Hailey parked her hands on her hips. “Will, I was expecting better of you. You’re now in a happy relationship. I’d thought you’d cut back on the brooding. Instead, you’re rubbing off on Jace.”

“Sister, we’re just doing our part,” Jace volleyed back smoothly.

Hailey waved her hand, then turned to me.

“Don’t pay attention to Jace these days. I think he’s extra broody because he’s still single.”

Jace elbowed Hailey playfully. “You’re single too.”

“Or maybe not. Maybe I’m just not parading all my secret lovers in front of you.”

Both Will and Jace looked too stunned to answer. Hailey took advantage of the opportunity, lacing her arm with mine. As we walked away, she looked over her shoulder.

“Oh, man, I was just trying to take the spotlight off Val, but I think I’ve just set myself up for months of questioning and them flexing their brotherly muscles.”

I chuckled. “You’re a great sister.”

“Well, yes, I am, thank you very much. Though truthfully, Val and Lori paved the way for me in just about every aspect. Well, Lori mostly. Val was more like a mom to me growing up. I always felt a little guilty.”

“For what?”

“For the fact that Val and Landon had to put their lives on hold for us. Instead of enjoying the freedoms of any college students, they were bogged down with... well, us.”

“Hailey, Val never saw you as a burden. She always speaks with affection about everyone.”

“I know. She’s Val. But I know she’s missed out on a lot of things. She tended to forget about herself, though she is getting much better at it lately. In case you can’t read through the lines... just make sure you dote on her, okay?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Hailey grinned. “You’re great. But I feel compelled to tell you, if you break her heart, it’s not my brothers you have to worry about. I know I don’t look too intimidating next to them, but I can do a lot of damage.”

“Duly noted.”

“Ah, Val’s back with the pie. Just in time.”

Val was placing the pie on the small wooden table near the back door, but her eyes were on Hailey and me, then darted to Jace and Will, who were talking with their heads together.

We all wanted a slice of pie before the badminton game, and while everyone was eating, Val asked me to help her get some glasses.

“Did they give you the talk?” she asked breathlessly the second we were alone inside the house.

“Yeah.”

She was beside herself, and she was damn cute.

“Holy shit, I’m going to kick everyone’s ass.”

“There’s no need.”

“Was Jace part of it?”

“Yes.”

“And Will?”

“Obviously.”

“But Hailey wasn’t, right?”

I could tell she was hoping I’d say no, but I wouldn’t lie.