“Wait!” Jude exclaimed, stopping me. “I need to grab something from the office and tell Cameron something.”
I barely reined in a groan, but nodded, letting go of his hand. Nicco chuckled next to me, bumping my arm as we continued on our way.
“You okay there, Momo?”
“Yeah, just excited and ready to be back.”
It wasn’t that I didn’t like Jude’s brother, but he'd been constantly around since he’d been let out of the holding area and allowed to redeem himself. It had been a few weeks now, and I was beginning to see more of him than anyone else. I knew I shouldn’t be so disgruntled, Jude had his brother back, but a selfish part of me worried he’d choose him in a situation over us, if it came down to it. It was stupid and selfish, but it was how I felt.
“Jude will never betray you, little Sis. He’s one of the most honorable people I know. Even when his brother came back into the picture, he reached out for help immediately. He has a good head on his shoulders. He’s not going to ruin that just to keep his brother in his life.”
I stopped, hanging my head at being called out so easily. “Do you think Jude knows I doubt him?”
“Nah. He thinks you hung the moon. He’s too busy making sure not to say something dumb or fart to pick up on your weird jealousy of his brother.”
Scrunching up my nose, I slapped him on the shoulder. “Ew. Why?”
Nicco laughed, pulling me along, and we made it to the SUV. Topher opened the door for me, and Nicco kissed my head before jumping on his bike. Jude joined me a few minutes later, and we were headed back to the house, a million and one butterflies swarming in my stomach.
I was about to go on my first date.
* * *
“Knock, knock,”Loren said, stepping into my room. The door had been cracked, so she stepped further in, spotting me in front of the mirror.
I pushed the fabric down for the hundredth time, debating if I was too overdressed or not. “How do I look?” I asked, biting my lip. I’d picked a magenta pink top with a floral skirt that swished when I walked. The gladiator sandals, though, were my favorite part.
Loren came and stood behind me in the mirror, her hands resting on my shoulder. “Oh, honey, you look beautiful.”
She smiled at me, and it eased my nerves. I never had this moment, not just going on a date, but a mother who would come and check on me, helping me with my hair and makeup before a date. I loved my mom, but we’d never had this, and I was happy to have Loren in my life.
“Thanks. I’m nervous but excited. Do you know what he has planned?”
She shook her head, my shoulders dropping in disappointment. “He hasn’t told me anything. I think he’s been planning with Nicco. Which means you’ll have a blast. He’s one of the most creative of my husbands with ideas.”
Gagging, I laughed. “Ew, don’t.” Loren rolled her eyes at my reaction. It didn’t bother me; I was happy my brothers had found happiness; it was just weird to think about. I didn’t judge their unconventional relationship and loved the family we’d created, but it didn’t mean I wanted to think about what that all entailed. I was still trying to figure out what to do with one guy.
“Come on, he’s waiting.” Those words made goosebumps appear on my arm, and I nodded, grabbing my purse. I didn’t have much in it besides my phone and some lip gloss, but it felt like something I should carry.
When we got to the staircase, Loren kissed my cheek and walked down ahead of me. I peeked around the corner and saw the top of Jude’s hair. He seemed as nervous as me, shuffling on his feet, blowing out a breath. When Loren reached him, she kissed his cheek, whispering something in his ear, and I watched as his face reddened, but he also relaxed as his shoulders dropped. He looked up, meeting my eyes, and it felt like everything else around me stopped.
It was the moment I’d always dreamed of, and it was better than in any movie. My nerves disappeared, and I stepped forward, taking hold of the banister. The whole way down, I didn’t focus on anyone else, just Jude. I couldn’t even tell you who all was there because the only thing that mattered was the boy smiling up at me.
When I reached the bottom, he held out a hand, and I took it. A throat clearing broke our bubble, and I looked over, spotting my brother. Attie raised an eyebrow, but I just clasped Jude’s hand firmer, daring him to say anything. Loren nudged him, and he sighed, letting it go.
“You have to promise that you will stay with Topher the entire time. You won’t try to run away or do anything stupid. While things are safer, it’s never safe for us. So, please, take precautions. You’re too precious for anything to happen to the both of you.” I could hear the worry in his tone and knew how much this was costing him.
“We promise,” I said, dropping Jude’s hand and walking over to hug my brother. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me tight to him. He kissed my head before letting me go. Patting his cheek, I stepped back and met Jude. Together we walked out with the whole world at our feet.
“Did it meet your expectations?” he whispered later as we rode to wherever we were headed.
“Yes.” I smiled, squeezing his hand. “Do I get to know what we’re doing yet?” I asked, peeking at him from under my eyelashes. I watched him smile, his head shaking no.
“Not just yet. But we’re almost there.”
A few minutes later, we pulled to a stop, and I tried to peer outside to see where we were. It was pretty nondescript, giving nothing away since we were in the back. Topher opened the car door, smiling wide at us both.
“Come on, lovebirds.” My cheeks wanted to redden at the name, but I ignored it, taking it in my stride.