Page 52 of Kiss Me Forever

“What, say something.”

“I want to punch Duke’s family, but I feel like that would be wrong,” Riley said.

“They were always rude to us, and now I can hate them. I can hate what happened to them, but I can also hate them.” Addy nodded tightly. “And as for Reece? Oh my God. He’s so hot.”

“Shush,” I snapped quietly. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I don’t know what we’re doing. And this is the worst place to talk about this.”

“Yes, it is. And so we’ll have girls’ night tomorrow. And we’ll spill about everything.”

“Like how about the fact that I’m surprised you’re even here because you’re usually attached by your mouth to Patrick?” Addy said dryly.

Riley blushed. “I can’t help it. My boyfriend’s adorable. And I love him.”

I sighed happily.

“I love you for loving Patrick too. However, we should probably get back before they start questioning things.”

“Oh, little sister, we’re questioning things,” Nate said as he leaned against the doorway.

“Stop. Don’t say anything,” I said to him, pointing at my brother.

“Oh, I won’t. Although, I like Reece. And I like his little girl. She has spunk, and is fantastic at drawing. She’s been working with Oliver.”

My heart squeezed and I moved forward.

“Really? I didn’t want to ask and be weird about it.”

“Bella has so much talent. Once camp’s over, you should talk to Reece and make sure she takes lessons with us. It’s not something we normally offer, but since she’s Reece’s, and yours in a way, we’re there.”

“Nate—” I shook my head, my throat tightening. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. He might have to fight for custody, and I’d just be in the way.”

My brother moved forward and pinched my chin, forcing me to look up.

“You’re never in the way. You were never in the way with Duke and his dumb-ass family. And you’re not in the way with Reece. I know he has a lot going on, and I’m going to give him some grace for that. But if he fucking hurts you, I’ll break him.”

“Nate.”

“No. I get to be the big brother here. Just like I’m the big brother for you two,” he said to Addy and Riley.

My cousins snorted in unison.

“We have a younger brother that tries to act like the big brother.”

“Hey, our fathers are twins, the genetics are twisted enough that I’m going to be the growly big brother for all of you. Don’t disappoint me.”

“And how is it our fault?” Addy asked, brow raised.

“It’s not. It’s always going to be the man in your life’s fault. Or the significant other in your life, depending on who you’re dating. However, just be careful. I love you, little sister. And I like Reece. And I like the fact that he’s stepping up and proving to be a really fucking good dad. This is messy, little sister.”

I sucked in a deep breath, as Riley moved forward, and wiped a tear from my cheek.

“It’s okay to be messy. Okay to make mistakes.”

“Okay, frazzled Ms. Frizzle,” I said with a laugh.

“It’s true you know. Now, let’s go eat some cheese and celebrate a new Montgomery. And don’t worry. I really like Reece.”

“So do I. I think that’s the problem.”