“I guess I should’ve said, is that the only thing that’s on the line?”
Donovan stood and walked to the edge of the deck. “I’m not going there.”
“Bro, there’s nowhere to go. You’re already there.”
Another silence stretched between them. Finally, Troy asked, “How long has it been since you’ve seen her?”
“We email.”
“Not what I asked.”
Donovan didn’t answer right away, but it wasn’t because he had to do the calculations. He knew exactly how long it had been since he’d last laid eyes on Ella Fletcher. “Mom and Dad’s funeral.”
“Shit. And how long before that?”
“Another five years or so.”
“You know, I always thought you two would end up together.”
Donovan silently agreed, but he didn’t acknowledge it out loud. He never had.
“Although,” Troy continued, a light teasing note entering his voice, “I guess you kind of did. All these years, and she’s been the ol’ ball and chain. I’ve had a sister-in-law and never even knew it.”
Donovan let his chin drop to his chest. “Please, for the love of God, get all of this shit out of your system now so you don’t pop out with any of it the next time you see her, okay?”
Troy grinned and joined him at the railing. “No promises, my man. No freaking promises.”