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“I’m sure you’ll be bickering on details the entire time.”
“You’re right,” Sean laughs. “But I’ll work around her resistance. I understand how she ticks. Once she realizes how much I want our day to be perfect, she’ll be putty in my hands.”
“I won’t tell Jess you just said that.” I shake my head at him.
“I’d appreciate that,” he hoots. “Though it’s true, my grump is really all soft and warm on the inside.”
I find myself smiling at the love that is so obvious in Sean’s voice when he speaks about Jess. I can’t help but wonder if I sound that way when I talk about Penny. Jess and Sean’s story is similar to Penny and I.—they’ve known each other since they were kids. Jessica’s and my parents are very close.
Unlike Penny and I, they seemed to have a love-hate relationship for as long as I can remember. Turns out they were only dancing around how they really felt for each other. And those feelings didn’t come to the forefront until Sean became her dating coach. When I came home, Evie filled me in on all the details of Sean and Jess’s courtship. It was actually very sweet, and I’m happy for both of them.
“Bro?”
I cuss when I realize that Sean is still on the phone. “Sorry, I got distracted.”
“Everything okay? Do you want me to let you go?”
“No.” I shake my head forcefully enough to make Tex lift his. “What did you say?”
“I was asking how things are with Penny.” There is a bit of hesitation in his voice as he asks the question.
My body tenses and Tex pushes his snout under my hand, and I immediately relax. My first instinct is to wave off the question and act like everything’s fine. But it’s not fine, and I can’t keep this to myself. There’s no reason I can’t confide in Sean with the truth. He’s my brother.
“Not good,” I say, and run my hand through my hair.
“What Evie said the other day about Penny making you happy, is it true?
I pause before I answer. “Yes. She’s always had a way about her that just makes me feel at ease.”
“And you’re still in love with her?”
I laugh. “I never stopped.”
“Does she know how you feel?”
“I don’t know,” I say as if the concept that Penny doesn’t know how I feel just dawned on me. “When I first saw her I was too busy pushing her away. I felt so broken and unworthy of anything good. But now–”
“Liam,” Sean says gently. “Don’t make the same mistake I did. Tell her you love her before it’s too late.”
“I want to, but I’m waiting until I’m sure of the man I am. Sessions with the therapist you referred have been really good. I feel different.”
“But why do you have to wait?” Sean asks. “Why not tell her now?”
“Because I still have doubts.” I’m astounded by the honesty in my words. My therapist is the only person I’ve shared these feelings with so openly until now. “I question whether this new version of me will be able to be a good husband and father when the time comes. It’s a lot of pressure.”
“You see, that’s where you’re wrong.” Sean’s tone is gentle, yet firm. “You’re asking the questions that so many people don’t ask; you’re ahead of the game. Not only that, but you’re putting in the work, too. I hope you give yourself credit for being brave enough to tackle your fears. Penny would be lucky to have a man like you.”
I feel the corners of my mouth raise, as my heart lifts. “You really think so?”
“Yes, Liam,” Sean says firmly. “You’re a good man. And I’m not just saying that because you’re my brother. But because you are my brother, I know this fact better than most. If you love her, and she loves you, don’t wait.”
“Said like a true matchmaker and a true romantic.”
“I’ve played many roles of the lead character being in love, but there is nothing like actually being in love. I want you and Evie to experience it, too.”
“On the topic of Evie and love…” I straighten and sit up a bit. I hear Tex grunt in protest. “Is something going on between Jamie and her?”
“Why do you ask?” Sean questions.
