Sisters by Choice (Blackberry Island #4)(122)

“I think we’re all clear on that.”

“But what if I want Dugan and I can’t have him?”

“That’s not what he’s saying. Of course you can have him. He’s telling you exactly how to make that happen.”

“Sure, love. And then what?”

“He doesn’t want to marry you.”

Sophie shook her head. “You’re just saying that to make me feel better. You can’t know that. What if I tell him I love him and then he proposes?”

“He won’t. He knows you. Have you ever discussed having kids?”

“I told him I didn’t want to.”

“And what did he say?”

“That he was fine with it.”

Kristine smiled. “But you can’t believe him?”

“Men are known liars.”

“Now you’re just looking for trouble. What are you so scared of?”

As soon as she asked the question, Kristine wanted to call it back. She knew exactly what terrified Sophie—it had since her mother was unexpectedly killed and her whole world came crashing down on her. People who loved you broke your heart. Kristine knew she was one of a very few exceptions to the rule.

“Sorry,” she said quickly. “Let me rephrase that. Dugan’s not going to take your money or lie to you or walk away. I won’t say he isn’t going to hurt you because he probably will. That’s what happens in a relationship. No one is perfect so every now and then someone gets hurt. But you know what? You learn from your mistakes and you keep moving forward and it gets better.”

Sophie didn’t look convinced. “I don’t want to love him.”

“Really?”

“I’m afraid to love him.”

“That I know to be true.”

“Did I mention I’m not like you?”

“Yes.”

“I can’t do normal.”

“No one wants you to.” She paused. “Bear probably does, but I’m guessing he’s given up on it by now. Sophie, Dugan’s a great guy. You’d be a fool not to take a chance on him and while I know you have many flaws, being foolish isn’t one of them.”

“I’m so scared he’ll propose.”

“What if he doesn’t? What if he just wants to love you for you?”

“Unlikely.”

“That is such an Amber thing to say.”

Sophie winced. “Now you’re just being mean.”

“I’m telling it like it is. This October, when the kids are in school, let’s fly down to LA and spend the weekend with Heather. You can buy the airline tickets but we’ll split the hotel.”

“I’d like that. I’ll pay for the hotel, too, but we’ll split the meals.” Sophie raised a shoulder. “I’m actually very well-off.”

Kristine smiled. “Are you?”

“Yes, and in a couple of years, you’re going to be well-off, too.” Her smile turned mischievous. “By the time that happens, Amber’s going to need a new car. Good luck with that.”

Kristine grinned. “Unlike you, I have the backbone to tell her no.”

“Oh, please. You’ll cave in two seconds. She’ll start in on how her hips hurt and how sad her life is and you’re realize it is sad and then you’ll feel guilty and before you know it, you’ll be at the car lot discussing which one she likes better.”

“I hate it when you’re right.”

“Then you hate it a lot.”

Kristine laughed. “I love you, Sophie Lane.”

Sophie hugged her. “I love you more. Thank you for being my family.”

“Always. Now about that engagement party.”

“Bitch!”

Kristine laughed.

  Sunday morning Sophie got up early. Not that she’d slept the night before. How could she? There was too much on her mind.

Dugan was so annoying, she thought resentfully as she took care of Lily and Mrs. Bennet. Both girls were heading into the vet on Monday. With the kittens all gone, Sophie wanted to get them spayed so they could get on with their happy lives.

As she drank her coffee, she thought that she was going to have to do something about her living arrangements. She didn’t want to stay in her rental forever. There was plenty of room, but she wanted something permanent. Plus, she wanted to build an outdoor “cat room” for the girls. Something with plants and perches where they could enjoy sunny days while safely contained.

There was that side yard at Dugan’s, she thought idly. It would be—

“No,” she said out loud. “No rearranging the man’s furniture.” She reminded herself she hated when women did that. It was his house. They weren’t even sleeping together. If she wanted a different place, she would find one for herself and buy it like a normal person. She did not need a man to make her complete or provide housing. What was next? His and hers towels? She shuddered at the thought.

But now that she’d thought of Dugan, she couldn’t unthink of him, which she didn’t like. She showered and paced through the house, watching the clock. The grand opening was at eleven and she wanted to be there for that. It was barely eight, which left her plenty of time. She could head into the office for a couple of hours of work or she could settle the damn problem once and for all.