Brothers

Chapter 35

Tessas POV

"So... show it. I want to see." Anastasia says smiling at me from across the table.

I put my hand out and Anastasia takes it, admiring the ring on my finger.

She smiles and looks at me.

"It's beautiful oh my god." She gasps.

"He had a quote from wuthering heights engraved on the inside too. It's kind of our thing I guess." I smile, remembering back when he quoted it at the frat house.

"So how did he ask you? I want to know." Anastasia smiles leaning her elbows against the table and folding her hands, resting her chin on her hands. 

"We were walking down by the pier, holding hands. He stopped and gave this huge speech. It was cute I guess." I smile.

"Awwww I'm happy for you guys. You guys are cute."

"Well it's been a long — long journey. A lot has happened in the last four years." I say trying not to remember everything.

The amount of times I've cried and had my heart broken by Hardin, I cherish the good moments now. Hardin's changed so much since then. He isn't the same Hardin that I met years ago.

"What's his story? I mean I know Christian has been through a lot."

"Hardin — when I first met him he was different. A lot different. He had all this built up anger from his childhood, he hated the world. He never wanted to get married, he never dated. He just messed around with girls and got what he wanted."

"I guess they really are related." Anastasia says.

I decide to leave out the part where our relationship started because of a bet he wanted to win. I dont want Anastasia to look at Hardin differently like everyone else does. The Hardin I love now isn't that Hardin anymore.

"I mean Hardin has fucked up many times, but he changed. He wanted to be better and he is better now." I smile.

"So it's kind of like you saved him?" Anastasia asks.

"I guess so." I smile.

I guess I did save him. We saved each other. When I first met him I was different too. I was so closed off and inexperienced, he helped me grow and become the independent woman that I am today.