Page 16 of Forever Only Once
Chapter 4
Cross
“You wantme to put it where?” I asked and laughed as my sister raised a single brow, her mouth pursed, though I knew she held back a laugh.
“You honestly don’t want me to answer that question, do you? Because if I do in the same fashion that any of our brothers would, well…I think it would be kind of a painful experience.”
I shook my head, grumbling, though my lips twitched. “As lovely as that particular image is, this box isn’t getting any lighter, darling.”
“And I said I could handle it,” she said, frowning.
“I’m sure you can. But you’re just now able to not have to use the cane all the time. So, why don’t you just let me be a little overprotective?”
“You can put the box in Liam’s office,” she said finally, sadness touching her expression for just a moment before she let it slip away.
I held back a curse, hating that I had been the one to put that look on her face, then went to her husband’s office to set down the box of books.
I turned towards Arden, who stood in the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest.
“I’m sorry I hurt you with what I said.”
Her brows rose, and she shook her head. “No, you didn’t hurt me, not even a little. I’m just in a funk because Liam isn’t here, and I’m not with him.”
I opened my arms, and she settled against my chest, wrapping her arms around my waist. I rested my head on top of hers, sighing a bit as she sank into me. I didn’t get these moments often these days. She wasn’t my little sister anymore. She was now married—a Montgomery. And in this state where there were so many damn Montgomerys, that was a big deal.
She was not only happy, she was also married to a former world-famous model turned bestselling author. It had hurt me just a little to watch her walk down the aisle with our dad, watch him give her away. I had been happy as hell to see her marry Liam and become part of his family, but part of me had wanted to steal her and run away to make sure she was safe.
She was still my baby sister, and always would be. But now, if she got hurt, she went to Liam. She didn’t come to me or our brothers or our parents anymore. It was weird how everything had changed, yet some things remained the same. I had no idea how I had gotten so melancholic recently.
I kissed the top of her head and squeezed her slightly, then laughed as Jasper stuck his nose between us, wanting pets. I moved away from Arden and went down to my knees, running my hands over the white Siberian Husky. Jasper lapped at my nose, and I laughed. “I do love you, boy.”
“He has been in a very playful mood. I do believe he’s excited because he doesn’t have to take a B-A-T-H.”
My brows rose. “Why exactly doesn’t he have to take...that?” I asked, knowing that Jasper was notorious for hating baths, and Arden hated giving them.
“He had one before Liam left, and it was a couple of days early. I feel like he knows when it’s his usual time. He gets all stressed.”
I shook my head. “Considering that you have to spell the word, he probably does. This dog’s smarter than most members of our family.”
Arden rolled her eyes. “You’re talking about the brothers, aren’t you? Because I’m pretty sure that Prior and Macon could totally kick your ass.”
“Not Nate?” I asked.
“Nate is my twin, and while I love him, he would probably trip on his way to hurting you.”
“You may be right in that. But, still, that’s kind of cruel.”
“I’m only telling you what I told him to his face yesterday.” She grinned.
I laughed, then reached out to hug my sister again before following her into the kitchen. “Speaking of, when are they heading over here for dinner?”
“How did you know I invited all of them here for dinner?”
“I didn’t know for sure, but I did mention that I was coming over here to help you with a few things because Liam was out of town. So, I figured they would invite themselves over.”
“You’re right. In fact, Macon already dropped off a few groceries for us. That way, I don’t have to go out and get extra potatoes.”
I scowled. “Why didn’t you tell me? I would have gotten you groceries.”