Chapter 47

“Allan,” she whispered, touching my arm. “What are you two doing with your lives?”

I took her hand in mine. “I’m not leaving him. I’d rather die.”

“This is my family, Allan. Did you ever think about that? You’re my brother. He’s my husband’s brother!” She clutched the chair, her face growing pale.

“Elsie.” I held her arm, afraid for her. “It’ll be okay, I swear to you.”

“No, they’ll hate you.”

I hugged her. “I don’t care.”

“But I do,” she said, crying against my shoulder. “I care.”

* * * *

“She’s okay?” Dayton pointed at my sister, who was quietly seated by Ingrid, looking over pictures. We sat around in the living room. Davinder and his family had yet to show up.

After our secret talk, Elsie had had a little meltdown, but blamed it on hormones, lack of sleep, and the insanity of the holidays. “She’s fine.” I looked at my watch again. “Just nerves and hormones.” I felt like a jerk for saying that.