Guy groans. Miller and Logan laugh.
Zach points toward the house. “I’m checking on Skyler before we start.”
Ozzy points at him. “You told her not to move. Give her five minutes before you start to hover.”
Zach doesn’t look even slightly sorry. “She’s carrying my baby. I’m going to hover.”
Ozzy groans, but it’s lighthearted. Honestly, we’re all happy about the way Zach takes care of our baby sister.
Ozzy walks past me, then stops at my shoulder. His voice drops low enough that only I can hear him. “You better figure it out, Penn. Because if she walks away, you’re going to deserve it.”
He keeps walking, and I stand there with his words sitting heavily in my chest. I know he’s right. I’ve spent the last year and a half telling myself I’m protecting Aria and that’s why I put a wall up between us. I thought by doing so it would make it easier for her to leave when the truth comes out.
But after this morning, I know I’m not protecting her. If anything, I’m breaking her.
CHAPTER 10
ARIA
Skyler leans up from the porch swing. “All right, are they gone?”
I look toward the barn, and they’re all standing by the doors, huddled and talking. “Yeah, they’re by the barn.”
She pops to her feet easily. “Good. Let’s get to work.”
Bree puts her hands up. “Now wait a minute. You’re supposed to be resting. Zach’s orders.”
Skyler points a thumb over her shoulder. “Have you seen my brother’s house? It’s clean by cowboy standards, but it hasn’t had a woman’s touch, well, uh, since the last time we team-cleaned it. It’s time.”
I move toward Skyler. “You stay here. I’ll get to work inside.” Honestly, I’d prefer that. Because if I sit out here talking, I’m likely to have a breakdown right here, smack dab in the middle of this family gathering.
Skyler gasps. “No way am I going to be sitting around while you go inside and clean Ozzy’s house.”
I wave her off. “It’s fine. I promise.”
Lindsey stands up. “I’ll help her.” She points at Bree. “You said you can handle her, so good luck with that.”
Bree takes a deep breath. “Now, look, Skyler, you either sit here and sip your sweet tea or I’m going to go get your overprotective husband and tell on you.”
Skyler opens her mouth but closes it quickly. Being the youngest of five brothers has made her pretty feisty, but even she is not going to go against her husband’s wishes. “Ugh, fine.” She looks at me. “You don’t have to clean. I’m sure it’s not that bad.”
I pop a shoulder. “I don’t mind at all. Ozzy is one of the good ones.”
With that, I walk in the front door with Lindsey trailing behind me. I look around the house, and with the open concept, I’m able to see the living room, dining room, and kitchen. Everything is very tidy. I can see a little dust, but it’s really not bad. “This should be easy,” I tell Lindsey.
We find the cleaning supplies in the hall closet and get to work. I’m sweeping the floor when I see Lindsey looking up at me as she dusts the furniture. “What?” I ask her.
She gestures to me. “You okay?”
My eyes widen, and I get back to sweeping. “Yeah, I’m okay. Why wouldn’t I be okay?”
She points to the broom. “Because I’m a little afraid of you with that thing. You’re sweeping with a lot of feeling.” She says it with a laugh, but I don’t miss the worry in her eyes.
I shrug. “I’m fine.”
Lindsey sets the duster down and looks at me. “Aria.”
I stop sweeping but don’t look at her.
