Andy sighed but kept his focus on the top bunk, unwilling to look at him. “She’s leaving.”
Will opened his mouth to correct Andy, but the kid went on.
“No matter what happens in the next few weeks, no matter how much you think she cares, in the end, she’s going to want to go.”
Will heard the quick intake of breath behind him, but he wanted to say this before Aly jumped in. “Wanting and having to go aren’t the same thing. And I’m well aware that she’s leaving.”
Andy’s eyes shot to him.
“She has a job, dude. One she’s really good at. She can’t just quit. So yeah, I get that she’s going to have to travel for work. But I won’t punish her for doing her job, and it’s not fair for you to either.”
Andy craned his neck around Will’s shoulder and peered toward the doorway. “You might as well come in.”
Will stood as Aly shuffled into the room. He reached out and wrapped his arm around her waist, noticing how Andy focused on the connection.
Aly cleared her throat. “I know how much you love being here with Will. And I’m not going to take that away from you.”
Andy scoffed, but before Will could reprimand him, Aly went on.
“Don’t.” It was the sharpest tone Will had ever heard her use. “I get that Mom wasn’t great at relationships and we had one ‘uncle so-and-so’ after another over the years who disappeared without a word.”
Will winced, finally understanding why Aly didn’t love having Andy refer to his brothers as uncles.
“But Will isn’t that guy, and you know it,” Aly said fiercely. “You think he’s pretty great. And I—” Her gray eyes cut up to him quickly before she looked away. She pulled her shoulders back as her spine stiffened. “I do too.” The blush hit her hard, and Will gave her waist a small squeeze of encouragement. “So maybe instead of deciding this is the end of the world, you could give us a chance to prove that it isn’t.”
Andy’s eyes narrowed for one beat before he tossed his head back with a sigh. “Fine.”
“Good.” Aly nodded.
The siblings both seemed to think the discussion was over, but Will had other plans.
“Hug it out,” he ordered.
Andy’s jaw locked, and his glare was back.
“You heard me, don’t be a dickwad. Hug your sister.”
He sighed again, but he hauled himself up and flung his arms out as he moved toward her. But before they made contact, he stopped abruptly. “She’s wearing your clothes,” he accused with a frown.
“Yip,” Will confirmed, trying to fight a smirk, because damn, he loved seeing Aly in his T-shirt.
Aly tugged at the shirt in question and simultaneously pulled the collar higher on her neck.
The movement caught Will’s attention, and he zeroed in on the reason for it. The dark red circle just above her collarbone marred her otherwise perfect skin. He should have felt bad about it, but hell if he didn’t. He wanted his marks all over her.
“Gross.” Andy moaned.
Good thing the kid couldn’t read minds. Will chuckled, and Andy sent him a glare before he gave his sister a quick hug.
“After practice, we’ll put up the Christmas tree together. Sound good?”
Andy shrugged. “Sure.”
Will brought his lips to Aly’s ear. “Well done, Al.” Then he gave her a quick kiss.
“Oh gross,” Andy repeated, but he’d to have to get used to the displays of affection.
“Go get in the car.”