Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23292 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23292 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
“Is that so?” Leo’s eyes are locked on Flynn.
“Hey, I’m the one talking about this. It’s my life.” My brother lets out a long breath, but his attention swings back to me.
“I told you that I wouldn’t force anyone on you. That you could pick from the list.”
I roll my eyes. “What if who I want isn’t on your list?” I fire back.
“That’s how things are done,” my mom cuts in, wanting to take control of the conversation.
“Leo picked who he wanted to marry,” I point out.
“Ella is of the proper standing, and I approve of her.” My mom slams her now empty cup down on the bar, making the bottles rattle.
“And if I hadn’t been?” Ella stands in the doorway, not walking in, but Leo goes right to her.
“I don’t care where you come from,” Leo says before taking her hand and bringing her in with us. He’s making it clear she’s always allowed in here and that he wants her by his side.
I bite the inside of my cheek, not wanting to cry. My mom adores Ella. I love my mom, but she’s made it abundantly clear she doesn’t care for many of the decisions I’ve made in my life. Leo is always peppered with praise while I’m criticized for the smallest action.
When she dreamed of a little girl, it wasn’t me. I’m not the first to jump at a shopping trip with her, nor have I enjoyed throwing parties. I know they’re for good causes, but it’s not for any that I would choose. When do I get to pick what I want that’s not from a curated list?
I’ve done my best to avoid her events because I know that when I attend, it comes with whispers about me getting married. The pressure is too much, and I got so sick of it.
“It’s not only who I marry, but this has controlled my life. You all think I don’t want to leave the house because I’m broken. You think ‘Poor Zelly wants to hide away because of what happened to her.’ No.” I shake my head. “I do it because I knew if I went out there, I would be married off faster.”
“It’s no fun being locked away in your own home.” Ella gives me a soft smile filled with understanding.
“Come here, love.” Leo holds his wife close and kisses the top of her head. I notice Ella won’t look my mom’s way, and the room grows quiet.
“I avoid my family too because I know getting married is the only thing they will want to talk to me about.” I swipe away a tear, and Flynn holds me tighter. “I avoid you because whatever I choose isn’t what you want. You make me feel guilty for doing what I want with my time.” More tears slip free.
“You got this,” Flynn whispers into my ear.
“Zelly,” Leo says quietly. “I apologize if what I’ve done has caused you this pain. I would never want you to be a prisoner in your own home. I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you.”
“As for marriage, I’m not sure I’m seeing the problem. It seems you’ve picked someone that is more than qualified. Honestly, I kept waiting to see when one of you was going to say something. I started to think I’d been making shit up in my head.”
“What?” I gasp.
“I didn’t think I was all that subtle,” Flynn responds.
“I knew when we were younger, but these last few years—”
“That was my own fuck-up. I was giving her time, and I shouldn't have.” Flynn runs his hand up and down my back.
“No,” Mom says firmly, finding her voice. “You have no idea who the Evermores truly are.”
“No.” I jump up from my seat. “It’s you who doesn’t know who Flynn Evermore is.” I hold my hand out to Flynn. He takes it, locking our fingers together. “I love him, and I’m going to be an Evermore, so start getting used to it or I’ll do as you wish and this Evermore will never grace your presence again.”
“Zelly.” My brother gets up, but I’m already heading for the door. The shocked expression on my mom’s face doesn’t change, and it's one I have never seen before. “Zelly.” Leo catches up to us at the door. “I’m sorry, sister. I love you.” He hugs me and gives me a kiss on the cheek. “You’ve always been my brother, Flynn. Take care of her because clearly I’ve been fucking it up.”
“I will,” he vows.
I have no doubt Flynn will be the one to make sure all my dreams come true.
Chapter Sixteen
FLYNN
“With this ring, I thee wed.” I slide the gold band onto Zelly’s finger, and she looks up at me with unshed tears.
“With this ring, I thee wed,” Zelly repeats, and I watch as she places a matching gold ring on my finger.