Page 115 of Sterling Fight

“She’s not really my fiancée,” I admit, glancing at Clay, knowing I’ve been lying to them about more than one thing.

Not one brother flinches, which means they all might know the truth. Guess I’m more of an open book than I think.

“But she loves you,” Clay adds.

“I’m not so certain,” I counter.

“The fuck she doesn’t,” Sebastian states, sitting straighter in his seat. “She told Clay about you and this.” He waves toward the swing door leading to the backroom. “Because she’s concerned about you. Worried for you.”

“That’s not love,” I state. But Genie’s words come back to me. It’s called love, Judd. Appreciate it.

“The fuck it isn’t,” Sebastian continues. “When a girl like that is concerned for you, there is only one reason, especially when she knows how you might react. That’s the definition of selfless love.”

“When did he become the master,” Stone chuckles, lifting the glass of water before him and taking a sip to hide the smile on his face. Stone knows the answer, but Knox clarifies.

“When he fell in love with Enya.” Knox throws his voice like he’s his fourteen-year-old stepson, Tim.

“Oh, and like you aren’t whipped by Halle,” Sebastian retorts.

“This isn’t a love-pissing contest,” Clay adds, glaring from brother to brother. “Judd is our focus here.”

And the last thing I want to be is the center of attention, but four sets of eyes are on me.

“Is this going to continue?” Clay tips his head toward the boxing ring hidden in the back of the bar.

“And if it does?” I don’t want to be saucy with my brother. He does care about me.

“I want your schedule,” Sebastian states.

My head whips in his direction so fast my neck cracks. “What?”

“I can’t promise to make every weekend, with the baby and all.”

He means Annabelle, and Adara turning three, plus Enya.

“But when he can’t be here, I will be,” Knox says next, keeping his eyes on me.

“Why?” I ask, glancing from him to Sebastian and back at Knox.

“Because we’re brothers, and that’s what we do for each other. We’re here for you.” My younger brothers, who were often my saviors. Only now they aren’t here to save me, just support me.

I glance over at Stone, who has his eyes lowered. “You know I can’t make promises.” The sheriff probably shouldn’t be in a boxing arena, legal or not.

Clay clasps my shoulder. “Whatever you need. Just tell us.”

Open up to them. It’s a frightening concept, but as I’m learning with Genie, who has made it easy, maybe I should give my family a little more of me.

On that note, I need to get home, and I hope Genie is still there.

40

[Genie]

I’ve been sitting on the couch for what feels like hours, waiting for Judd’s return.

My head has been a mess. The thought of losing Judd has been eating at me. The simple truth is, as big and scary as love and marriage might be, I cannot imagine a life without Judd. And knowing he would be willing to hold my hand through all the bumps and dips, I want to be holding his hand right back.

I want him to know I love him. Fights and flaws included. Because despite them, he has a huge heart and a good soul. He is the tortured poet, complicated and scarred, but a light exists in him. One that makes me happy and whole. One that strengthens me, and I want to be the light that strengthens him in return.