Braden huffed a small laugh like he didn’t quite know what to do with that.
“They’re my family.”
“I know,” I said. “Which somehow makes it heavier.”
He didn’t argue with that.
Before I could overthink it, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him.
There was no hesitation, and I didn’t stop to think if it might be crossing a line until it was too late, until I had my arms wrapped around him tight and had nuzzled my way in.
After a second, his arms came around me, tentative at first, then a little tighter.
He was so warm, and my body buzzed to life under his arms, heart skipping a bit the second my cheek brushed his chest. He smelled like lavender and mint, the scent intoxicating.
Braden went still — and I wasn’t sure if it was because he was thinking about our stupid contract, or because he wasn’t used to someone holdinghimup for once.
I held him there for a quiet moment before leaning back enough to look up at him.
“You’re a really good man, Braden,” I said.
He looked almost uncomfortable hearing it.
“Your sister and your parents are incredibly lucky to have you.”
“I’m just doing what anyone would.”
“I disagree,” I said plainly. “A lot of people wouldn’t.”
He shook his head like he didn’t believe that.
“So you take care of everyone,” I continued, reluctantly pulling out of the hug. I didn’t move far, though. “You make sureyour parents are okay. Your sister is okay. You plan every dollar so they’re protected.”
“That’s the job.”
“Okay,” I said. “But when do you take care of you?”
He blinked at that.
“I mean it,” I said. “You told me earlier I was being too hard on myself about my life. Look at you now,” I added. “You’re doing the exact same thing.”
“This is different.”
“Is it?” I tilted my head. “You’re talking about ten-thousand dollars on a car you’re going to drive for the next ten years. A car that’s newer, safer, and has half the miles. Meanwhile you’re acting like buying it means your entire family will suddenly collapse into financial ruin.”
“That’s not what I said.”
“It’s what you’re acting like.”
He opened his mouth, then shut it again, assessing me.
“I’m not trying to be harsh,” I said, softer, because I realized I had a tendency to cross that line into tough love a little too easily. “I’m just trying to be real. Braden, your sister would want you to have the car you love.”
His expression softened a little.
“Your parents would, too,” I continued. “And it’s not selfish to choose the thing that makes you happy when you’ve spent your whole life choosing everyone else.”
I stepped back and pointed across the lot at the Bronco.
