Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 80304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
“We love you,” Palmer says, and the next thing I know, they’re all gathered around me in a group hug, and we’re laughing with tears in our eyes.
When they’re finally all back in their seats, it’s Palmer who knocks the breath from my lungs with her next question. “So, my brothers-in-law, the single ones.” She smirks. “If you had to pick one, who would you pick?”
“W-What?” I sputter.
“Oh, we haven’t asked yet, have we?” Ramsey drains the rest of her wine, and right now, that seems like a damn fine idea. I do the same, tilting my head back and emptying my own glass.
“It’s kind of our thing,” Jade confesses.
“Explain that.” So, they do. They tell me how it started and how they’ve all ended up with the guy they chose for their happily ever after.
“So, you see, you have to pick. Not just to get your happily ever after, but that means you’ll get to stay here in Willow River. It’s fail-proof. We’re prime examples.” Kennedy smiles.
“You know that’s ludicrous, right?” I ask them.
“I was skeptical too, but they’re right,” Alyssa admits. “If you pick, it comes true.”
I shake my head and reach for my glass, forgetting that I emptied it. “That’s not how the world works. At least not for me. If every wish had come true, I would have had a family growing up. Someone there to hug me and love me, and no. This won’t work.”
“I hear you,” Jade chimes in. “I know that unless you’ve witnessed it that you’d be skeptical, but what’s it hurt to just play along and humor us?”
I let her words sink in, and no, it won’t hurt anything except maybe my heart. I’m struggling enough as it is. With each passing day, every text message, phone call, or drop-by saying he’s been in the neighborhood in the past two weeks is chipping away at the barricade around my heart. It’s too risky for me to start believing that all I have to do is tell the universe that Rushton is my pick and I’ll get to live happily ever after.
I know that’s not how it works. However, my heart, the lazy bitch, lost the memo. “I can’t.”
“Just humor us,” Ramsey says. I look up to find her filling our glasses again. I’m starting to feel the effects, but I ignore that and take a hefty drink.
“So,” Kennedy sips her refilled wine. “Rushton, Archer, Ryder, but he’s kind of already taken, at least in his heart, so maybe don’t pick him. Maverick and Merrick.”
“We all know who you’re going to pick.” Alyssa grins behind the rim of her glass. “However, in order for this to work, you have to say it. You have to put it out there for the universe to hear.”
“This is silly.”
“You can do it,” Ramsey encourages.
My phone pings, and I pull it from my pocket. It’s a text from Rushton, and I smile as I open it.
Rushton: Missing you.
It’s followed by a picture of him holding Orion.
Me: Looks like you’re getting lots of snuggles.
Rushton: These kids are cute as hell.
That’s followed by another picture of Blakely, Remi, Beckham, and Orion lying on the floor on a blanket.
Me: Good genes.
Rushton: Add that to my pros column.
Me: ??
Rushton: You know, in case you’re making a list. That’s a definite pro in my favor. Just look at my brothers’ kids. Hell, look at my brothers and me if you need proof. Good genes.
I send back a string of laughing emoji.
Rushton: Laugh it up. I’ll remind you of this very conversation after we have our first.
Me: Are you drunk?
Rushton: Tipsy at best.
Rushton: Are you?
Me: Maybe…
Rushton: You know. They say that when you’re drunk, you tell the truth.
Me: What is your truth, Rushton Kincaid?
Rushton: I’m falling hard, Crosby Greene.
“Earth to Crosby.” Alyssa waves her hand at me. I look up and my face heats. “Pick one.” She smirks.
“Rushton.” His name is out of my mouth before I can stop. I think about backtracking. About telling them that Alyssa tricked me, but I don’t. I would give anything for things to be different, and maybe, just maybe, Willow River will be my chance at happiness. I’ll get the offer for an extended contract, and if Rushton is still interested, well, maybe a girl who grew up with no one to love her will finally get someone to call her own.
“See, that wasn’t so hard.” Palmer grins.
I drain the rest of my wine. “If things were different… if my future plans were not hanging in the balance, I’d pick Rushton. I know without a doubt he’d break my heart, but the way he makes me feel… I’d risk it.” I’ll regret spilling my innermost thoughts tomorrow, but right now, it feels too good to talk about. To be me and share my true feelings.
“You’re falling for him,” Jade says softly.