"Have you kissed her yet?" I ask, smirking as I tease Emmett while we sit out back and let the fire pit keep us warm.
Sadly, the snow last weekend didn't stick much, but it's still fairly chilly out. I refuse to sit inside nonstop though. I came out to read while Emmett was out on his third date with Rosalie and he just got home, grinning like a fool.
"Of course, I have," he says. "I'm not telling you anything else I've done with her, but that one is obvious. She's amazing, Bells."
I smile, and my heart feels so happy. "I'm so glad. And you're welcome, by the way."
"Yeah, I know I'm never living it down that you set us up. Also, you should go inside. It's getting late and too cold out here for you."
"Nope, I've got about six chapters left, and then I will. Besides, it's not like you actually get sick from the cold."
"Yeah, well, your immune system is shit, and it's not as effective when air enters the airway and nose. So, come inside once you're done. Did you, uh, make the pumpkin bars?"
I laugh, nodding. "Yes, just for you, big brother. Try not to eat the whole tray in one sitting."
"I make no promises," he says as he heads back inside, and my phone dings.
I quickly pull it out, smiling at Edward's name.
How are you doing, beautiful girl? When is your brother on night shift again?
I reply back.
Alllllll week next week, so I hope that means we can spend a couple nights together. I'm good, btw. Sitting by the fire and reading.
The dots appear that he's already sending another text.
Sounds enjoyable. And that's perfect. Maybe bring some extra clothes you can leave here. I can't wait to spend more time with you. I miss you.
Fuck do I miss him too.
Want some baked goods for the office? I can drop them off tomorrow after my shift. Maybe we can get a few seconds alone in your office.
The dots are back.
Sounds perfect. Sleep well.
I tell him to do the same, and then put down my phone, blissfully happy. I need my heart, like, today. I need to be with him out in the open, and then maybe I can tell him how I feel—that I've fallen completely in love.
I can't even lie to myself anymore. The way I feel about him is so consuming and real, and I'm tired of hiding it. I just hope that when we do tell Emmett, my brother will understand. He's finally found someone he cares about, and I can't imagine he wouldn't want the same for me. I just worry he'll lose his friendship with Edward, which I don't want. Their friendship is the reason I'm still alive, and I'd feel awful about destroying that.
Once I finish my book, I do as Emmett asked and go inside. I check the tray of pumpkin bars and laugh to myself before heading upstairs. He had four of them, but I'm sure he'll burn the calories off on his run tomorrow.
"Hi there, pretty boy," I say as Hamilton rubs against my legs. I pick him up like a baby, which he tolerates rather well. As long as he gets chin scratches, he's fine. "You wanna snuggle or play?"
He bats at the string on my hoodie, so I take that as play and put him down, grabbing a toy on a string. As we're going at it, I get a message from Alice.
Let's do some shopping in Seattle tomorrow. Girls day. P.S. I invited Rosalie. Cool?
I shrug to myself and reply.
Sounds good. Apparently, Emmett has kissed her. How scandalous, right? lol
She sends back a laughing emoji, and I wonder if I've doomed my brother's girlfriend.
Probably.
Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.
