At the sight of them, I shook my head and then opened the front door.
They all walked in giving me shoulder squeezes or kisses on the cheeks, but when it was Talia’s turn, she said, “You and me, back porch.”
I smiled at her family, “Make yourselves at home. Be back.”
As soon as I closed the back door, Talia turned to face me and said, “I didn’t mean to ever make you feel as though you were never good enough for Carter. I think what I was trying to do was to show you what was right in front of you.”
“But why would you act like you didn’t mind it, and then other times, it bothered you... The times Carter and I spent time together.”
“It didn’t. Honestly. I don’t know what was up my own ass. I honestly can’t think of anyone more perfect for my brother than you. He can be gruff and hard, but ever since the two of you got close, I’ve noticed a change in him. You bring him peace. If that makes any sense.”
I took in her words and knew exactly what she meant. Over the years, sometimes, I had seen him just going through the motions from day to day.
Talia had been watching my face as I took in her words and thought about what she said.
Then she said, “Can I ask you something?”
I nodded.
“How long?” she asked.
I was confused.
With a furrow in my brow, I asked, “How long what?”
“How long have you been in love with him?” she asked.
I didn’t bother to deny it.
“Since I was seven,” I told her.
She gasped, “And you never told me?”
I shook my head, “Knew you before I knew your brother. You had my loyalty.”
“And if last night never happened? What were you going to do for the rest of your life?”
I didn’t even hesitate with my answer, “I had two different solutions. The first was moving away. The second, adopting a lot of cats and pouring the unused love I had stored, and giving it all to them.”
She laughed but quickly stopped. “You're serious?”
I nodded.
“Well, now I feel like a bitch for asking you to promise me that all those years ago.” She said.
I chuckled, “No. Not a bitch. You just wanted someone who was in your corner and not trying to be a part of your brother’s so-called corner,” I said and waggled my brows.
She shook her head, “Okay, I can imagine they will send someone out here to get us in a few minutes. But unless it isn’t clear, I’m cool with you and Carter. Truly. I just need him to know that I was here first.”
I laughed as I stepped forward and hugged her back, “Love you, Tals.”
She squeezed me in return and said, “Love you, Harls.”
Then we stepped apart and walked back into my house.
The moment we entered my living room, Talia sat down beside Garrick and said, “Now, let me see this flipping video.” Then she held her hand out to Garrick.
Garrick shook his head and then handed his phone to Talia.
