Page 64 of Every Time We Touch

“Clancy’s in a bit of a situation with Mimi’s family,” Skye says.

“Inquiring minds are dying to find out,” Kate says. “But full disclosure, I know Mimi well, so don’t ask me to take sides.”

I give Kate the broad strokes of what has happened over the past couple of weeks.

“Oh,” she says. “You’re the hot young thing Eric was dating. I heard about that, but all of this is news to me.”

“I told Clancy you have experience with love triangles within the family,” Skye says.

“That, I very much do.” Kate waggles her eyebrows. She doesn’t look traumatized by any of it. She looks the opposite. Happy, radiant, and very much okay with the dubious choice she made. “But my ex-husband’s sister is pregnant with our second child, so… I guess I’m living proof that there are happy endings, even when you think it’s downright impossible.”

“Stella’s pregnant?” A smile blooms on my face. “Congratulations.”

Kate beams. “Thank you.”

“Stella’s family is okay with… um, all this?” I ask.

“They are now,” Kate says. “Kevin has a family of his own now, but a lot of time had to pass before we could all be in the same room again.”

“As you would expect,” Skye says.

“It was horrible to put them through that,” Kate says, “but yeah. For us, in the end, it was worth it.” She looks me in the eye. “If only we could choose who we fall for, but love’s not always that easy. And maybe it’s hard for a reason. Stella and I had to fight for each other from the very beginning, and maybe that’s what made us understand we didn’t have another choice. Not fighting for each other wasn’t an option.” She smiles softly. “I can’t imagine my life without her. She gives me everything I’ve ever wanted.”

“If you put it like that,” Skye says.

“The only question you have to ask yourself is this,” Kate continues. “A few years down the line, will you regret not fighting for her?” Her gaze on me is piercing. “And while none of us can predict the future, with Stella, I just knew.” A smile twitches on Kate’s lips. “That’s what it feels like when you choose each other. Unequivocally right despite the consequences. That’s how you know.”

“Damn, Kate,” Skye says. “If I’d known you’d prepared a speech, I would have asked for something stronger than coffee.”

“I didn’t prepare anything,” Kate says. “It’s just how I feel about things, with the benefit of hindsight.” She leans over the table, toward me. “You don’t have hindsight yet, but you do know how you feel inside.”

That I very much do. “It’s just a lot easier for me than it is for Jen,” I say. “I’m not risking anything, while she’s risking everything.”

Kate nods. “True, the situation is different, but I know the St Jameses. They’re a tight bunch and they’re good people. And Mimi’s their mother.” She slants her head. “Does Mimi know?”

I nod. “She was very sweet to Jen about it.”

“Talk to Mimi. She’s your way in and, possibly, also through all this.”

“Thank you.” My earlier fear hasn’t been quashed, but Kate’s words do give me hope. Although, in the end, I’m still not the one making the choice.

“I hate to break up this lovely bonding moment over inappropriate affairs,” Skye says. “But we need to get going.”

I see Kate and Skye out and they both hug me tightly.

“In the end,” Kate whispers in my ear while she hugs me, “it’s just love.”

Chapter 35

Jen

“You’re not evil for falling in love,” Marcy says. “I hope you know that.”

“I wish I could take you with me.” I’m seeing my siblings later and I could use someone like Marcy by my side—physically imposing and eager to defend me. Although everyone in my family knows Marcy’s a sweetheart.

“Been there, done that,” Marcy says. “But if it’s more permission you need, I’m also giving you that.” She rests her gaze on me. “You have permission to fight for Clancy. For your right to be with her.”

I huff out some air, because I’m not so sure about my rights. “Has Nora said anything about this?”