14. Ethan

Chapter 14

Ethan

I'm pacing the room while Miles watches me from the chaise his sister always sits in. "Can you stop looking at me?"

"Why are you so nervous? If you genuinely love my sister and she truly loves you then it should all work out."

"Do you believe it's that easy?" I ask, interested in his answer. I don't think he's pulling my leg. Can it be that easy?

"I don't think it's easy, but I think it's worth figuring out if you love her." He stands up and walks toward me. I'm tall and in good shape, but Miles has several inches and a good twenty pounds of muscle on me. "And let's get this clear, you told my sister you love her, and I could see with my own damn eyes that she's in love with you. You better be willing to do whatever you can to make her happy."

I can hear the threat in his voice and see it in the tightening of his fists. He doesn't need to worry though. I want to do whatever is necessary to make her happy. Before I can reassure him, I hear her.

"Ethan, can we talk?"

Her tears have dried, but I can still see where they've left a trail on her face. I hate that she's hurting, and I want to fix it so badly.

"Certainly, angel."

She looks at both of her brothers. Hunter looks at her and nods. "Miles and I are going to check into your hotel. We'll be there if you need us."

"Thank you," she says while hugging them both as they leave. They make their way off the boat and we can hear Hunter telling Miles that Clara said he's her favorite. They start arguing and the smile on Clara's face is the first one I've seen in what feels like forever. At first, I was mad that her brothers had appeared, but now I think they may have been just who we needed to help us see the truth.

"Clara, I love you." I want her to know that first. That's the most important thing.

"I love you, too." She sits on the couch and I slowly sit down beside her, not knowing if she wants me close or not. Clara grabs my hand and tension flows from my body. All hope isn't lost if she wants to hold my hand while we talk.

"I don't want to lose you. I want to do whatever I can to make you happy, Clara. If that means not traveling and living in Star Mountain, then that's what I'll do."

"No."

"No?"

"I don't want you to settle for a life you don't want. You've talked about the adventures you want to go on, the places you want to see, and I will not be the one to get in the way of that happening."

My heart hurts in my chest. I thought her coming back meant she had changed her mind and that she wanted to be with me. "I don't get it. You say that you love me, but you don't want me to be happy? Because, angel, I won't be happy if I'm not with you. I won't be living if I'm not with you. I could go on all the adventures and see every place a man could dream of, and it wouldn't mean a fucking thing without you by my side." Tears have gathered in my eyes. Why can't she see how much I need her?

"Oh, Ethan, I know. That's why I want to go on them with you."

"You what?"

"I want to go on every adventure and see every place a woman could dream of by your side. I'm not sure what that looks like exactly, or what that means for our future, but it does sound exciting. If I'm with you, I know it will all be okay."

"What about your family and the company?"

"Did I tell you my brother is a veterinarian? Hunter, that is. When we were talking, he pointed out some very big flaws in my life plan and some very misguided thoughts I've harbored for too long. I don't think my family will care what I do, or even where I am, as long as I'm happy."

At this, she crawls into my lap and wraps her arms around my neck. "Do you think you could take on another crew member on this tiny boat?"

I lean my head against hers, our foreheads touching, "I think I have a position open for the love of my life."

"Well, good, because that's the one I want."

Her lips come against mine and I pour all the love and relief I feel into the kiss. What a lucky bastard I am that I get to call this woman mine.