Page 337 of Breaking the Rules

But he's seen me claw my way out of shit too.

If Brendon really thinks I'm not good enough for his sister—

Maybe he's right.

I swallow hard.

I don't want to acknowledge the possibility.

But it's there.

It's possible I'm not what's best for Em.

And, whatever happens, I'm not getting in the way of Em blossoming.

She has a big, beautiful life ahead of her.

I want to be a part of it.

But not if I'm holding her back.

"Where are you going?" she asks.

"Your brother is more reasonable than you think."

She sticks her tongue out. "He's a caveman."

"He's looking out for you."

"So you think he'll be okay with this?"

"Yeah." Mostly.

"You want to tell him?"

"Soon."

"How soon?"

"By the end of the month," I say.

"That's soon."

"I know."

"Maybe we can do it at the shop. Or a party. Tell him then. When other people are around. So he can't throw a fit."

"Strategic."

She nods. "You have to be." She brings a scoop of cocoa oatmeal to her mouth. Chews. Swallows. Sighs. "How can you not love this?"

"I do." I love that sigh.

Her cheeks flush.

It never gets old.

"Okay, I'll agree to this on one condition." She takes another bite. Licks the cocoa from her lips.