Page 42 of And A Partridge on Pear Street

“I know I haven’t given any other girl a shot in recent years but honestly, H, I’ve kind of been falling for Nel. Just from a distance.”

“Falling for her?” His head snaps back to look at me and his eyes go wide.

“Yeah, your wife tells me I’m in love.”

That makes him laugh. “Yeah, she’s good like that, tells you how you’re feeling and the next thing you know, you’re feeling it.”

“Dude, she might be a witch,” I say, putting a little fear into my voice.

“Oh, she definitely is,” he says with a seriousness.

“I’m sorry you were blindsided, mate. That wasn’t the intention. But you know me, you know I’m not going to screw over Nel.” We stare at each other for a few seconds while he seems to digest that.

“Do you love her?” he asks gently.

I blow out a breath and look to the pavement beneath my feet. Shit, am I blushing?

Harry laughs before I can answer. “Oh, bloody hell.”

“What?”

“You’re totally falling in love with my sister.” He scrubs his palm down his face.

I put my hands on my hips and hang my head, trying to word this properly. I’m not going to tell Harry I’m in love with his sister, not until I’ve told Nel, at least. “This is all very new, Harry. I can’t tell you what’s going to happen in the next few weeks, months, years. But I can tell you that Nel means a lot to me, that I’m serious about her, and that I will not fuck this up. Not intentionally, anyway.”

He nods, seeming to accept what I’m telling him. “Good, because I’d hate to have to kick your arse.”

I snort. “Sure, like you could.”

“I could totally take you.”

“I would destroy you.”

“You would fold so quickly.”

“You would be crying like a little girl.”

We smile.

“Are we good?” I ask.

“Have you forgiven me for being a dick?”

“Been doing that for years, mate.”

“Arsehole.”

“Prick.”

We smile again.

“We’re good. I’m sorry I reacted poorly.”

“I’m sorry I’m going to be banging your sister for the foreseeable.”

“Maybe we’re not so good,” he grumbles.

I chuckle. “I love you, H.”