Chapter 105

- LOUISA -

I've never seen my brother this agitated.

For as long as I can remember, he's been so serious. So intense. He always wants to be in control, and it kills him when he can't - especially when something he cares for is on the line - but it's not normally this bad. All morning he's been pacing around the house, clearly on edge. I'm on my way outside with Ramona when I catch him in front of a window, staring out into the rose garden with his hands clasped behind his back.

"Spying?" I call to him from the doorway.

He's so intent on the scene outside the window that I startle him - he jumps nearly a foot at the sound of my voice. He runs a hand through his hair as he turns around.

"I'm not spying," he says. "I just don't like that woman."

"I don't think you're ever supposed to like your in-laws," I say, repositioning Ramona on my hip and coming to stand beside my brother at the window.