Chapter 9

When I got home, Ethan was, of course, still under “house arrest.”

I pushed the door open and walked in.

“Maddie? Sit down, come talk to me for a bit.” Ethan was unusually attentive.

Someone had prepped him, no doubt.

I gave a soundless, cold smile and sat down the way I used to, all obedience.

Ethan’s eyes reddened. Genuine tears rolled down.

“Maddie, I know you’ve been through so much these last few years. But I really can’t let her go. On one side is my sister, on the other is the woman I love — how am I supposed to cut either one off? Maddie, I’ve always been good to you. This once, this one time, could you look out for my happiness? Bear with it? I promise, we’ll move out the day we’re married. We won’t put ourselves in your face and drive you crazy. I’m begging you, Maddie. Talk to Mom and Dad. Let them accept us.”