Page 154 of Golden Ruin

“Congratulations.” I slip across Sterling’s lap to get out of the booth, rushing toward Joss, hugging her around her neck. “Do you need anything? I can make calls to caterers down there, florists, a photographer, a DJ for the reception. Just name it. I’m here to help.”

She hugs me again when I offer, longer this time.

“This is why I love you,” she laughs, finally letting me go. “We’ve got it covered, though. Dane’s aunt got so excited when she found out, she said she’d take care of everything. And as far as music goes, she’s already got someone lined up, but the guys’ cousins promised to be in town to perform, too. So, everything’s set! No fuss, no drama.”

At first, I’m in perfect agreement with her. But then I process what she’s said, the part about the entertainment for the reception.

I blink once, then I’m staring at Scar again. With Shane coming home, and an inevitable collision with Linden when his band plays for the wedding, her life might get more complicated before it gets simpler.

But then I look around again, seeing all the love and happiness I’m surrounded with, and it restores my faith. Like the rest of us, whatever’s next for her… she’ll be fine.

Even if the road getting there is a little rocky.

Sterling’s at my side the next second, congratulating Dane and Joss, and my hand naturally slips into his. As we stand here, in a space filled with laughter, love, family… I think Ricky was absolutely right.

Everyone’s exactly where they’re supposed to be.

***

The sound of Sterling’s duffle bag zipping closed makes my heart sink. Yeah, he’ll only be gone a month, but that honestly sounds like forever when I think about it.

Jax plops down in the middle of the bed after jumping around, the orange glow of early-morning sunlight brightening one side of his face. Smiling, Sterling steals back the baseball cap the kid grabbed, placing it backwards on his own head as he pats his pocket for his keys. He’s ready to go.

And I hate it.

Holding back tears—because why the fuck do I want to cry when it’ll only be four weeks—I force a smile.

“I think that’s everything,” I say softly.

Sterling looks around, nodding when he’s done with whatever mental checklist he just ran through. “Yeah, I think so.”

One rogue tear slips down my cheek, and I feel it, but I’m too late when I wipe it away.

“I’ll miss you too,” he says, bringing me into his arms. “But you already know I’ll be calling every other hour, bugging the hell out of you.”

I laugh and shove his shoulder, but don’t push him away. I need this too much. Need him too much.

“You’ve got work, and Jax, and a whole lot of other shit to keep you busy. You’ll hardly even notice I’m gone.”

That’s a lie, and we both know it. Not having him here will sting like hell every minute of every day.

“Blue’s about to pop. She’d appreciate the company if you want to hang with her a few days.”

“She doesn’t need me,” I whine. “Scar moved in a couple days ago to help out while West is gone.”

Sterling rubs my back, and I smile. I’m disgustingly okay with being babied like this, okay knowing he’s smiling too as he indulges my ridiculousness.

“I’m sure you’ll think of something.”

I take a breath. “Well, there is one thing,” I remember. “I’m actually… meeting Amelia for lunch tomorrow.”

Now, he pulls away, holding my arms as he stares. “Lex, that’s huge.”

I nod because he’s right. It is.

For months, I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to even look at my sister again. Now, in a little over twenty-four hours, we’ll finally sit down and talk through some of what’s kept us apart. Not only since the fire, but since forever.

“I’m scared,” I admit with a small laugh. “I actually thought about cancelling until you’ve made it back home, just in case I need to cry in your lap afterward.”