13. Kane
The next few weeks passed, with Kane becoming more and more frustrated each day. Outwardly, everything looked perfect. The press was full of praise for the work they were doing with the hotel, business was booming since the new deal was announced with the overseas investors, his brothers were happy, and he thought maybe one or two of them had formed relationships of their own.
But Kane still didn’t get to have any time alone with Sarah. They were out every night together as a couple, and Kane saw her occasionally at the ranch as she rushed off to work, but that was it. He knew it was his own fault. The shelter had gained such great exposure, that Sarah and Olivia were there every day, helping as many people as they could. Kane had already spoken to his brothers about buying a large parcel of land and building a safe community for families to recover. He was so fucking proud of his brothers. They were all in, no hesitations, no matter what the cost. They all wanted to give back, as each one of them still remembered the atrocities of combat, and for them, keeping people safe was their sole goal.
As time went on, so did the wedding preparations. Sarah had suggested a fake date to the investor’s wives, hoping by that time they would have found another activity to do, but the date was looming and the preparations were nearly finished. Kane knew he needed to get Sarah alone, just to talk to her about how she felt about the wedding. This was not in the original plan at all, but whenever Kane saw her, she was happily going ahead with it all.
Does she want to marry me? Could she have the same feelings for me as I do for her?
Kane groaned as he saw Elsie and his brothers walk towards his house. He was expecting the lecture at some time, but today was not the day. His temper was already frayed with dealing with the tailor for his suit fitting for his wedding.
Now I’m delusional about the wedding!
“Not now,” he said as he took off his suit jacket and hung it over a chair.
“I think now is the perfect time,” Elsie said as she ushered the boys in. “Especially since you seem to be getting ready for your wedding and yet haven’t even dated the bride yet.”
“We go out every night,” Kane grumbled as they all sat at his table, ready for Elsie’s ass kicking of Kane.
“You go out and pretend to be a couple. And don’t back chat me,” Elsie scolded. “You might not be my flesh and blood, but you are still my family.” She looked at all the brothers. “You all are and you all should be ashamed. Letting it get this far.”
Elsie sat and took Kane’s hand. “Unless you have developed feelings for her Kane. Then that’s different. But it is also something you must talk to her about.”
“How the hell am I supposed to talk to her?” Kane protested. “We’re never alone. Thanks to all you lot as well.” He said as he gestured to his brothers.
“It’s plain as the nose on your face brother. You’ve fallen in love. You’re grumpy and picky and a pain in the ass to be around since you met her. For god’s sake do something about it before we have to take you down, as we can’t keep tiptoeing around you.” Alex said, banging his fist on the table. “I thought you would have sorted it out by now, because if you don’t do something soon, then you will lose her for good.”
“A grand gesture.” Luke muttered.
“What?” Alex said turning to him. “What the fuck is a grand gesture? Have you been reading those damn romance books again?”
“Alex. Mind your manners,” Elsie said as she reached over to tap his hand. “And Luke is right. You need to do something to show her you love her. Something big so she understands it is real, not just fake for you anymore.” Elsie softened. “She’s the right girl for you Kane. You soften around her and she complements you.”
“What? A wedding isn’t big enough?” Kane scoffed.
“Not when she thinks its fake,” Alex chimed in.
“So, I have a plan.” Elsie said. “But if it works will depend on if you can swallow your pride and tell her how you feel.”
“I can do that.” Kane said. “I’ll do anything to keep her in my life.”
“Right,” Elsie said as she started to lay out the plan for them.
Kane felt a closeness to his brothers and Elsie. One that was always there, he always knew they would have each other’s backs, but this is a new level for Kane. This was personal and he hoped one day to return the favor for each and every one of them.
***
It was so simple really, and Kane had Luke to thank for the idea.
Love letters.
Tell Sarah how he felt in letters, then show her in a million small ways. A simple touch, a gesture so Sarah knew he was serious about her. His brothers wanted to help him write the first one, but he only wanted his flavor in the letter. Only his soul and words to go into each one. They started small at first. A good morning beautiful note attached to a rose left on her doorstep. A simple, you looked stunning last night. You took my breath away note with some lavender after they had spent the night at yet another function. Taking her hand throughout the night and tucking it into him, bringing her closer as they talked to others at the dinner, running a hand over her hair, pretending to remove some lint from her dress, his hand close to her body as he softly brushed against her.
And then dropping Sarah at Luke’s door. A chaste kiss on the cheek, lingering over her, before opening the door for her to walk in. Kane knew from the intake of Sarah’s breath, to the heat in her eyes that she was as turned on as he was, but he was determined not to allow sex to cloud what he wanted. Oh, he wanted Sarah screaming under him, but only when she was truly his. His forever and not something fake.