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We talk for a few more minutes, but don’t say our final goodbyes. I’ll see him later after Sophie’s graduation. I leave Terrence’s office with a weight off my shoulders, but I know that my talk with Sophie is by far going to be the most difficult.
* * *
After Sophie’s graduation ceremony, we gather at Rita and Terrence’s for dinner. Chad stops by to meet Emma and even a few of Sophie’s friends make an appearance. Rita makes her famous enchiladas, and we all eat so much we can barely move.
On our way out, Rita pulls me aside. “I can see how happy you are with her.” She hugs me tight. “I’m sad to see you go, but I love the direction you’re headed.”
I assure her I’ll be back. That my new job will bring me to the area often.
Chad pulls me in for a quick hug. “I thought you might have a screw loose, man, but seeing you two together…it makes sense now.”
“Thanks, man.” We make plans to hang out again before Emma and I leave on Friday.
Me, Emma, and Sophie spend the rest of the evening relaxing on the couch and catching up. We are still full from Rita’s enchiladas and she even sent us home with a whole pan.
Emma and Sophie have already become fast friends. I’m relieved, but also it makes me sad to think we won’t be close to each other anymore.
“You’re gorgeous and elegant. Are you sure you want to stay married to my brother? You know he drinks orange juice straight out of the carton? And he likes the pulp.” She makes a gagging noise. “Disgusting.”
“Thank you for enlightening me on his proclivity for pulp-laden orange juice.” Emma’s lips twist with humor. She gives me a sideways glance and I give her a wink. “I think I’ll let it slide.”
I told Sophie that Emma and I weren’t going to get an annulment, but I’ve yet to have the conversation about me moving to New York.
Emma yawns and stretches. “I’m exhausted. I’m going to let you two catch up.”
She gives me a soft smile and a sweet kiss on the lips. My hands grip her hips, wishing she could stay, but I know she’s giving me this time alone with Sophie to talk.
When Emma’s gone, Sophie turns to me. “She’s perfect.”
“Yeah, she is.” I rotate the glass of water in my hand.
She props her head on her hand, then tucks her feet underneath her. “It’s so wild to see you in love. But I love seeing it. I love that you’re happy.”
The tips of my ears go warm at her observation.
“You knew, didn’t you? That’s why you married her. That’s why you went to New York.”
I nod. “I went to New York to do the right thing, but I quickly realized I’d never be able to walk away from her.”
“I always felt bad you never dated, never prioritized finding love, but that’s how it was meant to be, because it found you.” I can see the tears starting to form in Sophie’s eyes. “You’ve been the best big brother I could ever ask for, giving up so much for me.”
“That’s never how I saw it,” I tell her adamantly.
“Another reason why you’re the best.” She laughs as she wipes a tear. Fuck. Her tears are making this harder.
“Sophie, I—"
“So, when are you moving to New York?” she asks.
My eyes catch hers. It’s like looking in a mirror. We both have our mom’s eyes. And Sophie knows me better than anyone. I should have known she’d be one step ahead of me.
“I got a job offer there; it starts next week. It’s with a real estate developer. The company is starting a project here, in Vegas, so it will bring me back regularly.”
She nods slowly.
“I don’t have to move right away. I know this is sudden. Unexpected. I’m still thinking I’m going to wake up any second and it will all be a dream.”
She smiles and twists her blonde ponytail around her hand. “Speaking of dreams, I have some exciting news.”
