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“I might know a little something about that,” I confess.
“Yeah? Palmer?” he asks.
“Palmer,” I confirm.
“Are you finally going to man up and take your shot?” he asks.
I chuckle. If he only knew. “Something like that.”
“Good for you, Brooks,” he says, his voice serious. “I hope it all works out for you. Everyone should feel this.”
“Feel what?” Part of me is goading him to get him to say it. The other part just wants the validation that what I’m feeling is right.
“The love of a good woman.”
“Who said anything about love?” I ask.
“Come on, man,” he chides. “I know you. This has been eating at you for weeks. You’re not one to play games, so if you’re going all in with Deacon’s little sister, there has to be love, or at least something close to it.”
“Why’d you say it like that? Deacon’s little sister. He’s marrying our little cousin.”
“He is,” Orrin agrees. “He was also open and honest with us about it.”
“Fuck. I just… I’m going to talk to her tonight. If all goes well, I’ll call Deacon.”
“I think that’s a good idea. He needs to hear it from you.”
“Yeah,” I agree.
“Let me know how it goes. If you need me, you know where to find me.”
“Thanks, O.”
“Love you, brother.” The line goes dead before I can tell him that I love him too.
I think about our conversation, and he’s right. Deacon never hid his intentions or his affection for Ramsey. I can’t say the same, but it was something we agreed to, Palmer and me, and after tonight, I hope she agrees that I can call her brother and tell him before I shout it to the world.
I don’t expect her to tell me that she loves me too. I am hopeful she will, but at the very least, I want her to agree that this is real. Thatweare real, and we no longer have to hide that we’re together. At least, I hope not.
Glancing at the clock, I see that it’s five minutes before six. Close enough. Grabbing my keys, making sure that I have my wallet and my phone, I head out to pick up my girl.
* * *
“Hey, beautiful.” I lean over and kiss her lips before she can even get her seat belt buckled.
She smiles. “Hey, big guy.”
“How was the shoot?”
“A lot of fun actually. It was a family of six. They have three boys and a girl, and the kids were a blast. They ranged from twelve to three, and it’s easy to see that they keep their parents on their toes.”
“I know how that is,” I tell her. “You did the shoot at their place?”
“I did. They wanted the kids to feel comfortable to capture their personalities. We did a few formal shots where the kids were dressed up. Then they changed into whatever they wanted. The little girl, she’s six, she wore a princess dress, while the brothers wore T-shirts and shorts, even though it was a little chilly out today. They were all goofing off and riding bikes in the driveway. I got some great candid shots with all of them. I can’t wait to start editing.”
Reaching over, I grab her hand, bringing it to my lips. “I’m glad it turned out good, but I’m also glad it’s over. I’ve missed you.” I let the confession fly free without a care in the world. No more holding back. Not anymore.
“I missed you too.” Her voice is soft.
