19. Vance
CHAPTER 19
Vance
I stand in front of the door to Jace's apartment, my hand hovering over the doorknob. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. Jace is my best friend, my brother from another mother, and confronting him like this is bold. But I need him to understand. I need him to see how much I love his sister. That this isn't some impulsive decision.
I turn the knob and push the door open. Jace is sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone, but looks up when he hears me enter. His eyes narrow as he takes in my presence, clearly still upset with me for keeping my relationship with his sister a secret.
“We need to talk,” I say, taking a seat across from him.
“I don't think there's anything left to say.”
“No, there is. I need you to understand. I love your sister. I always have. And I know I should have told you sooner, but I needed to make sure it was going to work. I didn't want to hurt her or you.”
Jace's expression softens, but he still looks guarded. “How long have you loved her?”
“Honestly, I think I’ve always had a thing for her. I just never have the courage to make it into anything.”
Jace's eyes widen. “Why didn't you ever mention it? All these years - what the fuck, man?”
I try to find the right words for him to fully understand. “She has always been the one I have been waiting for. Think about it. I’ve had, what, maybe three girlfriends my entire life. Always kept to myself. I was just waiting around for my chance with Blair. And I want to spend the rest of my life showing her how much she means to me.”
Jace didn't say anything. Then, to my relief, he breaks into a small smile. “You're an idiot,” he says, but there's no venom in his voice.
Relief floods through me. I let out a shaky laugh. “I know, but I'm an idiot who loves your sister.”
He stands up, crossing the room. I tense, unsure of what to expect. But he pulls me into a tight hug. “You better treat her right.”
“I will. Actually that’s why I’m here.”
We break apart, and Jace claps me on the back. The tension in the room dissipates.
“So, when are you going to propose?” he asks, grinning.
My heart skips. Blair's face flashes through my mind - her bright eyes, her soft smile. The way she looks at me like I'm her whole world. The ring that has been in my duffel or pocket since coming back. Just waiting for his blessing.
“Soon,” I say. “Very soon.”
“Wait, are you serious? I was joking.” Jace runs his fingers through his hair. “I didn’t realize it was that serious already.”
“I bought a ring before I deployed. I’ve known for years, and now I can’t imagine waiting any longer to make her my wife.”
Blair’s father gave his approval that night after dinner with only one condition. I have to get Jace’s too. Now that I have both, I’m not wasting another minute. “Call you later.”
I leave Jace's apartment, my phone buzzes. It's a text from Blair.
How did it go?
I smile, typing back: Perfect. I'm coming over now .