Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 196(@200wpm)___ 157(@250wpm)___ 131(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 196(@200wpm)___ 157(@250wpm)___ 131(@300wpm)
"So…tell the world to fuck off," I mutter. "You aren't allowed to date anyway."
I dread the day my sister decides to date. Half the men in Chicago will be lined up at her door, just waiting for a chance. And, knowing her, she's going to give them hell. It's what she does. Sophie has never, not a single day in her life, been tame. She may dance like an angel, but her halo has horns.
"I do what I want," she retorts before peering through the window at Hattie, who is trying to look everywhere but at the two of us. "Is that my future sister?"
"Yeah, that's my girl."
Sophie blinks at me, her expression softening. "Wow. I never thought I'd see the day you used that tone." She slides her arm around my waist, hugging me. "Good for you, you big jerk."
I chuckle, shaking my head before I pop Hattie's door open to introduce them. "Hattie baby, this is my sister, Sophie. Soph, this is my girl, Hattie."
"Hi," Hattie whispers, smiling nervously. "I saw you dance the other night. You're basically my hero now."
"I thought I was your hero," I tease.
"Um, no. You're my second-favorite football player. Keep up, Cranky Bear," Hattie says, patting me on the chest.
Sophie's eyes light up, her smile growing. "Oh, I like you already. You're going to help me drive my brother nuts."
"Cool," Hattie whispers as I lift her from the truck before placing her on her feet. At least, I intend to place her on her feet. I'm not entirely sure they even touch the ground before my mom comes flying down the front steps like a goddamn ninja.
"Hi! You're here!" she cries, lifting Hattie off her feet in a hug.
"Ma," I groan when Hattie squeaks in shock. "You gotta let her breathe."
"Don't tell me how to live my life, Sidney Bronson Hawkes," Ma mutters, not even looking at me. She's too busy beaming at Hattie. "Oh, sweetheart. You're so beautiful! Just look at those gray eyes and all that hair. Oh!" My mom hugs her again. "I hope my grandbabies look just like you."
Hattie stares at me with wide eyes.
"I tried to warn you," I murmur to her. There is no containing my mother. She's loud, bright, and will absolutely kick my ass. She also loves with her whole heart. Hattie needs that. There isn't a single other person on this planet I trust to love her the way a mother should, other than my mom.
"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Hawkes," Hattie says sweetly. "Um, thanks for having a son like Sidney. He's the best thing that ever happened to me."
"Oh, sweet girl." Tears spring to Ma's eyes as she cups her cheeks. "Thank you for giving the big oaf a chance."
"Ma! Jesus!" I grumble. "I'm standing right here."
Soph throws her head back, cackling.
"Well, it's true, dear," she says, waving one hand dismissively. "Honestly, Sidney, I had two sons, and both of you are the biggest pains in my—"
"Ma!" I growl.
Hattie covers her mouth with her hand, trying to hide a smile, but there's no hiding the way her entire body shakes.
"Oh, so this is funny to you, huh, butterfly?" I ask, cocking a brow at her.
"Who me?" she asks, trying to play innocent. The act is spoiled by the way she giggles. And that sound? Fuck. I could die happy, hearing that sound.
"Yeah, you." I sweep her up into my arms, planting a hard kiss on her mouth. "You're lucky I love you, butterfly. Otherwise, we'd be having a talk about you siding with my ma."
"But…I like your mom," she says, her eyes bright and bottomless. "She gives the best hugs, Sidney."
Ma grins at me like she just won a war.
"Doesn't matter. You're supposed to be on my team."
"I don't see a ring on her finger, Sidney Bronson," Ma says. "You aren't the boss of her."
"Yeah, Sidney Bronson," Hattie says, smirking. "What she said. There's no ring on my finger, so you aren't the boss of me."
I grunt, taking a step back. She wants a ring on her finger? Done.
Ma gasps, her hands flying to her lips when I drop to my knees in the driveway at Hattie's feet, reaching into my pocket.
"W-what are you doing?" Hattie asks, her eyes wide.
"You want a ring on your finger, Hattie baby?" I ask, meeting her gaze as I pull hers out of my pocket. "Will this one suffice?"
"Sidney," she gasps.
"Holy shit," Soph mutters.
My mom just covers her mouth, sobbing quietly.
"Didn't plan on doing this here," I murmur, my voice a thick rasp. "I wanted to wait until we were in Aspen. But I've been carrying this around since the day after you asked me to date you." I swallow hard. "I've been dying to put it on your finger. Hearing you talk about it…I can't wait." I reach for her hand, mine shaking. "You're everything I've been dreaming about, and so many things I never would have thought to ask for. You complete me in ways I didn't know it was possible to be completed. I love you, butterfly. And I'm going to keep on loving you for the rest of my life. Marry me."