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“Oh my god, you guys. FINALLY!” she shouts. It sounds like she’s dancing around.
“What?” I ask in disbelief. “You’re… not mad?”
“Of course not,” she chirps. I’m stunned. Of all the reactions I thought Clara would have, this one didn’t make the list. “Everyone knows you guys love each other. Kai, you’re not subtle with the longing looks you give Oakley. Plus, did you think I didn’t know you used to go up on the hill on the east side of our property just to get a glimpse of Oakley’s house?”
“You did?” Oakley asks, her gaze turning dreamy.
“Is that Oakley? She’s there with you?”
“Hey, Clara,” Oakley says. I can tell she still doesn’t believe what’s happening either.
“Oak, I’m so, so happy for you. Seriously, Kai is the best, and if he ever hurts you in any way, he’ll have to face me, Wyatt, Griz, and Remy.”
“I would never hurt my Oakley,” I growl, hating the idea down to my core. I could never.
“I know,” Clara chimes in, her voice lighter than I’ve heard in a long time. “I just want Oakley to know she’s part of the family, too. This just makes it official.”
“That’s what I told her, too.” Oakley narrows her eyes at me, then giggles when I tickle her side. “Look, Clara, I’m so glad you’re okay with all of this, but I’m a bit confused.”
“Why wouldn’t I want you to be together if that’s what makes you happy.”
“Do you remember back when we were teens? Your friends were going through some drama with a girl dating another girl’s brother. You were so upset, almost unconsolable. You made me promise to stay away from your friends because you didn’t want to lose anyone else.”
“Kai, that was like ten years ago,” Clara sighs.
“Well, I didn’t know the terms to the agreement had changed,” I clip out, running a hand through my hair. I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. Clara may not be upset, but I am.
“You loved Oakley even back then?” Clara asks, her tone more sober this time.
“I can’t remember a time I didn’t love her,” I answer honestly.
“Kai…” she trails off, gathering her thoughts. “I didn’t know you took that promise so seriously. I freaked out and may have gone a bit overboard.”
“You think?” I grumble. Oakley massages my shoulders, then strokes my back in a comforting, calming gesture.
“Wait, am I the reason you two waited this long to finally get together?”
Oakley and I look at each other, neither one of us wanting to tell her yes.
“Well…” I start. Clara cuts me off.
“I’m so sorry,” she rushes to say. “I thought you were both just taking your time, maybe waiting until Oakley finished school until you made your move. That’s why I asked her to be your wedding date.”
“You were trying to set us up?” Oakley asks.
“I just wanted to give you guys a little nudge.”
I burst into laughter, shocking everyone, including myself. I can’t help it. It’s either laugh or cry over the lost time, so I decide to lean into the laughter.
“Did I break him?” Clara asks.
“Maybe,” Oakley answers, giving me a questioning look.
“I’m fine,” I say once I catch my breath. “I just… I’m thankful this call is going better than I thought.”
Clara laughs, joined by Oakley.
“Hey, I have another call coming in,” Clara says.
