And I Love Her by Abby Reynolds

touched the bed, she crawled into my lap and wrapped her arms around my neck. I immediately held her and rocked her back and forth gently. I loved how much she needed me. She clung to me like it was the last thing she’d ever do. I kissed her forehead.
    “I hate him,” she said into my chest.
    “That makes two of us.”
    “I’ll never be good enough for him…” The emotion was heavy in her voice. “I try so hard. I worked my ass off in college to get my honors, and he never congratulated me for it. He’s always been proud of Jeremy. Jeremy this, Jeremy that.”
    “Your father is a dick,” I said simply. “Don’t let him bring you down.”
    “Isaac was the same way…”
    “And he was also a dick. Don’t let them ruin you, baby.”
    She cried into my chest. “I can’t help it. I’m so sick of it.”
    I pulled her face away and forced her to meet my gaze. The tears streaked down, her skin slightly red. “Listen to me. Your dad is a fucking asshole. He has no one in his life anymore, so he lives through you. He tries to control you and make you do what he says. If your defiance disappoints him, then fine. Let it be.
    “But you are the most remarkable woman I’ve ever met. You’re so damn smart, smarter than anyone I’ve ever known, you’re so fucking beautiful, you’re unbelievably talented, and you’re my dream come true.” I probably shouldn’t have said that last part but it just came out. “When I saw you in that bar, I knew I had to have you. I’ve never felt that way before. You were mine before you even knew it. And I couldn’t believe I actually convinced you to be with me. You’re my greatest fantasy, every man’s fantasy. Don’t let two idiots take away your confidence.”
    Her tears stopped falling but she still breathed through her pain. “I…I just feel like I’m not good enough.”
    “You’re more than good enough.”
    She lowered her gaze and rested her palms on my chest.  I didn’t know what she was thinking, but at least she stopped crying. “Jeremy is the only one that accepts me for who I am. Even when he had to work all day, he still came to my shows in the evening. When I told him I wanted to be a professional musician, he didn’t laugh at me. He was the one who bought me my new guitar when my father broke mine…but you accept me too. And that’s a first.”
    “Because you’re absolutely wonderful.”
    She pressed her face close to mine. “I love having you in my life. You make everything so much easier.”
    Then stay with me. Please stay.
    Her arms moved around my neck and she held me close. Her breathing started to decrease as she regained her composure. I held her steady, knowing I could do this all day.
    Thirty minutes later, she fell asleep in my arms. Her arms went limp around my neck and she sighed peacefully. I carried her to the bed and tucked her in. It amazed me how light she was. She stirred when I pulled the covers over her but she didn’t wake. After a gentle kiss on the forehead, I went downstairs.
    Jeremy was still on his computer when I took my seat. He closed his computer than looked at me. He leaned back in his chair and rested his hands in his lap. I knew he was going to say something so I patiently waited.
    “You two don’t act like this arrangement is just fake or temporary.”
    And what did that mean? Jeremy should play poker because he’d be pretty damn good at manipulating his opponent. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    “My sister is a strong woman. Everyone thinks she’s happy and carefree. But that’s because they believe the show she puts on. With me, she’s different. She reveals every vulnerability and every tear. I know exactly what she’s thinking, and she’s never been that way with anyone else—but you.”
    I processed his words, trying to gather his meaning.
    “She doesn’t need me to take care of her anymore.”
    “Then who will?”
    “You.”
    I wish. “I’ll never replace you.”
    “That’s not