Page 74 of Always My Love

At one point Nick showed up and offered to get them something more to eat or drink. Both sisters declined, but then they joked that the conversation needed wine or ice cream.

Harper felt a million pounds lighter after saying the words she’d felt inside all of these years. She told Hailey that she loved her and would give up her life for her, but that she’d felt it was her duty to protect her above all else, above living her own life.

Hailey opened up to Harper about how she’d felt guilty that she couldn’t take care of herself.

“I never knew what Fred was doing to you. Not until after that night,” Hailey confessed.

“You were young. No one ever talked to us about those sorts of things,” Harper said.

Hailey shook her head. “How, how can you be with Nick now and not”—tears rolled down Hailey’s cheeks—“and not think back?”

Harper hugged Hailey, closing her eyes tight.

“It’s different. Sex with someone you like or love is magical. It’s like night and day.” She wished more than anything for better words to explain the differences. “Do you like Reece?” Hailey nodded. “Have you kissed yet?” Hailey nodded again. “How did it feel?”

Hailey was quiet for a moment. “Magical.”

Harper smiled and leaned back, brushing a strand of her sister’s hair from her eyes. “Trust him. Trust yourself. The rest will be just as special.”

Hailey rolled her eyes. “It’s sort of embarrassing.”

“Life is embarrassing if you make it. Embrace yourself, sex, Reece, whatever comes next. Being with Nick has opened my eyes to all that was taken from us. The more I’m with him, the more I realize just how much we lost. And at this point, I want it all.” She smiled. “Everything I never knew to dream about.”

Hailey hugged her. “I love you.”

“I love you.” Harper laughed as tears rolled down both of their cheeks.

The next time Nick knocked on the door, Reece and Lucy were with him. Lucy, who normally never jumped up on the bed, rushed to Harper’s side.

“Just this once,” Harper said, snuggling the dog to her side.

“How are you feeling?” Reece asked her, but his eyes moved to Hailey’s face, which was red from crying, much like Harper’s.

“Great.” She squeezed Hailey’s hand. “Just girl talk.” She nodded and her sister hugged her once more before getting off the bed.

Nick moved to take the spot. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah.” She nodded to him. “I think I could rest now.” She felt drained after the emotional evening.

“We’ll head out,” Hailey said, standing next to Reece. “If you need anything…”

“Thanks for taking care of my sister,” Harper said to Reece. “If you hurt her, I’ll slap on my boxing gloves and kick your butt.”

Reece smiled and nodded. Then he wrapped an arm around Hailey’s shoulders and walked out.

“They’re going to be okay,” she said out loud.

“Course they are,” Nick agreed. “Reece is like a brother to me.” He pulled her into a light hug. “How’s the head?”

“Fine. Dull pain is all. I think talking to Hailey was the best medicine.”

“I figured you’d need some time with her.”

“Thanks.” Harper held in a yawn.

“Want anything?”

“Ice cream.” She sighed and snuggled back down.