Keith’s eyes widen as he stares at our nosy bartender, or I may have chucked back my whiskey too fast and am now seeing things that aren’t there.

“And what’s his story?” She cocks her head to me. “The girl doesn’t like him?”

“I don’t think that’s the problem,” Keith comments, his hand grazing over his jaw.

“Don’t—”

But I’m immediately interrupted by him. “Lukas, I told you I’m in your lifelong debt, and I can’t let you give away something good just because you’re scared.”

“I’m not fucking scared.” I grab his fresh drink because he for sure isn’t here to get drunk tonight.

“Then you’re very brave. I, on the other hand, was shit scared when Clementine started throwing herself at me. She would sneak into my shower, dress up all sexy for me—”

“Does Clem know you’re spilling her secrets?” I throw him an irritated look.

“I’m spilling nothing. I’m just telling you that it wasn’t easy for me to ignore the age gap between us.”

The tightness in my chest increases. “It’s not just the age gap, Keith. Clementine was twenty-five when she came into your life. Did you know Autumn was sixteen—six-fucking-teen—when she found out about the promise our grandparents had made? She was eighteen when we got married.” My hands get lost in my hair when I tug on it. “She was only four years older than your daughter when I married her, Keith. Now think about it.”

“But she isn’t eighteen anymore,” he says, as if that changes anything.

“Autumn and I got together to get divorced. There’s no other end to our marriage, and it was stupid of me not to do it sooner.” I take a deep breath. “My lawyer has written up the divorce papers. I’m going to give them to her tomorrow after the wedding.”

“Fuck,” he sputters. “Don’t do this, Lukas. You might regret it forever.”

There’s no might.

I will regret it forever. But I also know this is the right thing for her.

I get up with my head spinning. I’m too slow, and Keith has already paid for my drinks before I can even get my wallet out.

We’re about to leave when the bartender says, “I have a feeling you’re going to get the biggest surprise of your life tomorrow.” She smiles and glances at me before placing something onto the counter and sliding the coin toward me. “I found it while cleaning the bar. I have a feeling you’ll need it.”

I slip it into my jacket pocket without looking and turn around.

When we reach the parking lot, Keith opens his palm. “Give me the keys. I’ll drive.”