The phone went dead in her ear, and Della blinked at it, her heart pounding, her blood whooshing as fast and frantic as river rapids through all her pulse points. One way or another, the question of her and Tucker would be sorted today.

She wondered absently if she should change. Have a quick shower, put on some makeup, and slip into something more comfortable. But realistically, she didn’t have the time, and all she was really capable of was sitting on the couch, petting Betty, and praying.

Betty barked the second she heard the low rumble of his pickup pulling into the curb, and by the time Della had crossed to the door, Tucker was on the other side. Her heart leaped at the sight of him when she pulled it open. He was standing there in his usual jeans and T-shirt, his hair a little messy, like he might have been shoving his fingers through it—a lot.

It felt like she hadn’t laid eyes on him for a whole year as every cell in her body went into paroxysms of joy. Betty barked and leaped up on his legs, vying for his attention, and Della couldn’t blame her one little bit.

“You told Arlo,” she said on a half whisper, ignoring Betty’s yips, her hand still around the doorknob.

He nodded, leaning into the doorframe, shoving his hands in his pockets as if he knew there were things to talk about before he could touch her. “I did.”

“What did you say?”

“I said, I’m in love with your sister.”

Della grinned even though she knew she shouldn’t. There was more than this to overcome, but just hearing those words kicked her pulse up a notch. “You’re still here and remarkably unscathed, so I’m assuming it went better than you thought.”

He gave a half laugh. “Yeah. But it wouldn’t have mattered if it hadn’t. It needed to be said. You’re not my dirty little secret, Della. And I’m sorry if I ever made you feel that way. Sorry for everything. For pushing you away, for acting like I knew better. I only ever wanted the best for you. I just…never thought it could be me.”

“You were an idiot of the first order.”

He nodded gravely. “Yes.”

“So was I. I know you didn’t think I was your dirty secret. I was just…angry. And I’m sorry that I was a brat who constantly pushed you and pushed you. You were stuck between a rock and a hard place, and I didn’t appreciate that enough.”

“You weren’t a brat. And I’m pleased you pushed me.”

He held his hand up palm down between them. It trembled slightly. “God…look at me. I’m shaking.”