“What’s wrong?”
She pulled him closer to her and wiggled her finger for him to lean down. When he did, she covered his lips with hers. She was between him and the wall, and leaned back against it. Brodie leaned down further, kissing her back. Her hands went to his arms and she held tight. Brodie looked into her eyes. “Was that part of my thanks?”
“No, Brodie. That was just because I wanted to kiss you.” She pressed the button for the elevator. “What floor?”
“You gotta give me a sec, baby. After that kiss, I don’t remember my own name.”
She slipped in the elevator door. When it closed behind him and they were the only two inside, he pushed her against the back wall. Brodie leaned into her, and plundered her mouth with his.
He pulled back. “Peyton?”
“Don’t ask questions, Brodie. For now, please just kiss me.”
“Gladly.”
She pulled back from him and smiled. “Remember yet?”
“Remember what?”
“What floor your mother’s on?”
As much as he wanted to stay alone with her in the elevator, they had to get upstairs to see his mother, and then back to the waiting room in case there was word about Finn. “Six,” he grumbled.
13
Brodie’s mom was filled with questions about how Finn was doing. She even offered to come downstairs with them to wait while he was in surgery.
“You’re just angling for someone to sneak you outta here, Ma,” Brodie teased her. He promised to come back up later, give her an update on Finn, and tuck her into bed.
His mother beamed at him, and smiled at Peyton. “He’s a good one.”
When Brodie told her they had to get back downstairs, she wiggled her finger at Peyton.
“Come here, sweetheart.”
Mrs. Butler took her hand and held it tight. “You let my boy take care of you. You need him, Peyton.”
Peyton nodded her head. Brodie stepped forward, but his mother told him to go wait in the hall.
Even with her back to him, Peyton could feel his discomfort. “It’s okay,” she told him.
“Sit down for a minute.” she pointed to the chair next to her bed.
“Mrs. Butler—”
“Call me Sorcha, sweetheart.” She patted Peyton’s hand. “There have been many times I wished we knew you better, but now I see why we didn’t. You weren’t ready to become a part of our family then, it wasn’t right. But now, you are.”
“I don’t know what to say, this is all so—”
“Just let it happen, Peyton. Kade wants this for you both.”
Peyton’s eyes filled with tears. “It seems wrong,” she whispered.
“Wrong? Love is never wrong, lass. Sometimes we love the wrong person at the wrong time, but it isn’t ever the love itself. It’s the timing.”
Brodie was pacing when Peyton came out into the hallway. He came over and took her hand. “I’m sorry about my ma.”
“Don’t be. She’s very sweet.”
“And a meddler.”
“She cares about you.”
“You, too.”
“She comforted me, Brodie.”
“You look as though you’ve been crying.”
“Haven’t I been all day?” She laughed. “This time was different. They were good tears.”
“Ready to go back downstairs?”
“Yes, I should. Listen, Brodie, you don’t have to stay. My parents will, and I doubt Alex will leave either.”
“I promised Finn that I’d stay with you, and I won’t break it, no matter what you say.” He smiled.
“Okay, but—”
“I’m staying.”
Peyton laughed. “You’re pretty bossy sometimes.”
“Sometimes? Always, sweetheart. It’s part of what makes me so lovable.”
As ironic as it was, Peyton agreed, it did make him lovable, and sexy as all get out.
Peyton’s parents took Jamison home after Finn was out of the surgical recovery room, and in a room on the pediatric floor of the hospital. Since it was customary for parents to stay overnight, the room had two recliners, making for relatively comfortable sleeping.
When she tried again to tell Brodie he could leave, he reminded her that he said he was staying, and he meant it.
“But Finn’s out of surgery now. We’ll be fine.”
He didn’t answer. He’d inherited his father’s scowl, and knew how to use it. He only wished he could be closer to her, hold her, comfort her. The recliners were good sized, but certainly not big enough for two. He moved them closer together, so he could reach over and hold her hand until she fell asleep.
Brodie dozed off and on, but the slightest noise woke him. The nurses came and checked on Finn several times, and while they tried to be as quiet as possible, he stirred whenever they came in the room.
Finn slept soundly through the night, but Peyton was restless. She talked in her sleep, and while Brodie couldn’t decipher her words, it was obvious her dreams were troubling. Around three in the morning, she sat straight up and looked around the room. “Kade?”
“No, sweetheart. I’m here, what do you need?”
“Brodie?”
“Yes?”
She rested in the recliner, and went back to sleep. He wondered if she’d remember it later.
The doctor came in before seven, checked Finn over, asked what he wanted for breakfast, and then asked if Peyton could meet him in the hall.
“I’ll wait here,” Brodie offered.
“Would you mind joining us? Would it be okay with you, Finn?”
Finn nodded so Brodie followed Peyton.
“He’s doing well enough that I think he can go home after lunch. I want to see how he tolerates food after going under anesthesia,” the doctor told Peyton, who thanked him before he went over to the nurses station to update Finn’s chart.
“What a relief. He’ll feel better in his own bed, and honestly, so will I.”
“You were dreaming last night. Do you remember what about?”
“Same thing I always dream about, Brodie.” She sighed. “Although my dreams have been different in the last few days.”
“How so?”
“I used to dream about Kade.”
“And now?”
“I dream about you more.”
“Based on how restless you were last night, I don’t know whether that’s good or bad.”
“I dreamt about both of you last night.”
“Do you want to tell me about it?”
“I think so, but not right now. Okay?”
“Of course.”
“Mom, I’m starving, and I want to go home.”
“You sound like my ma.” Brodie laughed. “She’s upstairs and she wants to go home too.”
“Did she break her leg?”
“It was a little more complicated. She had a problem with her heart, although she didn’t have surgery like you did.”
He should probably go upstairs and check on her, as much as he didn’t want to leave Peyton’s side. If Finn went home this afternoon, he’d have to anyway, and then there was no telling when she might want to see him again.
“It’s okay, Brodie. Go see her, we’ll be fine.”
Brodie went to Finn’s bedside, and tousled his hair. “I shouldn’t be gone too long. Take care of your mom, okay?”
When Finn smiled and nodded, Brodie knelt down and kissed his forehead. Finn’s arms went around Brodie’s neck and he held on.
“Finn,” Peyton began.
“It’s okay,” Brodie whispered.
When Finn let go, Peyton walked Brodie out of the room.
“I’m sorry if I’m getting too…I don’t know…familiar, Peyton.”
“I don’t want him to get hurt.”
“I understand,” he said, but as Brodie walked away, he was more worried that he was the one who was going to get hurt, not Finn.
“There he is.” Maddox stood when Brodie walked into
his mom’s room. “How’s the little guy?”
“He’s good. Hey, Ma,” Brodie knelt down and kissed her cheek. “They’re saying he can go home this afternoon.”
“That makes two of us.”
Brodie looked at his father, who nodded.
“They’re filling out her paperwork now, so my guess is an hour or so and we’ll be able to go home.”
“Blessed Father,” Sorcha put her hands together and looked at the ceiling.
“The nurses are probably thanking the Holy Father more than you, Ma.”
“Mind your tongue, Maddox Butler. I can still tweak your ear.”
“Is the Suburban still here?” Brodie wanted to be the one to take Peyton and Finn home. That way, he’d be able to spend a few more hours with her.
“Left it yesterday. Da and I drove down to get Ma.”
“You take care of Peyton, Brodie. Are you understanding me?”
If she’d let him, that was his plan. “Yes, Ma.”
He waited until they brought the wheelchair, and then walked with his brother and father down to the hospital entrance.
“We’ll see you when we see you.” His mother waved from the open window of his father’s car. “Remember what I said.”
“Yes, Ma.” He smiled and waved. Once the car pulled away, Brodie went back up to Finn’s room.
“I was worried you weren’t coming back,” Finn whined when Brodie walked in.
“Finn Becker, you mind your manners,” Peyton scolded. “Brodie has other responsibilities.” She was standing near the window, but walked over to him. “How’s your mom?”
“On her way home, I’m happy to report.”
“Oh, if you need to leave, it’s okay.”
“And if I leave, how will Finn get home?” He smiled.
“My parents—”
“Peyton, please let me take you and Finn home.”
He looked sad, as though he expected she’d walk away from him, or push him away like she had before. “We’ve taken so much of your time already.”
He turned his back to Finn, and motioned for her to come closer. “If you don’t want me here, you’re going to have to say so directly. Otherwise, there is nowhere else I need, or want, to be.”
Peyton looked over at Finn, whose hopeful look mirrored Brodie’s. “We want you here, Brodie. We just don’t want to be a burden.”
“How was breakfast, kiddo?” Brodie turned his attention to Finn.
“It was great, I had eggs, bacon, pancakes, and orange juice.”
Brodie groaned at the same time Peyton did. “I’m starving,” he muttered. “Did you get anything?”
“Not yet. I haven’t wanted to leave.”
“Hey, Finn-man, will you be okay if I go get your mom and me some breakfast?”
Peyton knew immediately that Finn wanted to ask Brodie not to leave, but was proud of him when he nodded his head.
“What would you like?”
“Anything will be fine, thanks.”
“I think I know your taste in breakfast foods,” he whispered.
“Mmm hmm.” She smiled.
Peyton got Finn settled in his bed at home. “Are you sure there’s nothing else I can get you, sweetie?”
“No, Mom. I’ve got a hundred books, Jamie’s phone to play games on, and I had two milkshakes.”
“Okay, but I’m just down the hall if you change your mind.”
Finn rolled his eyes at her, which made her laugh. “You crack me up, kiddo.”
“Same.” He sounded so much like Jamison. God really did bless her when he gave her these two boys to raise. She couldn’t ask for better, more thoughtful, caring, loving young men.
Before going back out to the living room, Peyton slipped into her bedroom and looked in the bathroom mirror. The last couple days showed on her face. So many highs and lows, she was a little nauseous. She splashed cold water on her face, and then gave her cheeks a little pinch, although Brodie wouldn’t care how she looked. He wasn’t stingy with his compliments, whether it was how good of a mom she was, or how he loved to see her smile, or how good he said she smelled.
“I didn’t remember how red your mom’s hair is,” she said walking back out to the kitchen.
“It’s natural—she wants everyone to know it, too.”
“Can I get you anything? Glass of wine?” She opened the refrigerator. “I have a couple bottles of beer in here, if you’d prefer.”
“Peyton, I’m fine. Come and sit down.” Brodie patted the cushion next to him on the couch. “You’ve had a long day.” When she walked over, he pulled her down in front of him, and rubbed her shoulders.
“God, that feels good,” she moaned. His hands moved to her neck, and continued kneading her tired muscles, then to her hair. She was almost asleep when he stopped.
“Come on, let’s get you to bed.” He tugged at her hand to help her stand up.
“Brodie, the boys—”
“Peyton, I’m going to tuck you in, and then I’m going to say goodnight.”
“Oh.”
“Sweetheart, you’re killing me. Don’t pout. You stick that lower lip out and I’m a goner. I’m a goner anyway when I’m with you. Listen, I know it’s not right for me to stay with your boys here. I get that. Okay?”
“Okay. Thanks for understanding, Brodie.”
“I’ll call you in the morning, okay? Stave is closed, right?”
How did he know just exactly what she needed from him? “Yes, I’ll be able to stay home with Finn tomorrow. Oh, wait. Crap. Jamison.”
“What about Jamison?”
“I need to take him to school. I can’t ask Alex, she’s really not a morning person. Or my parents. They took him this morning. Maybe I’ll just let him stay home with us tomorrow.” A friend whose son was Jamison’s age, dropped him off this afternoon, but it was too late now to call and ask if she could pick him up in the morning.
“There’s another solution, Peyton.”
“No, Brodie. I can’t ask you to do it either. He has to be there at seven-thirty. By the time you got home, you’d have to turn around and come back.”
He pushed her toward the bedroom. “Go get in bed.” As they walked by the hall closet, he opened the door.
“Extra pillows, extra blankets. I’m good.”
“Brodie?”
“I’m going to crash out right over there,” he pointed back to the sofa in the living room. “Tomorrow morning, I’ll take Jamison to school, and then, if there isn’t anything else I can do for you, I’ll give you some space.”
She was so tired, and it would be so easy to let him, but she couldn’t. Could she? “I can’t. You can’t. You haven’t slept in a proper bed—”
“Let me do this, sweetheart. Why make it so hard on yourself when the solution is so easy?”
“Okay, but Brodie?”
“Yeah, Peyton?”
“I can’t remember what I was going to say.”
“Then say goodnight, and go get into bed. I’ll see you in the morning.” He nudged her into the room, and she let him.
He heard her up in the middle of the night, and then he heard Finn, crying. He shot off the couch and rushed down the hallway. He looked inside Finn’s room, and saw Peyton, sitting on Finn’s bed, rocking him back and forth.
“Shh,” she murmured as she rocked. “Shh.”
Lullaby, and good night, in the skies stars are bright.
May the moon’s silvery beams bring you sweet dreams.
Close your eyes now and rest, may these hours be blessed.
‘Til the sky’s bright with dawn, when you wake with a yawn.
Brodie could stand outside Finn’s door and listen to her sing to her son all night long, but he was intruding on a private moment between her and Finn.
He walked back to the living room and sat on the couch. He was about to lie down when Peyton walked down the hall. He sat back up. “Everything okay?”
“He has some pain, but he’s back to sleep now
. I hope we didn’t wake you. I mean, obviously we did. I’m sorry.”
“Stop it. Come sit down for a minute.”
“Will you rub my shoulders again?”
“Do you want me to?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Come here, baby.” He sat with his back to the end of the couch, and brought her down between his legs. “Lean back, sweetheart.” He started with her neck. Earlier he kneaded her sore muscles. Now she needed to relax enough to fall back to sleep. He kept his stroke feathery as he hummed the lullaby he heard her sing to Finn. Moments later Peyton’s head fell back against his shoulder, she was sound asleep.
Brodie eased back as gently as he could, and propped a pillow behind his head. With Peyton wrapped in his arms, he let his heavy eyelids close.
14
“Mom, wake up. Mom…” Jamison was shaking her arm. Peyton opened her eyes and realized she’d fallen asleep on the couch with Brodie, who woke up too.
“Hey, sweetie,” she said, climbing off the couch. “Is everything okay?”
“I have to leave now, Mom.”
Peyton looked her son up and down, realized he was dressed, and looked at the clock on the stove in the kitchen. It was 7:15, and Jamison was right, they needed to leave if he was going to get to school on time.
“Come on, partner.” Brodie put his arm around Jamison’s shoulders. “I’ll give you a lift.”
Peyton watched as Brodie stepped into his boots, grabbed his jacket and opened the front door. Jamison came over and kissed her goodbye, and then walked out.
“I’ll be right back.” Brodie closed the front door behind them.
The scene was so familial. Was it because Brodie reminded the boys of Kade, or were they just comfortable around him already? Jamie hadn’t seemed bothered that she was essentially sleeping in Brodie’s arms when he woke her. Both he and Brodie acted as though this was an average morning at home.
Peyton went into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee before checking on Finn, who was still sound asleep. Even Finn assumed Brodie would stay with them at the hospital, and then when they came home yesterday, he made sure Brodie was staying for dinner. He did more than stay, he made dinner while Peyton fussed over her little boy.
The Promise (Butler Ranch Book 1) Page 14