by Naomi Niles
“Wow…a daughter?”
“Yes,” he chuckled. “She weighed in at eight pounds, three ounces. She’s got the Burbank family features, though – brown hair and hazel eyes.”
“Umm…the Burbank family features are brown hair and blue eyes,” I said, correcting John on behalf of Alan and myself; we were the blue-eyed ones in the family.
“Sorry, three against two,” John laughed. “Hazel wins out over blue.”
I sighed. “Fair point. What’s her name?”
“Natalie Alice Burbank,” John said proudly.
“Alice,” I repeated. “Mom’s name.”
“And, Natalie was Kami’s mother’s name,” John replied. “We thought it was fitting.”
“It’s a good name,” I said.
“Thanks,” he said, and I could sense the joy in his voice, even past the tiredness. “So…when are you coming down to see your niece?”
I hesitated. “As soon as I can,” I told him. “I really would like to see her. Could you send me some pictures?”
“Of course,” John agreed, sounding touched that I would even ask to see pictures.
“How’s Kami doing?”
“Exhausted,” he laughed. “She’s sleeping now.”
“I can imagine,” I said. “Now that you have Natalie, when are you two going to get married?”
“Ah, isn’t that the million dollar question,” John said. “Mom’s been at my throat with the question all day.”
“And?”
“Kami and I aren’t exactly traditionalists,” he replied. “She thought it would be a nice idea to have all the kids first so they can be there at the wedding. I’m pretty sure she was joking, but you never know with her.”
I smiled. “That’s an interesting idea. Personally, though, I’d probably want to have a wedding before the kids.”
“Do you?” he asked suggestively, and it was only then that I’d realized what I’d said.
“Umm…that doesn’t really mean anything,” I said a little too quickly.
John laughed. “Sam mentioned that you’re seeing a girl.”
“Sam never learned to keep a secret.”
“Is it a secret?”
“I suppose not,” I said. “It’s just…weird to talk about.”
“Why?”
“I’ve never really had a real relationship with a woman before,” I admitted. “This is a new experience for me.”
“Can it be possible that all five Burbank men are happily in committed relationships?”
I paused. “It could be…”
“Wow.”
I laughed. “Don’t go around spreading stuff,” I said quickly. “I am not getting married any time soon.”
“If you say so,” he replied, as though he wasn’t quite convinced. “Hey, hold on a second. There’s someone here who wants to say hello.”
I heard the phone being transferred, and a moment later, Peter was on the other end. “Hi, little brother,” he greeted, in his soft, sure voice.
“Hi, Peter,” I replied. “How are you?”
“I’m good,” he said.
“And, Madison?”
He chuckled. “She’s over in the corner holding little Natalie. I think when we get home tonight, there’s going to be a serious conversation about kids.”
“Are you braced and ready?”
“Maybe,” he replied. “It’s hard to think of it as a bad idea when you see a cute baby.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
He was quiet for a moment. “How are you?”
“Recovering slowly,” I said. “I should be cleared to start training soon…in a few weeks at least.”
“And, you’re sure you want to continue fighting?”
“It’s what I’ve worked towards for the past few years,” I said. “How can I give it up now?”
“You’re not giving it up without reason, Talen,” Peter said gently. “Can I give you some well meant brotherly advice?”
I nodded. Then, I realized that Peter couldn’t see me. “Yes.”
“You wanted to be an MMA fighter, and you achieved that goal against all odds,” he said.
“And no one could be more proud of you than your family. But is it worth risking your health to continue to fight, Talen? You’re a smart man. You could do anything else. And from what I’ve heard, you have someone special in your life.
“Don’t throw it all away because you’re stubbornly holding on to the original plan for your life. Sometimes plans change…and sometimes those changes can lead you to bigger and better places. In the end, it’s your choice. I just wanted to say that.”
I smiled. “I know, Pete,” I said. “I’ve never really told you this before, but… I know you’ve always looked out for me. I haven’t always appreciated that, but now I do.”
“Good to know.”
“Give my love to Mom?”
“Of course.”
“Goodbye.”
“Goodbye, little brother.”
I hung up, feeling strangely sentimental. I grabbed my keys and headed over to the marathon area. Ryan was already there when I arrived.
“Have you seen them yet?” I asked.
“Not yet,” Ryan replied. “But I brought signs.”
I had asked him to get a sign ready for me, but it seemed he had brought one for himself, too. “Is that for Lacey?” I asked.
Ryan gave me a wink. “She’s going to love it, too.”
At that moment, I caught sight of Brittany in the throng of runners that had congregated under the massive Winter Marathon Banner. She looked amazing in running tights and a bright blue sports bra under a form-fitting running jacket. Her hair was tied up in a tight ponytail at the back of her head, and her blue eyes were on full display. She came straight towards us and threw herself into my arms.
“You came,” she said, with delight.
“Of course, I came,” I said. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
“Where’s Lacey?” Ryan asked.
“Griping in the corner with Danny,” Brittany laughed. “You can go over and say hi before we start.”
Ryan walked off, leaving the signs face down on the pavement beside me. Brittany didn’t even notice them. She looked pumped and ready to run.
“Sorry I got a little late,” I told her. “My brothers called. Looks like I have a niece.”
“Congratulations,” Brittany said. “What’s her name?”
“Natalie after Kami’s mother, and Alice after mine,” I replied, showing her the pictures of Natalie that John had sent me.
“Oh,” Brittany cooed. “She’s precious…those eyes.”
I smiled. “Anyway, are you excited about the marathon?” I asked, turning back the focus onto her.
“Very,” she nodded. “I know I’m not going to be one of the first through, but doesn’t matter. As long as I’m not the last.”
“You’ll do great,” I said encouragingly.
“I’m pumped!”
“I can see that,” I laughed. “You definitely look ready.”
“I wish I could say the same for Lacey… I honestly don’t know how long she’ll last.”
We glanced over to where Lacey was standing between Danny and Ryan. Her sour expression said it all, and Brittany and I both burst out laughing. The start of the race was announced, and Brittany gave me a kiss before going off to join Lacey and Danny. Ryan joined me on the pavement and we cheered loudly as the whistle sounded and the runners took off in a great flurry of speed.
Ryan shook his head at the runners. “She’s never going to make it.”
I laughed. “Some boyfriend you are.”
He turned to me. “So…you and Brittany, huh?”
“Yeah… What about us?”
“Is it love?”
I smirked. “Do we have to talk about this now?”
“Come on, man,” Ryan complained. “We’re bros. This is what bros do.”
I rolled my eyes. “You are suc
h a girl sometimes.”
“Answer the fucking question.”
I smiled. “It’s love,” I nodded confidently.
“First time?”
“Yup.”
“Is that why you invested in the diner?”
“Yes,” I nodded. “Partly for Brittany, but partly for myself, too. It’s nice to have a fall back option…just in case fighting doesn’t pan out.”
He looked at me curiously. “I thought you were adamant that you were going to continue fighting, no matter what?”
“We’ll see,” I said evasively. “You never know what the future has in store.”
Ryan looked at me carefully, but he understood that I wasn’t going to say anything more on the subject. We hung out for a while, drinking coffee and having weird conversations until the first runners were sighted. I grabbed my sign and waited, hoping to see Brittany at the front of the pack.
Ten minutes later, I caught sight of her turning the corner. Danny was with her, but Lacey was nowhere in sight. The moment I saw her, I turned the sign around and lifted it over my head. The sign read “that’s my girl” for the whole world to see. Brittany’s face broke out into a huge smile when she saw it. She crossed the finish line and then headed straight for me.
“I’m so proud of you,” I said, hugging her close.
“Urgh, I’m sweaty,” she protested, trying to pull away.
“I don’t care,” I said, resisting her pull.
“Umm…where’s Lacey?” Ryan asked, as Danny walked up.
Danny and Brittany exchanged a look. “She was dead weight,” Danny said. “We had to leave her behind.”
“She’ll make it, though,” Brittany said confidently. “I know she will.”
And half an hour later, she did. She wasn’t even running. She was just walking along as though she had all the time in the world. Her expression was still sour, but it was clear that she was relieved, too. The moment Ryan saw her, he grabbed the sign he had made for her and lifted it above his head. It read “At least you’re not last” – except that the last three words had been cut out and replaced with “you tried.”
Lacey saw the sign. Her eyes narrowed. She slowed her pace even further and threw us the finger as we burst out laughing together.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Brittany
“At least the fucking thing is over,” Lacey said moodily.
I laughed. “I loved the experience,” I said honestly. “I think I might actually take up running as a hobby.”
“Great, good for you,” she nodded. “Just remember that if you ever try and include me again, our friendship is over, got it?”
I suppressed my smile. “Loud and clear,” I nodded.
“Good.”
“Where are we meeting?” I asked as Lacey stretched out across my bed.
“A new club downtown,” she answered. “Danny said he’d text me the address. Damn, this bed is so freaking comfortable.”
I smiled, watching as she stretched and rolled over. “It is… I don’t think I realized how pivotal a good mattress is to a good night’s sleep until this beauty came along.”
“Are these Laura Ashley sheets?” Lacey asked, looking closely at the delicate print.
“It is.”
“Damn, boy has taste. I would never have expected it of him.”
“Well, he had a little help,” I admitted.
“Help?” she repeated. “Meaning?”
“He hired an interior designer.”
“No way,” she said, sitting up a little. “Seriously?”
“Yes.”
“He went through some trouble, huh?”
“He did,” I said, trying not to sound too ridiculously happy.
“Man, did you hit the jackpot.”
“I certainly feel that way,” I said. “And, trust me, I’m not used to feeling this way. It’s a little scary, actually.”
“Scary?” Lacey repeated.
“What if I lose him?”
Lacey frowned at me. “How would you lose him?”
“We could break up,” I said. “He could continue fighting and…”
Lacey got off the bed and walked over to me, seeing the distressed expression on my face. “Oh, hon… That’s what you’re really worried about aren’t you?”
“A little,” I said, gulping back my fear. “He’s already got swelling in his brain, Lace; if he continues to fight, he’ll only make it worse. The MMA is dangerous.”
“Have you told him your fears?”
“No,” I said, turning back to my wardrobe. “And, I’m not going to.”
“Why not?” Lacey asked.
“Because it’s not my place to tell him what to do,” I said. “This is completely his decision.”
“But you’re his girlfriend-”
“Exactly,” I said. “His very new girlfriend. I don’t have the right. It’s not like we’re married or something.”
“Meaning if you were married to him, you’d feel like you had a right to tell him?” she asked.
I hesitated. “Urgh… I don’t know. I honestly don’t.”
Lacey looked at me sympathetically. “I think you should be honest with him.”
I sighed. “I’ll think about it. In the meantime, I still haven’t found something to wear tonight,” I said, trying to change the subject.
Lacey sensed that I wanted to talk about something different. So she rushed to my side and surveyed my wardrobe with a critical eye. “How about you and I hit the mall sometime?”
I raised my eyebrows. “Huh… I suppose we can, actually.”
“Once our salary increments come into effect, we can shop till we drop,” Lacey said, clapping her hands together.
I laughed. “That actually sounds pretty awesome,” I admitted. “But I can’t bust it all on shopping – I have big plans.”
“Plans?” she asked, raising her eyebrows.
“I’m going to enrol in new courses this summer,” I said. “I want a degree. I’ll work in the diner till then, but after I get my degree, I want to do something more with my life.”
Lacey looked at me proudly. “That sounds pretty good.”
“I think so,” I nodded. “It’s time I made something of myself – and I want to start with an education.”
“Who knows? I might decide to enrol with you, too.”
“I’d love the company,” I smiled. “What are you thinking of studying?”
Lacey frowned. “I’ve always liked interior design… Maybe something in that field. What about you?”
“I looked through a few courses and there are so many choices,” I said. “I’m interested in literature, history, and photography. There’s graphic design, too, and-”
“Whoa there,” Lacey interrupted me, holding up her hands. “You can’t do it all.”
I laughed. “I know, but it’s fun to think about. I’ve never had options before.”
“I suppose you can thank Prince Charming for that.”
I smiled, thinking of my Cinderella key chain. “Prince Charming,” I repeated, mostly to myself. “Who would’ve thought?”
“Certainly not me,” Lacey said.
We looked at each other in disbelief for a moment and then I shook my head. “Come on, we’re getting sidetracked here. I need to find something to wear.”
“Right,” Lacey said, rooting around in my closet. “How about this one?”
She pulled out a form fitting nude sweater dress. “This is sexy.”
“Huh… I forgot I owned that dress,” I said.
I stripped down and put on the dress. It fit like a dream, hugging my body in all the right places. It was so tight that it accentuated the flatness of my tummy and the length of my legs.
“Geez, Brit,” Lacey whistled. “You look like a supermodel. How come you’ve never worn this dress before?”
I blushed. “I’ve never really had an occasion worth wearing it to,” I said. “But now I do.”
I brushed my h
air out, leaving it in lose waves around my head. Then I applied some mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow, giving my eyes a really smoky look. I kept the rest of my makeup simple, with neutral skin tones and nude lipstick. Adding black heels for contrast, I was ready to go.
“Okay,” Lacey said. “Danny sent me the address. Let’s go.”
The club was lively and vibrant. It had kind of an retro feel to it with disco lights and jukeboxes in the corner.
“There they are,” Lacey said, spotting the guys in one corner at a high table surrounded by bar stools.
“Hi,” Talen said, standing up as I approached. The expression in his eyes was a compliment in its own right as he gazed at me. “Wow…you look amazing. That dress is stunning on you.”
“Thank you,” I said, managing not to blush. “I found it in the back of my closet.”
He bent down and kissed me softly. “Can I get you a drink?” he asked.
“No,” I said. “No need.”
“No need?” Lacey asked, turning to me in shock.
“I don’t think I need a drink tonight, to be honest,” I said.
Danny and Lacey exchanged a glance. “Why?” Lacey demanded.
I shrugged. “It’s not a big deal,” I smiled. “Talen’s not drinking either.”
“That’s because Talen never drinks,” Ryan said, and it sounded like a complaint.
“You don’t have to do that, Brittany,” Talen insisted, placing his hand on the small of my back. “I’m perfectly comfortable being around alcohol. I just don’t feel the need to drink it anymore.”
“Neither do I,” I said. “I wouldn’t mind trying out a nice mocktail, though.”
Lacey looked at me as though I’d just told her I was giving up sex. I laughed, grabbed Talen’s hand, and dragged him over to the bar to get myself that mocktail.
“Drinks are on me today,” I said.
“No-”
“I insist,” I said, cutting him off. “You’re not going to win this one, Talen, so I suggest you drop it.”
He smiled and nodded.
I ordered us a tray of different mocktails so that we could try them all. When we got back to our table, it was to find that Lacey, Ryan and Danny had all moved to the dance floor. We could see them all from the table, dancing chaotically to the music. Lacey and Ryan were grinding against one another and Danny had scored a cute blonde dance partner.