He starts to pace the length of the kitchen, then stops.

“She wants a family, Will, and a home.”

I nod. “That happens sometimes when you get married.”

“I don’t want a family.” He smacks his hand against the marble counter. “I don’t want a home. She wants me to stay in New York City all year long and care about the origin of bath towels.”

Gavin doesn’t have to say any more. I understand. We were both completely screwed up by our childhood, only in completely different ways. Gavin copes by running to the next adventure, never being serious, never staying long enough with anything or anyone to form a deep enough attachment to care if they disappear or disappoint. People like him because he’s fun and exciting and always the life of the party. Lacey was the first person other than me to see Gavin for more than an irresponsible adrenaline junkie.

“Have you told her?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “She’s in Uganda on a vaccine trip. Contact is spotty at best for the next few days. God. Look at her. She’s a doctor, she’s smart, she’s sexy, she thinks I can run an international charity with her. It’s insane. I…I moved too fast, I’ve only known her six months. I was an idiot to propose.”

“Funny. I thought it was the smartest thing you’ve ever done.”

He raises his eyebrow and I suddenly realize how annoying I look when I do the same thing.

“You say that because you want the Duporte merger.” He wipes a hand down his face.

I shrug and shove my hands in my pockets. I’m in jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt. I usually wear a suit when working, even at home, but not tonight.

Gavin leans his elbow on the counter and studies me. “You know, sometimes when I’m cliff diving or skydiving or doing some other inane thing, I envy you.”

“Really?”

He nods. “You know exactly who you are, you know what you do. You’re William Williams IV, CEO, business tycoon. Every day is laid out for you. Hell, the next 60 years are mapped out. You don’t have to worry about a thing. No surprises. You have it made.”

There’s a hollow space in my chest that aches at his words. I have everything except the one thing I’ve always wanted most. I look away and roll the espresso cup between my fingers.

“I think, if you throw Lacey away, it’ll be the stupidest thing you ever do.” I say this with the certainty that comes from experience.