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We both chuckle at that, even though it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. “You should’ve told me. To hear it from Dot of all people and now have her fucking use it to keep me in line…”
My fist smacks against his desk. “I’m sick of this, Eddie. I deserve this shit, because I was stupid enough to get involved with Dot. But Wren… I hate that she has to go along with my bullshit.”
“Hey, you don’t deserve this. Dot’s a malicious person. Nobody deserves her. And as for Wren, she loves you. If you’re worried about her cutting you loose, she won’t.”
I scoff, wanting to believe him. “I hope not. I’m asking a lot of her.”
“Sure, but I bet she thinks you’re worth it. As for Dot, don’t let her lord this over you.”
“What the hell does that mean?” My snappish tone comes out harsher than I intend. It isn’t as easy as he makes it out to be.
Eddie’s features tense. “Who gives a fuck if she tells people about Merrick? The man is dead. We didn’t do the things he’s accused of. The rumors still exist in some circles, and no one”—he approaches, stopping about a foot in front of me—“I mean,no onelooks down on us for his shit. We are both liked and respected. We treat people right, and for the most part, the town sees that.”
“But the town name?—”
“Fuck that. If those assholes want to take away the name, let them.” He flings an arm into the air, and his indifference wounds me.
“No. I’ll fucking fight Dot and Malone and whoever else. I will not lose the Winslow Grove name. You may not care about our history, but I do. And even if Merrick was a lying, cheating excuse of a human”—I pause to catch my breath, realizing this is the first time I’ve called my father by his first name—“I’m proud of our family history, and those that came before Merrick did good for this town and for the people. That has to count for something.”
Suddenly sheepish, Eddie nods, eyes on the ground. “Shit, Oliver, you’re right. I’ll fight with you. You can count on me.”
Chapter16
Wren
Ding.The bell chimes at the front desk of the library, and I hurriedly pour the last of the hot water for my tea.
From the kitchenette, I holler, “I’ll be there in a minute.”
Still scalding, I pick up my tea and blow on the tendrils of white air rising from the too full mug. Slowly, I sip to prevent the hot liquid from spilling as I make my way to the front. “Just give me one sec. I’ve got a huge cup of?—”
I stop short of the desk at the sight of Eddie Winslow. While they only share a father, and Eddie’s many years older than Oliver at forty-eight with a head of white hair and a full beard, I can still see a resemblance.
Both men are good-looking in that outdoorsy, clean-living kind of way. Both are kind and caring though Eddie’s more reserved than his younger brother. They also share a similar jawline, strong and commanding, and both have warm gazes even if Eddie’s eyes are blue instead of hazel.
“Let me help.” Before I can protest, Eddie scoops up the books I’ve got tucked under my arm.
“Thank you. How are you?”
It has been a while since I last saw him. Although we weren’t estranged or avoiding each other like Oliver and I were, or more like I was the one doing the avoiding, my path rarely crosses with his. Unless I have car problems—Eddie owns the best garage in town—or we’re dining at the same place, though he rarely eats out, we have no reason to run into each other.
He places the books down and turns to fully face me. “I’m good. It’s great to see you.”
“You too. Although I will admit, I’m kind of shocked to see you in the library of all places.” I hope my tone comes off as teasing and not condescending.
He isn’t a reader. For as long as I can remember, the man never sat still and was always doing something with his hands. Holding a book and reading was never one of those things. I still remember all those summers with Oliver when Eddie came to pick him up. I’d be on the dock, feet in the water, losing myself in a world of fantasy or romance, and Eddie would rib me about all the hours I was wasting away when I could be doing something.
“Yeah.” He peruses the library with a sly grin dancing on his lips. “So this is a library. Wow. Who knew there were this many books?”
I poke him in the rib. “Very funny. What can I do for you?”
He takes one more look around. “I don’t usually do this.”
“And what is that? Come to the library?”
“Yeah, that too. I don’t want to meddle, but I wanted to just check in on how things are going…” He glances around once more and lowers his voice. “With Oliver. I know he’s worried you’ll bail on him, especially with Dot’s latest threat.”
My shoulders rise and I can feel my frown forming. “What threat?”
