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“Son of a bitch.”
“Yes!” Two very different reactions are said at the same time, making me snort with laughter.
“Well,” Noah sighs, long and dramatic. “I can’t say I didn't see this coming. Carter is shit at hiding his feelings, and I’ve known he’s noticed you as more than a friend and my sister for a while now. Which is gross,” he ends with tone.
“So, you won’t feel like we’re going behind your back and betraying your friendship if we—”
“Stop. Right. There. First, I don’t want to know any details, okay? I’m serious, Penny. You’re my sister. He’s my best friend. All I need to know is that you’re happy and he’s treating you right.”
My shoulder twinges as I run my free hand over my mouth to muffle my emotions. My brother has always been one of my biggest supporters, even when he’s had a lot on his plate. Even now, when this situation could be a little messy and his best friend is crossing a line, he’s only focused on our happiness. Not his.
“Second,” he continues as I wipe away the moisture from my eyes and sit up straight, “our relationship won’t change. Ours or the one I have with Carter. I love you, Penny. And if you give him the time of day, then he’s one lucky bastard.”
“Well,” I say on a puff of an exhale, “that’s good, then. Thanks, Noah.”
“No need to thank me.”
“Shut up and let me. I needed that little boost. It’s been a…strange twenty-four hours.”
“Love you, Penny! Take care,” Gretchen calls through the line, her voice sounding distant, like she’s walking away.
“Bye!” I call back, a little louder than normal. “Bye, Noah. I’ll call again soon once I’m heading home.”
“I can come get you if you need me. The Beast will get me there.”
I roll my eyes. “I’ll be fine.”
“Okay, later, Pen.”
Placing my phone on the table, I give myself a moment to absorb all the sensations coursing through me. For the first time in a long time, I’m feeling hopeful. There is so much possibility for today. For tomorrow and beyond. All I have to do is take a chance and embrace the change.
My hip gives a little twinge as I stand, but I pay no mind to it as I move further into the house to find Carter. I don’t have to go far. He’s sitting in the living room, mug of coffee in one hand and his phone in the other.
The tree is all lit up and looks stunning with the sunlight coming through the main window. The TV is on low, and it looks like the dogs are watching a Christmas special. Adorable.
“Hey,” I say softly, leaning against the open doorway.
“Hey back.” Carter drops his phone, piercing blue gaze on me. “Everything okay?”
“Yes. All good.” His grin grows, making me feel warm. Taking a deep breath, I walk into the room. Carter doesn’t move from his place on the couch, and I like that. Wanting, no, needing to be close to him, I drop onto the cushion right beside him.
I try to make the move look graceful but completely fail when I groan as my muscles flex and stretch. Even the dogs stop what they’re doing and glace back to check what all the noise is about.
“Here.” Carter surprises me by reaching for a mug I didn’t see on the coffee table and handing it to me. My tea is still warm as I take a fortifying sip. Grabbing the blanket from the back of the couch, I stare out the front window for a moment before giving Carter my full attention.
“It looks so beautiful outside.”
“It does. I don’t know if I’m dreading or looking forward to shoveling snow off the deck for the girls.”
I snort, not envying him that task. “Didn’t you already work out this morning? Do you have the energy for that?”
He gives me a friendly glare before holding up one of his arms and flexing. “Are you doubting this strength?”
Laughing over the rim of my mug, I shake my head. “Never. It just seems like a lot of work for so early in the morning.”
He considers this then gestures at his phone. “I was reading that even more snow is supposed to hit us this afternoon. Better to get it done now and not have to worry later.”
At that precise moment, the lights flicker. Wide-eyed, we stare at each other.
