Page 84 of Halo

“It … will … fit,” he grunts.

"Matty-bear, it's not going to fit."

“Yes … it … will.”

“No, it won't.”

He stops and glares at Rachel, sweat dripping down his brow. “Honey, when I say it's going to fit, I'd appreciate it—”

The stroller bounces right back out, crashing to the pavement. A brief, awkward silence hangs in the air as we stare at the fallen stroller, a single wheel casually spinning in mockery.

Rachel huffs. “Imagine that. Your wife was right.” She lifts her chin in triumph and waddles back inside.

Matt watches her disappear into the house, his jaw working as he quietly concedes defeat.

I pat him on the back. “I appreciated your optimism and gusto.”

“Yeah, well, not everyone does,” he murmurs, finally bending over to pick up the stroller.

“Hey … you okay?”

“Yeah.” He hoists the stroller in his arms. “I'm fan-freaking-tastic.” He paces back into the house, his steps heavy.

I sigh following behind.

Being six years apart meant Matt and I never grew into the kind of siblings who shared every secret. We love each other, but I'd always be his little sister before I'd ever be his confidante.

Ten minutes later, we've tucked the remaining gifts into one of the spare bedrooms to be picked up next week and finally call it an evening. We say goodbye to my mother before the three of us step out into the surprisingly cool November air.

We mosey down the driveway to our parked vehicles when Matt turns to me. “So, Lee, I've been meaning to chat with you about something.”

I chuckle. “That doesn't sound ominous at all.”

He tucks his hands in his pockets, looking every bit like our father despite having our mother's features. “Do you hang out with that Nick Crawford guy?”

I smirk. "We've been at the same place at the same time a few times. That's about it. Why?”

“Leah …” His easy smile fades. "Just be careful, okay?"

"Careful of what?"

He shifts his weight, choosing his words. "Guys like him know what they're doing. He's successful, good-looking, charming. Men like that don't usually spend time with women unless they want something out of it.”

I snort. “You can't be serious right now. You make it sound like he hunts women for sport."

“I’m serious, Lee. He’s a bit of a douche.” He meets my eyes. "Men like that have certain—” he lowers his voice—“expectations."

Rachel leans in closely. “Like sexual expectations … the depraved kind God did not create. You know that.”

I bristle at the condescension as a wave of irritation grows in my blood “Where are you even hearing this?” I ask, but somehow, I already know. “Did Declan tell you?”

They look at each other before Rachel nods to Matt. “He was concerned about you,” he starts. “You're just too trusting and innocent. He'll take advantage of someone like you.”

Someone like you.

I blink, the shock of my brother's words landing like a slap across the face. Not only are they making such heinous accusations about Nick, but they're talking about me behind my back with my ex-husband.

Rachel reaches for my hand. “We just love you and want the best for you.”