Page 120 of Without a Hitch
“Isn’t that what sisters are for? You have the unique opportunity to give unsavory information, and I’m obligated to love you forever.”
She searches my eyes before rolling onto her side to face me. I do the same, just like when we were kids. “I know you view marriage as a contract. A promise to love you forever, and I understand. I really, really do.”
“But?” I hold my breath, waiting for her to drop the hammer on me.
“But sometimes a promise is just that. It’s a contract between two people. Even with a piece of paper binding you together, there’s no guarantee the other person will keep their promise.”
“You think I should give up my dream for him.”
“I think you’re beautiful and smart and so damn talented. I think I’ve never seen you fall like this before, and if you walk away, you might regret it for the rest of your life. You’re still young, Tilly. Isn’t it better to explore these feelings and see where it goes, knowing it might give you a happily ever after even if it looks a little differently than the fairy tale you created when you were ten? I guess the question is, can you be happy with a man you love with your whole heart if you don’t have that promise on a piece of paper?”
“I…god, E. I don’t know.”
The sound of gravel shuffling under hurried steps and someone skidding to a halt has us both lifting our heads. My jaw drops open as Lochlan slides to a stop, but he’s off-balance and has to windmill his arms to keep from toppling over.
My three-piece-suit-wearing stiff is as disheveled as I’ve ever seen him, and it makes me smile.
“I think you do that to him,” Eli whispers.
His gaze never leaves mine as he crosses the lawn to where we lie at the side of the barn. When he’s close enough to touch, I notice he’s looking a little more peaked than earlier.
“Are you okay?”
“Me? Why did you leave? What’s wrong? Why couldn’t you breathe? Why are you crying?” He spits out question after question, slurring some of the words, but doesn’t give me time to answer. His hand is resting strangely on the right side of his abdomen.
Pushing to stand, I really look at him. “Lochlan? Are you okay? You don’t look so good.”
“I—I haven’t slept in a few days, I think.”
My brows raise as he sways on his feet, and I rush to his side. Wrapping my arm around his middle, I hold him tight.
“Is he okay?” Eli asks at my other side.
“Have you been drinking?” I ask him.
“Not today.”
“Ah, okay. Did you say good-bye to Colton? Should we head to the airport?”
“You’re coming?” The shock on his face has my heart softening.
“I told you I would. Should we go? Do you have a car here?”
He shakes his head and pulls out his phone. He presses a couple of buttons and looks at me. “Do you need to say good-bye?”
I glance at Eli, who shrugs. “No, Loch. No one will notice I’m gone until after the party, and if they do, Eli will tell them I wasn’t feeling well.”
“Bloody fucket, Tilly. What is wrong with everyone? How can they not see you?” He tries to sound stern, but I’m even more convinced now that he’s not feeling well.
“Should I get Emory?” Eli whispers.
“The doctor?” he slurs.
Standing this close to him, I need to crane my neck to meet his eyes. “Yeah, my sister. Should we get her or are you…”
“Pepper.”
I gasp at the now-familiar nickname that makes my heart ache and drop my gaze, but he continues.
