Page 11 of The Reason I Married Him
“He’s not?” I ask. “What’s with the long neck, tail, and mane?”
“That’s his disguise. He’s actually a skunk dressed like a horse, so don’t make him mad. He will skunk you.”
I hold up my hands in surrender. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to be skunked. Lick away, Chewy Charles.”
“No, he doesn’t think you taste good.” She bolts away, only to jump into the air and fling her body onto the couch without any care as to whether she will break her back on the arm of the couch.
Ahh, to be that young.
She also does this thing that makes Ryland nearly throw up. She likes to jump up in the air and land on her knees as if her legs have no bones. It makes Ryland shiver every time.
It makes me laugh. I love my older brother, but as a middle child, sometimes it’s nice to see your siblings squirm.
I head into the kitchen, where Hattie sits on the counter in the corner. Hayes is nowhere to be found, and Ryland leans against the fridge with a beer in his hand. He will only have a drink if there are other grown-ups present. Something I noticed a while ago. He’s very protective of Mac and makes sure that she’s taken care of at all times. Meaning if he’s alone with her, he won’t have a drink just in case he needs to drive.
“Hey,” I say to them as I move toward the cup cabinet and grab one to fill it with water. “How’s it going?”
“Good,” Hattie says.
“Where’s Hayes?” I ask.
“Out back grilling some kebabs.”
God bless Hayes.
The funny thing is, a few months ago, there is no way in hell I ever would have said that. Hayes Farrow, world-renowned musician and America’s heartthrob, was Ryland’s best friend growing up, along with Abel. They were inseparable until their relationship fell apart one day. I won’t get into it, but they stopped talking for years . . . I mean, years. It wasn’t until a few months ago, when Hayes returned to Almond Bay around the same time Hattie did, that he came back into our lives. Longstory short, they fell in love, and the anger and resentment was resolved. Now, we’re one big, happy family.
Hayes has stepped up and takes his role in the family very seriously. He’s great for Hattie, is there for Ryland whenever he needs it, and is quite the chef. Plus, Mac loves him. He truly completes our family.
“Is there pineapple on them?” I ask.
Hattie slowly nods. “Yup. Steak, pineapple, and green peppers.”
My stomach growls at the thought of that.
“He’s also roasting corn, and he brought cut-up watermelon,” Ryland says before lifting his beer to his lips.
“How did we get so lucky?” I ask.
Hattie raises her hand. “Me, that’s how. And you’re welcome. I accept gifts if you want to show me your gratitude.”
“I’m pretty sure Hayes is your gift. Be happy with that,” I say.
“I am,” Hattie says with a blush to her cheeks.
Are you wondering if I’m jealous that my little sister has found love and beams with happiness?
The answer would be no . . . and yes.
Maybe a little more yes than no.
Like . . . eighty percent yes, twenty percent no.
I had a serious relationship a few years ago. His name was Matt—and no, not the same Matt who Hattie dated, who turned out to be the biggest douche in the world. Well, this Matt—we will call him Original Matt—did turn out to be a douche, but in a different way. Secondary Matt—Hattie’s Matt—told her she was boring and broke up with her. Original Matt, well, he didn’t want to live in Almond Bay and told me I wouldn’t be living my life if I stayed in one place. We broke up because I was invested in helping Cassidy, and he didn’t want to be with someone who farmed potatoes.
Simple as that.
I wasn’t good enough for him to stay in a small town. His dreams were bigger than mine.I just can’t see myself ever feeling settled in a place with so little upward trajectory, Aubree. You’re farming potatoes, for God’s sake. Small-town life just isn’t enough for me.
