“Since when?” my brother challenges, disbelief furrowing his brow. I can’t blame him for being skeptical. For as close as they are, my brother’s never gotten to see this side of Lyle. He’s never known his friend to have any interest in a woman beyond physical or platonic. Lyle’s kept the best of himself hidden so well for so long, it’s going to be difficult for those closest to him to believe our feelings are real. To accept there’s this whole other side to him they’ve never known.

“For as long as I can remember.” Lyle’s fingers tighten around mine, sending my heart racing. Nervous excitement pricks my skin. I’ve waited what feels like an eternity for the day this man would finally claim me as his. For the time to come when we could love each other out loud. Just when I’d given up hope, here he is.

“We don’t have time for this kind of drama,” Dane growls. “Why are you all so calm? This is a complete nightmare.”

“Only if you make it one,” Darci challenges, with a glare that dares him not to fall in line. “Just roll with the punches, big bro.”

He balls his hands at his sides and growls. “If Dad wasn’t sick—”

“I’d have gotten my head out of my ass eventually and proposed regardless,” Lyle assures him. “But Mr. Wayne is sick. A fact that almost had your sister marrying the wrong man.”

“And you expect me to believe you’re the right one?” Dane quirks a quizzical brow.

“Please, Dane, just trust me on this, okay?” I plead, starting to hyperventilate.

“This,” he says, looking at the two of us hand in hand, “is a lot, sis.”

“I know.”

He scrubs a hand through his unruly blond curls, shaking his head in disbelief. “You’re really having a baby?” he asks.

I nod, and as if on cue, my little bean turns my stomach. How’d I not recognize the near constant nausea I’ve been feeling as a sign of pregnancy? Now that I know…there have been so many signs. I guess my attention’s just been too focused elsewhere to put two and two together. “I’d prefer if we kept that bit a secret until after…”

He nods his agreement with no further explanation needed. It’s hard enough to know Dad’s leaving his wife and children behind. A grandbaby would just make things that much more tragic.

“All right then, if you’re committed to doing this…” His eyes volley between Lyle and me. “We need to get moving. What do you need from me?”

“A best man,” Lyle pleads, steepling his hands in front of his face.

“Of course.” Dane clears his throat, forcing a smile.

This entire situation is clearly making him uncomfortable, but all things considered, he’s being a good sport.