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“Bullshit.” He releases me with a growl and takes a step back. “Something changed between you two. Did you sleep with my sister?”
Shit. This is not how I wanted him to find out, nor is it the best place to discuss it.
“Did Marcy tell you?” My hand runs along my jaw.
“No. She didn’t. And neither did you.” Arthur’s eyes darken. “I figured it out on my own since you’re both too chicken shit to admit it like grown adults.”
“When did you figure it out?”
“Last night. When I went over to my sister’s place. I wanted to check on her after what you said at dinner.” He sinks into the chair against the wall. “I offered her a place to stay until she felt safe to be on her own, but she turned me down.”
“Sounds like Marcy.” I sit in the chair opposite him.
“She’s so damned stubborn.” He shakes his head. “I just wanted to make sure she was safe.”
“Is she?”
“I guess. Hell, I don’t know anymore. When I asked her what happened, she gave me the same story you did.”
“What tipped our hand?”
“She didn’t curse your name when I asked if you two got into a fight.” He scoffs. “You two are always at odds with each other. Normally, she gets a sour look on her face when your name comes up, but this time...she smiled.”
Relief fills me. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“It’s not. It’s just different.”
“Change can be a good thing, Arthur.”
He nods. “You’re right. But this year has been all change. It’s a bit overwhelming...in a good way.” His gaze holds mine. “I just want to be sure Marcy’s taken care of. She’s strong, but she’s also fragile. I don’t want her to go through that hell again.”
“You really think I’d let that happen?” I rest my hand on Arthur’s shoulder. “I’ve loved Marcy for years. Years, damn it. I will never let anyone hurt her again. Not while she’s with me. Not while there’s life in my body.”
“I know, Rob. That’s the only reason I didn’t come through the door swinging.” He smiles.
“At least you’re not pissed off about it.”
“Oh, I was. Kate calmed me down before she let me leave the house this morning.”
“What did Kate have to say about it?”
“She told me you two were made for each other. She’s seen the sparks fly between you firsthand.” He chuckles. “I didn’t want to admit it, but she’s right. Even when you two were fighting, there were fireworks. I just refused to admit to myself that my best friend and my sister could be happy together.”
Hearing those words set my heart free. For years, I worried about what Arthur would say or do if I confessed my affection for his sister, but now I feel as though a weight has been lifted. I’m free to pursue the woman I want without concern about losing my best friend.
“I promise, I will protect her with every fiber of my being.” The vow seals over my heart. “I will love her until I draw my dying breath.”
“So you want to marry her?”
“Absolutely. If she’ll have me.”
“That’s good. I’m glad to hear it.” He strokes his jaw. “Have you told her this?”
“No.” Shame floods me. “I was planning on telling her over dinner this weekend, once my last shift ends.”
“Better sooner than later.” Arthur stands and offers his hand. I shake it. “Good luck.”
“Thanks. I know she’s not interested in getting married again, but I can hope. Right?”
