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“I know that.”
“We also love Alyssa.”
“I know that too.” I’m not sure where she’s going with this, but I’m indulging her anyway.
“Out of everyone here tonight, I’m the newest.”
“You’re old news, Kennedy,” I tease.
“You know what I mean. I didn’t grow up in Willow River, so I don’t have the history that the rest of you have.”
“Go on.”
“We all want you to be happy. We want Alyssa to be happy.” She stops walking and steps in front of me. “You might not see it, but from the outside looking in, there’s more there.” I start to give her my speech, the one that I’ve perfected over the years, but she raises her hand to stop me. “I know you two are just friends. I know you have never been anything more than friends.”
“Then what’s this about? Alyssa is my ride-or-die. We’ve spent the entirety of our friendship defending it. Out of everyone I’ve had to remind that a man and a woman can be platonic friends, my family is the last lot I thought I would have to still be defending us to.” I run my fingers through my hair. “Even my brothers have brought it up recently.”
Kennedy nods and smiles. “That’s what I’m trying to tell you. I believe you when you tell me that the two of you are just friends. I believe you when you tell me it’s never been anything more. However, I want you to listen to me this time when I tell you that you should think about it. Think about your future. Think about how you want that to look.” She pauses as moments flash in my mind of hanging out with Alyssa. “Now, I want you to picture that same scenario with her married and with kids.”
“How do you know I didn’t?”
Kennedy gives me one of those looks. The one where the other person raises their brow and purses their lips because they know you’re full of shit. Yeah, one of those. “Because I know you, Sterling Kincaid. I know that you are fiercely protective of your best friend, and I know that in your mind, no one will ever be good enough for her.”
I hold her gaze, not sure where she’s going with this line of reasoning. “Is there something wrong with that?” I ask. “Is it bad that I want the best for her?”
“Not at all. But I think you need to open your mind to allow yourself to consider that you might be what’s best for her.” She smiles up at me while patting her palm flat against my chest. “I can see your wheels turning. I’m not going to lecture you. I just want to plant a small seed. Do you think that it’s possible that you both won’t settle for anything other than what you already have?”
“I won’t risk losing her.”
“Life is about chances, Sterling. Don’t lose her. Just love her a little harder.” Dropping her hand, she turns and disappears into the house.
I stare after her, letting her words bounce around in my mind and the fact that she spouted off the family motto. I can’t lie and say that I’ve never noticed that my best friend is a fucking smokeshow. Back in high school, I even considered asking her to be more, but I chickened out. The risk of losing her in my life wasn’t worth it, and it’s still not worth it. I don’t even know what my life would look like without her in it, and I never want to find out.
“Hey.” Alyssa’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts. She’s standing just outside the door that Kennedy disappeared through only moments before. “You all right? Kennedy said you were coming inside.”
“Yeah, I think we’re all calling it a night.”
“I saw Ryder and Jordyn when they came in. We were chatting. That’s what took me so long.”
“You ready for bed?” I ask.
“Yes. But you don’t have to go with me.”
“No. I’m ready too.” Without another word, I take a few long strides to reach her. Placing one hand on the small of her back, I pull open the door with the other, and usher her inside, with me on her heels. “Water?”
“Yes, please.” Stepping to the refrigerator, I grab two bottles of water and follow her down the hall to our room.
“Are you positive you’re good with sharing a bed?” After my discussion with Kennedy, I feel as though I need to ask.
“Have you seen the size of the bed? We can both sprawl out and still never touch. I’m fine with it. More than fine. It’s not the first time we’ve shared a bed, and besides, you’re too damn tall to sleep on the couch.”
“I just wanted to make sure.”
“There’s plenty of room for both of us, Tank.” She grins, and something in my chest squeezes.
Damn meddling sisters-in-law. The conversation by the fire and the one I just had with Kennedy are playing like a movie reel in my head. “You take the bathroom first,” I tell her.
“Thanks. I’ll be quick.” She grabs clothes to change into and disappears behind the door.
