by Aria Ford
“I’m not going to say it isn’t weird,” Bradley said slowly. “Ryan’s my brother, and you’re my sister, but I get that the two of you don’t have that relationship. I mean, I know you only lived together for three years before Ryan left. Ryan and I were best friends, but you? You barely knew him.”
“That’s true,” I said with a nod.
“Part of me wishes you could see each other as siblings,” Bradley said, sighing. “I just … I always had this image in my mind of us being a family, you know? Now I guess that can’t happen.”
“Why not?” Jacqueline asked.
“What do you mean?” Bradley said.
“Well, we can still be a family,” Jacqueline said, laughing. “Bradley, you’re my brother. We’re blood. Forever. And you and Ryan have this unbreakable bond. You’re brothers. That won’t change. Just because he and I are dating, that doesn’t mean we aren’t still a family.”
“It’s weird,” Bradley said, grinning and shaking his head. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to this.”
“Can you try?” I asked. “I love her. I really do.”
“I’m trying,” Bradley promised. “And I think in time it won’t feel as strange.”
Jacqueline smiled. “I think so too.”
“I’m glad you came by,” I said, patting Bradley’s shoulder. “I was afraid you were never going to speak to me again.”
“Nah,” Bradley said. “You didn’t do anything wrong. You fell in love. I can’t hate you for that.”
“Your parents probably do,” I said softly.
Jacqueline tensed beside me. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat and avoided my gaze. I knew she didn’t want to talk about her parents. She was terrified that they would never forgive her for lying about the truck and about our relationship. I tried to reassure her that everything would work out, but she didn’t believe me.
“What did they say?” she finally asked, turning her attention to Bradley. “After we left?”
“They’re mad,” Bradley said bluntly. “They probably will be for a long time, but I think they’ll be okay. You know, your little speech last night really made them think.”
“How?” Jacqueline asked.
“Well, they never really understood what they did to Ryan,” Bradley said, shooting me a sympathetic look. “They just reacted without thinking. After what you said last night, I think they realize their mistake. They aren’t over everything, and they probably won’t be for a long time, but I think they get it now. They get that it wasn’t all Ryan’s fault.”
Jacqueline nodded, and we all fell silent. There wasn’t much else to say. In his own way, Bradley had given us his permission. Things still felt tense between us, but I knew it would get better. Being around us would get easier for him. Eventually, everything would feel comfortable again.
I just wished I could say the same thing about their parents. The idea that I was causing a rift between Jacqueline and her family was hard to bear. No matter what they put me through, they were still her parents. I couldn’t be the reason she didn’t see or talk to them. I just couldn’t.
“Maybe …” I began, looking at Jacqueline. “Maybe we should take some space until everyone gets used to the idea of us being together.”
“No,” Jacqueline said firmly. “That’s crazy.”
“I just don’t want to keep you from your parents,” I said softly.
“You’re not,” Jacqueline insisted. “Ryan, I love you. That’s what matters.”
“I love you too,” I said.
“Listen, I’m gonna get out of here,” Bradley said.
“Sorry,” I said quickly, turning back to face him. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable or anything.”
“No,” he said, “You didn’t. Not at all. I can tell you guys need some time to talk, though. I’m happy for you. I really am. I’m just glad you both found someone who loves you. Jacqueline’s right. That’s what matters.”
“Thank you,” Jacqueline and I said together.
We stood up to say good-bye to Bradley. He hugged his sister first, wrapping her tightly in his embrace. He held onto her for a few seconds before he let go and turned to me. We looked at each other awkwardly for a few seconds, unsure of what to do. Finally, he stepped forward and pulled me to him. He slapped my back roughly, and we both laughed.
“Take care of her,” he said softly so that only I could hear him. “She’s really something special. Just make her happy, okay?”
We pulled away, and I nodded my silent promise.
EPILOGUE
Two years had passed since that fateful night at the Keeton’s home. Things between Jacqueline and I moved forward quickly and easily. We fell in love in just a matter of weeks, so after two years, I felt more connected to her than ever.
She was my best friend and my biggest supporter. No matter what happened in our lives, we stayed together, happy and in love. I couldn’t bear the thought of ever losing her. In time, I realized I couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else.
When I started my career as a mechanic, Jacqueline supported me endlessly. She knew it wasn’t a glamorous job, but she didn’t care. The only thing that mattered to her was my happiness. As long as I enjoyed my job, she insisted I keep it. Even though her father wholeheartedly disagreed with my choice, he kept his opinions silent. Much to my surprise, he even put me in contact with a local auto shop that was looking for a few mechanics. I started work the day of the interview, and I hadn’t left since.
The Keetons and I were doing better. Our relationship would never be the way it was before everything happened, but we were moving forward. They forgave me for all the mistakes I made, and I forgave them for kicking me out.
It wasn’t easy. It took a long time and a lot of support from both Jacqueline and Bradley, but we did it. Eventually, we were able to be together without any tension or discomfort. Family dinners no longer ended in arguments, and most of the time, I truly felt like part of the family again. Mrs. Keeton even put a photo of me and Jacqueline on display in the dining room.
It was harder for Bradley to get used to me being with his sister than he thought. At first he didn’t like to be around us. It made him nervous and uncomfortable. Slowly, things began to return to normal. He saw just how happy Jacqueline and I were to be with each other, and that, more than anything, brought him around. Our friendship remained strong throughout everything.
Despite the tension, we never gave up on each other. Bradley would always be my brother. That much I knew. And now I hoped to make that official by marrying his sister.
The day finally arrived. I climbed in my truck and drove to Jacqueline’s clinic. The office was already closed, but I knew Jacqueline would still be there for at least another hour. She never left work right away, always wanting to finish up one last thing before the day ended. As I drove through town, I pictured her face to keep myself calm. I was nervous, but when I pulled into the parking lot, I knew this was right. Today was the first day of the rest of my life. After this, nothing would ever be the same.
My heart was pounding in my chest as I made my way through Jacqueline’s waiting room. I hurried to the back, knowing I would lose my nerve if I slowed down even a little bit. My feet carried me through the back hallway toward where her office sat. Heidi, the receptionist, was gone for the day, so it was just Jacqueline in the clinic. When I reached her office, I put my hand on the doorknob and froze. I took a few deep, steadying breaths before turning the knob and stepping inside.
“Hey, you,” Jacqueline said with surprise. She jumped out of her chair and moved around her desk to place a soft kiss on my lips. I kissed her back and smiled. “What are you doing here?”
“I missed you,” I said. “I wanted to see you, and I couldn’t wait for tonight.”
She smiled. “That’s sweet.”
After two years, seeing her smile still took my breath away.
My hands were sweating, but I knew now was the perf
ect time. I couldn’t wait another second. The ring was burning a hole in my pocket.
“Listen,” I said softly, reaching down to hold her hands. “I’m not just here because I missed you. I did, but there’s something else.”
“Okay,” Jacqueline said slowly. “Is everything okay?”
“Everything is amazing,” I said. “More than amazing actually.”
“Then what is it?” she asked nervously.
“Jacqueline,” I said softly. “I know this whole relationship started in kind of a weird way. Your family and I are so intertwined, and it was complicated in the beginning. But then you made everything simple in the best way. I didn’t know who I was until you came back into my life. The day I saw you standing on my front porch changed everything. You woke something buried deep inside me, something I thought I lost.”
I took a deep breath and slowly pulled the ring box from my pocket. Still holding Jacqueline’s hand in mine, I got down on one knee and smiled up at her. I opened the box and let the ring sparkle in the light of her office. Her eyes widened and filled quickly with tears.
“I’m only myself when I’m with you,” I said simply. “Jacqueline, you make me a better man. Without you, I don’t know what my life would be, and I never want to find out. I love you more than I ever knew possible. You’re everything to me: my love, my soulmate, my best friend. Now the only thing left is … my wife.”
Jacqueline’s eyes were brimming, and at my last word, the tears spilled over. She cried earnestly, tears flowing freely down her cheeks.
“Jacqueline, will you marry me?”
I waited while Jacqueline wrapped her mind around everything. This was a huge surprise, just like I wanted. When she could finally speak, she nodded and pulled me to my feet.
“Yes,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around me. “A thousand times, yes.”
We kissed, and everything else melted away. I didn’t think about anything or anyone else. The only thing that was real to me was Jacqueline. Her lips, her body, and her amazing spirit. She’d just agreed to be my wife, and I couldn’t think of a happier moment in my life.
When we broke apart, I slid the diamond ring on her finger, and she stared at in awe. Her eyes were still red from crying, but the smile on her face was brighter than I’d ever seen it.
“Are you happy?” I whispered.
“Happier than I ever thought I could be,” she said with a nod.
We kissed again, and then she broke away, just to stare at her new ring. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from it. I laughed and lifted her chin, so she would meet my gaze.
“I love you,” I said.
“I love you too,” she said. “Do you think my parents will be okay with this? I know things are better between you and them now, but still.”
“Come with me,” I said, grinning with excitement.
Jacqueline frowned, but let me lead her out of her office and down the hall. We stepped into the waiting room and were met with a thunderous round of applause. Jacqueline’s parents, Bradley, and her best friend, Nicole, were standing in the middle of the room. They were all grinning broadly and clapping their hands together again and again.
I looked at Jacqueline to see her face light up even more. She ran forward into her mother’s arms, hugging her tightly and then pulling away to show her the ring. Everyone was so happy for us.
“Glad she said ‘yes,’” Bradley joked. “I was worried there for a second.”
“Shut up,” I said with a laugh.
“I’m happy for you,” Mr. Keeton said, extending his hand to me. We shook, and then he pulled me in for a hug. When Jacqueline moved over to show Nicole the ring, Mrs. Keeton turned to me. She smiled and kissed my cheek, silently expressing her joy.
Things between me and the Keetons were better than ever. I still couldn’t bring myself to call them Mom and Dad, not after everything we went through, but we were close. They approved of me for their daughter, and they were even gracious enough to help me pick out her engagement ring. I knew we still had some progress to make, but I was happy to have them there to celebrate with us.
Jacqueline came over to me, wrapping her arms around my waist and standing on her tiptoes to kiss me. The smile never left her face. I stared at her, immediately getting lost in the green of her eyes. It was so easy to forget that anyone else was in the room. When Bradley cleared his throat loudly, both Jacqueline and I jumped.
“Let’s go celebrate,” Bradley suggested. “Everyone in?”
“Hell yes!” Nicole exclaimed.
“Of course,” Mrs. Keeton said.
We all left the clinic, finally together, the way we were always meant to be.
WELL-OILED MECHANIC
A Bad Boy Romance
Chapter 1
Olivia
Two thousand miles, twenty fast-food stops, and about three gallons of coffee later, and there I was, standing on the side of the road without any place to go. My car, my reliable car, decided to crap out on me just outside Santa Fe, New Mexico. I’d traveled all the way from New York City, only stopping to eat, sleep, and use the bathroom. When I left the city, I didn’t know where I would end up. There wasn’t a destination in my mind, but still, I never imagined I would be stuck somewhere without cell service or a working vehicle.
Feeling helpless, I flopped down on the curb to wait—waiting felt like the only option. My car was too heavy to push, and the nearest town was five miles away. While I sat there, I tried to work up the nerve to start walking, but my legs felt weak from all my hours in the car. Just sitting on the curb caused tingles to vibrate through my shins. I sighed and looked up at the sky, silently wishing for help.
Not one minute later, help arrived. The sun was beginning to set; the air around me grew cool. I knew night was almost upon me, and just when I felt fear creep up my spine, a pair of headlights blinded me. I squinted and stood up quickly, watching the passing car slow to a stop. My nerves immediately took control, and I hesitated. What if this person was a rapist? A serial killer? My New Yorker instincts told me to hang back until I was sure it was safe.
“Hey there!” a female voice called. “Need some help?”
She rolled down the passenger side window and smiled at me from behind the wheel of her beat-up Subaru. Her eyes were kind, and her smile soothed my nerves.
“Actually, yes,” I said, taking a small step forward. “My car broke down, and I’m… well, I’m not from around here.”
“I figured.” She laughed. “Saw your New York plates.”
“Yeah.” I nodded. “I was thinking about walking the five miles back to… um… whatever that town was…”
“Nah,” she said. “No need. You’re almost to Santa Fe. There’s an auto shop about two miles up. Man who owns it can fix anything.”
“Really?” I felt hope blossom in my chest.
“Yup.” She nodded. “I can give you a lift up there. It’s on my way.”
I hesitated for just a second. My heart beat a little faster as I weighed the safety of this situation. This woman seemed kind, and she had already proved herself to be helpful. Still, I didn’t like the idea of getting in the car with a stranger. As I stood there, watching the sunset, I knew I didn’t have a choice.
“That would be great.” I smiled. “Thank you so much.”
“No worries,” she said, waving me over. “Hop in.”
I pulled open the passenger side door and climbed inside. She smiled and shot forward, driving me the two miles to the auto shop she promised. We made small talk as we drove, and I knew immediately she was just as sweet as she seemed. When we pulled up outside the shop, I worried it might be closed. The garage doors were already pulled down, and only one light was on inside.
“Are you sure they’re open?” I asked.
“Bradley’s always here,” she said with confidence. “If the door’s locked, just knock.”
I nodded and stepped out of the car. “Thank you for the lift.”
“Any
time!”
She waited until I was safely inside the shop before driving away. Nervously, I turned toward the front counter, walking forward. The entire office was neat as a pin, everything clean and orderly. As I looked around, I was surprised to see flowers set out on each table with brand new chairs lining every wall. There was a coffee machine in the far corner and a fridge full of bottled waters.
From the outside, the auto shop looked to be run down and home to a few lowlifes. Once inside, my opinion shifted drastically. Part of me wondered if the owner’s wife had something to do with the comfortable décor.
“What’s up?” a voice said, startling me. I jumped and whipped back around to face the counter. A man who hadn’t been there before was staring at me with wide-eyed expectation. “Whatcha need?”
I blinked. I wasn’t expecting someone to sneak up on me, let alone someone as handsome as this man. He was wearing an old, tattered T-shirt that was covered in grease. I could barely see his jeans from my side of the counter, but I could tell they were old and worn too. His cobalt eyes were locked on my face, and his sandy blond hair fell just above his eyes.
“Um,” I said, clearing my throat and trying not to stare at the tattoos peeking out from beneath his shirt sleeves. “My car broke down about two miles down the road. A woman dropped me off here. She said you might be able to help me.”
He nodded. “Two miles?”
“Yes,” I said. “It’s not far.”
“What kind of car?” he asked, already scribbling something on a piece of paper. He was all business.
“Jeep Cherokee,” I said.
“All right.” He nodded and looked up at me again. My heart stopped when those cobalt eyes hit mine. “I’ll have to pick it up and tow it back; then I’ll take a look.”
“Okay,” I said. “Well, I can ride with you to show you where it is.”
“No need,” he said, his voice clipped. “I can find it.”
“But I have the keys.”
My words made him smirk. He looked at me for a second before nodding slowly and gesturing toward the door. I followed him outside. He didn’t speak until we were inside the tow truck. I climbed up and held my purse in my lap, squeezing it to my body. My emotions were running wild, and I was desperate to keep them under control.
