“I wish I could say yes, but we’ve only fooled around. He didn’t have any condoms; otherwise, I’m sure we would have done. And now I’m on my period so that takes care of the next few days.”
I can practically feel the wheels turning in Callie’s head as we continue to lay side-by-side. It would be nice if I could talk to one of my sisters like I can with Callie. Jessie and Robin are too young for this kind of discussion, but Sarah and Amanda aren’t. I won’t talk to Sarah because I don’t get along with her, and I’d be putting Amanda on the spot with Sarah if I told her too much. Not with the intention of hurting me, but because she thinks we’re sisters and that we all can be trusted.
“Thinking about Reece, all I know is that you both need to tell him
before he finds out because that will just make things twice as bad. It’s also going to kill me knowing this and he doesn’t.”
“I know. By telling you I’ve put you in an awkward position. I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“No. Don’t say that. I’m glad that you feel comfortable talking to me knowing I’m your brother’s girl. In fact, it makes me feel really good.”
I smile, although Callie probably can’t see now that it’s pitch black outside.
“Thank you for driving my brother crazy and making him chase you. That’s what he needed to be brought down a peg or two by a girl. I love him, but he’s an idiot some times.”
“Whose an idiot?” Reece says causing us both to jump into a sitting position in surprise.
“What are you doing out here? You promised to give us some privacy.”
Reece switches the lights on along the small dock before he comes over to us.
“I think I’ve given you enough private time with my little sister. Now it’s future husband time.” Reece sits behind Callie and pulls her into his chest before nuzzling her neck.
Turning my head away to gaze out across the water, toward the lights on the opposite side, I can’t help but wish that Donovan was here with me. I wish that I was snuggling in his arms, feeling safe from the world.
My heart is telling me to shout that he’s my guy and that I’m in love with him. But my brain it telling me to wait—that now isn’t the right time. The thing is though; I’m not sure there will ever be a right time to announce my relationship with Donovan. Reece will flip out regardless, and a huge part of me wants to get it over with. But for the wedding, I probably would have blurted it out, but it would break my heart if I ruined my brother and Callie’s wedding.
I swipe at a tear feeling sorry for myself—feeling alone. Donovan would be here with me if I asked him to be. That I know without a doubt. He’d be cautious, but he’d be here.
“Mara, are you okay?” Reece asks, concern for me clear in his voice.
Getting to my feet, I whisper, “I will be,” before turning and heading back toward the house, needing some space from the loving couple.
I also need to hear Donovan’s voice, if only for a minute. So running up to my room, I lock my bedroom door and disconnecting the charger, I flop down on to my bed. Laying on my stomach to quickly shoot Donovan a text. I unlock the phone and discover to my delight that I have three text messages from him.
Missing you
Missing you even more
I grin—he’s an idiot, who’s making my heart beat rapidly in my chest.
I’m sitting out back, drinking a longneck wondering what you’re doing, whom you’re talking to and most of all, I’m wishing that I was with you
As tears run down my face, I swipe at them so I can see the keys to reply to him.
You have no idea how much I wish you had been with me. I watched Callie and Reece snuggling together and wanted that to have been us.
Then I add,
I miss you
Within seconds a text arrives back from him.
Soon baby. That will be us real soon. Just a few more days
Is he getting rid of me?
You don’t want to talk?