Declan is standing in Everly’s doorway. His big frame rests against the wood and his arms are crossed over his chest.
“Hey,” I say as I step to him.
He lets his arms fall to his sides and he pushes to his full height. “Everything good?”
“Yeah. Thanks, man.”
He looks at Everly and smiles. “See you later, Little Sharpie.”
Ev doesn’t respond but her mouth pulls into a small smile at Declan, which quickly falls as I enter her room.
Her backpack sits on the bed and she’s stuffing clothes in it, packing like she’s leaving.
“I’m sorry.”
She sniffles and refuses to meet my gaze. “For secretly wishing I’d left months ago?”
“I don’t wish that.”
“But you did.” Her hazel eyes water with unshed tears when she finally looks me dead on.
I sit on the edge of her bed. “That’s not on you or anything you did. I was selfish. It isn’t an excuse, but I think I forgot what it was like to have people in my life that really cared about me. People that I could trust to show up and support me no matter what. I forgot what it was like to have family. I should have done a better job staying in touch when I left. I’m so sorry, Ev.”
With a sniffle she perches on the other side of the mattress. “Is Mom waiting for me outside?”
“No. She left for tonight, but she’ll be back in the morning.”
Her chin lifts and she nods slightly.
“You don’t have to go. I mean…” I run my hands through my hair. “I don’t want you to go.”
“You don’t?”
“Of course, I don’t.”
“I’m sorry that I told her about River. I didn’t know she was going to use it against you.”
“Don’t apologize. She’s your mom, Ev.”
“Yours too,” she tosses back.
I think it might be too late for me to repair any kind of relationship with her, but it isn’t for Everly.
“I admit that I didn’t roll out the welcome mat when you showed up, but I have loved having you here. I also know that it’s important for you to try to have a good relationship with Mom. Trust me, it does not get better by leaving home and ignoring her.”
“I miss her, I do, but I really like it here. I feel like myself for the first time maybe ever.” She fidgets with the comforter, tracing the design with a single fingertip. “But I also feel like I’m intruding on your life.”
“You’re not.”
“I overheard Jack saying you pulled your offer on the house. Is that because of the car and college tuition and all the other things you’ve been buying me? Because I don’t need any of that. You can have them back. I just want to stay.”
“I pulled the offer because for the first time in my life I am surrounded by people that feel like family. I want that for you, yes, but I want it for me too. I mean, honestly, how boring would life be without Ash’s terrible humming over breakfast every morning or Jack waltzing in and barking orders?”
She laughs, but then she goes quiet and her smile falls. “What will happen if I go against her and stay?”
“I don’t know,” I answer honestly. “But you’re eighteen, so take tonight and think about it, then talk to her in the morning before you make up your mind, okay?” I’m so damn sad at the thought of her leaving, but I will not make this about me. “You are always welcome here. No matter where I’m living. You can call me or just show up, whatever you need. Day or night. And don’t think I’m gonna stop checking in or worrying about you if you aren’t living here.”
“Okay.” I get the smallest of smiles.
I move closer to hug her. She launches herself at me, squeezing me tightly. “Thank you for everything, Ty.”
When she pulls back, so do I and clear my throat. “Whatever happens, I’m not going anywhere, okay?”
“Yeah,” she says, and inhales a deep breath.
I stand and wait for her.
“Go ahead. I’ll be down in a few minutes.”
Everyone is gathered in the kitchen. When I walk in, they go silent.
“Is she okay?” Jack asks.
“I think so.”
“Is she really leaving?” The question comes from Ash but they all wait, hanging on my answer.
“Maybe. I’m not sure, but let’s not make a big thing of it tonight. I think she’s had enough drama for today.”
“This is bullshit,” Jack says.
“Maybe, but what am I supposed to do? Who am I to decide what’s best for her? I’m just her brother.”
“You’ve been a lot more than that,” Declan says.
“She’s an adult. She can’t make her go.” Ash sets his beer on the counter with a clank.
I shrug and let out a long breath. My relationship with our mother isn’t the best, but I don’t want that for Everly, and getting in the middle of it isn’t going to help.
“There she is,” Ash says brightly as my sister comes into the room. The guys all transform from angry and brooding to cheery as they take turns hugging her.
“Let’s check your poker skills,” Declan says. They move to the game room, and Piper and I hang back.
“Are you okay?” She wraps her arms around me.
“I can’t believe how much I don’t want her to go,” I say as I breathe in the scent of her familiar shampoo. Piper being here is the only reason I haven’t completely lost my shit.
“Me either.”
I peer down at her. “Thank you for having my back. It means more than I can say.”
“Always.” She tugs me toward the group. “Come on. Let’s try to enjoy tonight.”
