Arlo took a step toward his sister, obviously confused. “But I…don’t understand. I thought you liked being here? I thought you were…happy?”

“Arlo…” She said his name softly, her voice ringing with empathy. “I do like being here. I am happy. But…” She slid Tucker a glance. It was only brief, but he knew with sudden clarity what had happened between them tonight—her proposal—was the catalyst for this announcement. “I’ve been here for three years. It’s time you had your space back.”

“No.” He shook his head. “Don’t make this about me. I told you when I brought you to Credence that you had a home with me forever, and I meant it.”

Della crossed to her brother, which brought her closer to Tucker. Even in the dark, he could see the quiet appeal in her eyes as she smiled at Arlo. “And I’m so grateful to you, but things change.”

“I haven’t changed, nor has my commitment to you.”

She gave a little laugh. “No, you haven’t. But I have. I’ve loved living here with you, and I can’t thank you enough for the sense of security and family you’ve given me, but…sisters grow up and leave home.” She reached out and gave his arm a brief gentle squeeze. “It’s the next step for me.”

Tucker admired Della’s patience. He’d seen Drew argue with his sisters over the years, and they were way more in his face.

“Okay.” He nodded slowly. “I hear what you’re saying, but…maybe you need to think about it for a while first? Maybe talk with Selena about it?”

Tucker suppressed a smile. I hear what you’re saying? It sounded like Arlo wasn’t just urging Della to talk to her shrink but channeling her as well.

“I will talk with Selena about it, but we’ve already discussed me moving out one day. She’ll be in favor of it.”

Arlo grimaced slightly at that piece of news. “Well…what if…” He spoke tentatively, like an idea was forming in his head and he was giving it time to fully develop. “You moved in with some friends? Or…the boarding house? There’s still a few women from the summer influx living there.”

Della quirked an eyebrow. “You know Winona’s still there, right? Her house won’t be ready for another month or so.”

“Yeah.” He frowned. “Maybe don’t hang out with her too much.”

She laughed but sobered quickly, shooting a quick look at Tucker before returning her attention to her brother. “I want my own place.”

Tucker shifted uneasily. She’d made it perfectly clear that she wanted him, and she obviously wanted the space and the privacy to explore those desires. But he didn’t want to be the reason Della rushed into something without thinking it through properly first.