Page 114 of Penny & Royce

She nodded. “What happens when she moves on? I mean, you can sit on this paperwork for a while. I’m guessing Penny isn’t the type to go to a judge to force your hand. Not this early on. But what if it gets to a point where she’s ready to move on and you’re still…”

Royce didn’t want to admit how that scenario twisted his insides. Realistically, he knew it could happen eventually.

He just wasn’t ready to think that far in advance.

“You know I’m your friend, right?” Quinn nudged his knee with her own. “So keep that in mind when I tell you that you have to follow through.”

Royce flinched. “I don’t know if I can.”

She bumped him again. “You can. It’ll be one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do, but you most definitely can.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” He attempted to change the subject, but she was too smart for that.

“Royce.” Quinn grabbed the folder and tucked the pages inside. “You can do this. And who knows? If you’re right and there is truly no one else for you, then maybe she’ll realize what she’s giving up and come back to you.”

His hands were like ice as he accepted the pen she offered. “You really think so?”

“Honey, I don’t know. I just know that you can’t keep living like this.” Her eyes softened. “I know you’re stubborn and all, but even a mule has to give in and continue down the trail eventually.”

He scowled at her. “Thanks for that.”

His focus dipped to the first page, and his hand shook.

This was what Penny wanted.

And he’d promised he would give her anything she wanted.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Royce startled at Morgan’s sharp voice and the way she seemed to materialize out of nowhere.

His eyes grew wider when she snatched the folder from his hand and held it against her chest.

“Hey!” He jumped down from the truck, nostrils flaring. “Have you officially lost it?”

“No, but you have,” she snapped back.

Royce held out his hand. “Morgan. Give me the folder.”

She stepped back. “Not until you listen to me.”

“This is none of your business.”

“It became my business when you decided to do something stupid.”

He scoffed.

“I mean it, Royce. You’re wrong if you think signing those papers is the answer.”

His hands dropped to his sides, and he threw back his head with an exaggerated sigh. “I’m doing what everyone is asking me to do. I’m finally giving in.”

“Well, you’re wrong.”

Gritting his teeth, he fought the instinct to hurl more insults her way. Whatever had gotten into his little sister wasn’t his problem. “Go mind your own business.”

Morgan gasped, then yanked one of the papers free from the folder and held it behind her back. “If you’re willing to sign these papers so soon, then you clearly don’t love her enough.”

Royce froze, his blood boiling. “What did you just say?”