Fighting for Us (Bailey Brothers, #2)

by Claire Kingsley

“She said sometimes when a man goes to war, he has to make himself forget the people he leaves behind. It’s the only way he can become the warrior he needs to be to survive.”

“You know, I didn’t want to have it out with you right off the bat, but apparently Cara was right. You get home, and the first thing we’re going to do is fight.”

Might as well do something while I’m not having sex because my love life is a joke and men are stupid.

“By the way, I started the rumor that he escaped. I thought it sounded badass and I wanted to see if I could get anyone to repeat it.” “You’re terrible.” “I know.”

If you think I’m dramatic, she makes me look like a weed smoking surfer who meditates.

“A man needs to know his mission,” Gram said. “Without that, he’s adrift. It’s why so many young men act like idiots. They haven’t found their mission yet; they don’t have anything guiding them.

The armchairs were still shoved up against each other, and blankets and dirty socks were strewn around the living room, along with a random t-shirt. But the bacon meant I’d probably forgive them for being animals.

“Um, Asher?” “Yeah?” “My mom doesn’t let me have Coke.” The corner of my mouth lifted, and I winked. “Don’t worry, kid. I just spent seven years in prison. I ain’t no snitch.”

“Maybe that’s not how love works. Nobody’s keeping score. I love you because I do. Because of who you were, and who you are now. Because something deep inside me is connected to something deep inside you. And whatever that is, I think it’s worth fighting for.”

“You’re right, this would be easier if we hated him.

But what if you want something that’s not good for you because you’ve wanted it for so long you don’t question it anymore?”

oof

“I tried, Grace. I wanted to make this work for you, but I can’t.” “You didn’t try,” I shot back. “What else do you expect me to do?” “Get some fucking help. Would it have killed you to just talk to someone?”

ooof

“I miss him every single day. But like I said, his love was big. He left me with enough to last until the day I’m called home and get to see him again.”

this is the sweetest thing i’ve ever read