonder is how? It’s been a few weeks. Why is it like this, and so soon?”
“He’s a good guy,” Sabrina said in defense. Her sister was way too intuitive for her own good. Thank the Lord she would be leaving tomorrow.
“He’s a good guy, yeah. But is that a reason to look at him as if you need him to breathe? It’s just weird. It’s too much, too fast,” Marie insisted.
“Ever hear of love at first sight? Seen, oh, I don’t know, like one hundred movies about it? Read a few books?” Sabrina scoffed.
“But those are fake. And they don’t involve my baby sister.”
“Well, your ‘baby sister’ is fine, and happy. Marie, I’m finally happy. I can see myself by his side. I can picture a life with this guy. Do you understand what I’m saying? I’m letting myself picture it. You, of all people, should know how hard this is for me.” Sabrina finished on a whisper.
She’d always had a hard time trusting men. Her former fiancé, Mike, had been a royal ass. She had thought she’d hit the jackpot, but instead gotten a virus—not literally, though it probably would have happened eventually. He banged anything wearing a skirt—or not. He’d been an equal-opportunity-asshole.
But even knowing most men were not like him, she held herself back for years from her emotions. No man had proven worth getting hurt over. Until now.
Until Isaac.
Marie went pale and nodded. “Okay, okay. I’ll relax. I can’t help but worry about you. I love you. I’ve been your mom since our folks died. It’s hard for me to let go.” Tears shone in her eyes, and Sabrina swallowed past the lump in her throat.
She hugged Marie, unsure how to respond to what was said, but thankfully got saved from trying by her sister’s loud yawn.
