Connor was quiet for a long moment. Just looking at us. At our joined hands. At the way we stood together.

Then he sighed. Long and heavy.

"You really love her?" he asked Jake.

"With everything I am."

"And you'll take care of her? Treat her right? Not like every other girl you've dated?"

"She's not every other girl." Jake's hand tightened on mine. "She's the only girl that matters. And I'll spend the rest of my life proving that."

Connor looked at me. "He makes you happy?"

"So happy," I whispered.

Another silence. Then Connor scrubbed his hand over his face.

"I should beat the shit out of you,"...