It was just something he did. Keeping things to himself made it easier than dealing with the argument that might come up, especially in cases like this. “I know,” he told her. “I already tell you mostly everything. I'd just...” He paused. Did he really want to bring this up and risk hurting her feelings? “Issues like this aren't worth fighting over. I'll get over it.” And he would. It would just take some time.
Truth be told, while not over by any means, the ire between Brandon and Evan had cooled, in light of the fact that they both wanted what was best for both Leah and the compound. He chuckled a little. “Besides, I'm pretty sure he realizes that he's second in command if anything ever happens to me, and I don't think he wants that responsibility.” Nor should he probably have it, but Evan didn't add that.
It was hard to stop blaming himself. Especially now that he was having exactly what his friend should have been able to have. And he wouldn't die, wouldn't leave Leah feeling like Rae was right now. “I know. It just feels more poignant, considering how near Rae's due date is, you know?” He shrugged. “Two months or so.”
“I'm admitting to nothing of the sort!” he said seriously, though the little grin on his face did more to admit than any words could have. “Absurd.”
Once again, he chuckled and shrugged, looking himself over. “Maybe if I put some more meat on my bones. I'm looking a little gangly these days.” Lack of sleep and stress would do that to a man. “But I don't think I should refer to myself as sexy, do you?” he added, making a little face.
The question sounded absurd, like it had an obvious answer, when Leah asked it. “Of course I would. She was the most important woman in my life then, but now? Now you're the most important woman in my life. So...” he closed her hand around the trinket and nodded his head. “Yeah. I would like you to wear it. It makes more sense than it sitting in some trinket box collecting dust, don't you think?” he asked her.