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I tickle her side, which causes her to flinch. “Gross! These are our siblings we’re talking about, Hails. I meant the time where I threatened to spray them with the hose if he didn’t remove his hands from her.”
“How do I not remember this story?” She settles back against my chest.
“I grabbed the hose. I don’t think he realized I was serious, or maybe he didn’t want to take his hands off her. I don’t know. Sometimes I don’t even know what was going through his head at times. What a goof. Anyways, he picks up Dani, and she’s kicking and screaming and just runs straight for the pool, jumping in. She still had all of her clothes on and everything.”
Haylee bends over in laughter. “Oh my God, that was such an Emmett thing to do. Did he say why?”
“Oh yeah. He was so proud of himself. Dani was splashing him, asking him why he did that. He pulled her into his arms, then looked over at me and said, ‘What you gonna do now, Zach? We’re already all wet, so I guess I get to keep my hands on her now.’”
Haylee’s laughter stops abruptly, and I wrap my arms tighter around her and kiss the top of her hair before leaning my cheek against her head.
“I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“No, you didn’t. I love hearing stories like that, especially ones that I hadn’t heard of before. It’s just…I can’t believe it’s been two whole years. I wish Dani were here. I miss her so much too.”
I know exactly what she means. I can’t believe this is another anniversary that my sister has been gone. No one has heard from her. I’m really worried about her, but there is only so much I can do if she refuses to answer my calls or texts. She clearly needs time. I miss her so much. I hate that Haylee can never see her brother because he died, but I can’t see my sister because she chooses to stay away. It just makes no sense. I wish she were here so that she could see how happy I…we are. I know it hurts Haylee for that too.
I’m not sure how long we stay there for. I always lose track of time when we visit; time stops here. It’s as close to Em that we can actually get. Haylee’s breathing evens out against my chest, and she steps forward toward the grave. She bends down and presses her hand over Emmett Adam Hanks.
“Fuck! I miss you so much. I’m sorry she’s not here. I’ll see you later, big bro. I love you.”
Haylee presses her hand to her lips before placing it back on the stone. She pauses for a moment and then rises to her feet. Her hand finds mine and laces our fingers. I brush my thumb over her knuckles as I always do.
“You were right, man. She knocked me on my ass, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I just wish you were here to see it. Love you, man.” I place my hand to the corner of the stone, wishing it were Em’s shoulder I was squeezing.
Haylee turns to me. “What was that about? Who knocked you on your ass?”
A smile tugs at the corner of my lips. I brush a stray hair out of her face, cup her cheek, and claim her lips in a less-than-appropriate kiss in a cemetery.
“That, Hails, is a story for another time.”
Still in a daze from that kiss, all she can do is nod.
I nod toward her car. “Come on. I told my mom we would meet them at your parents’ house to help them decorate their tree.”
We walk back to the car. “I can’t believe they got a real Christmas tree this year. We always had a fake one.”
I open the passenger door for her. “Things change. I love it.”
“You know what I love?” She has a twinkle in her eye that I know what she is thinking.
“Me naked?”
A blush creeps up her cheeks, and she bites her lip. Emmett is for sure rolling over in his grave at the moment. Sorry, buddy.
“Well, yes—which will be happening later. But I was going to say, I love you.”
“You better.” I close the door once she is seated and walk around to the driver’s side.
I lean over before putting my seat belt on and pinch her chin with my thumb and forefinger. “I love you, Haylee Hanks. More than you know.”
And I truly mean that with all my heart. I release her chin and wink. My girl knows what that means. I start the car and head to her parents’ house so we can get the family shenanigans over with before I can get my girl in bed and show her just how much I love her over and over again.
I meant what I said: this girl seriously has knocked me on my ass. I figured I would fall in love one day, but I never expected it to be with my best friend’s sister. Haylee makes me want to be a better man. She believes in me, and I want to give her the world.
Me: Remember to NOT come home tonight.
Kyler: What? I’m just outside the front door. You’re kicking me out of my own place?
