Page 101 of Cinder & Secrets
“He’s not coming this weekend,” I correct her. “Something about work and he couldn’t get the weekend off.”
“Oh.” She seems surprised by this. “Okay, well, a phone call would suffice, I guess.”
“And Maisie?”
“I was planning to tell her at her birthday party next weekend, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to wait that long.”
“She’s going to freaking lose her shit.”
“In a good way, I hope.” Lyric grimaces.
“Are you kidding? She’s going to be so happy. Kai is like a brother to her,” I say, briefly wondering how she would feel if River asked me to marry him.
It’s absurd to even think that this early on, but I won’t deny that if he did, I’d say yes in a heartbeat.
“Your brother, on the other hand...”
“You think he’ll be upset?”
“No, I think it’ll be bittersweet for him. He only wants your happiness. But you’re also his baby sister.”
“I’m glad he has you.” She squeezes my arm. “And I’m glad you have him. It’s all I’ve ever wanted for him. To find someone who makes him even a fraction as happy as you make him.”
“Well, to be fair, he makes me equally happy.” I can’t help the smile that seems permanently attached to my lips anytime I talk about River.
“Who knows, maybe one day we’ll be sisters for real.” She gives me a cheeky grin.
“Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. Besides, only one engagement at a time. And right now, it’s your turn.”
“Mrs. Kai Elliot.” She sighs contently, leaning her head against my shoulder.
“How does it feel knowing you landed the most sought-after, unavailable man on campus?”
“Pretty damn good.” She chuckles. “But then again, I could ask you the same question. It’s not like my brother was exactly standing there with his arms open just waiting for someone to fall into them. If anything, some might argue that he was more unattainable than Kai, and yet, look at him now. You should see him when he talks about you, the way his entire face lights up. Very similar to how you react whenever we talk about River.” She throws me a knowing look.
“Don’t act like you aren’t exactly the same with Kai.” I nudge her with my hip.
“Fair. I guess it’s safe to say we’re both pretty smitten.”
“You just agreed to marry the man. I think smitten is underplaying it.”
“Perhaps. Though I get the feeling I’m not the only one whose life is going to change.”
Something about the way she says it gives me pause.
“Do you know something?” I can’t help but ask, getting the distinct feeling she’s not telling me something.
“No. Just call it a feeling.” She shrugs. “Do you ever worry it will all go away?” The playfulness of our conversation dies in an instant, replaced by something more serious... fear.
“Every single day,” I admit.
“Me too. I just look at Kai and can’t help but be terrified that one day I might lose him.”
“That man is head over ass. Trust me when I say, he’s not going anywhere.” I blow out a breath. “But I do know what you mean. I think it’s normal to be scared when things are seemingly too good.”
“I guess.” She blows out a breath.
“If he was planning on going anywhere, he wouldn’t have asked you to be his wife.”
