The Mind Keepers (The Mind Readers)

by Lori Brighton

  “Singing group?” Looking horrified, he wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me close. “Don’t even think it.”

  Hiding her smile, Cameron made a quick exit toward the living room and Lewis. Yep, I’d changed. I didn’t even pull away when Maddox leaned down and kissed me in front of the entire room, a blatant public display of affection that before would have made me completely uneasy.

  “Ewww!” A group of boys complained as they rushed past us on their way toward the living room, practically knocking us over in their haste to escape our romantic cocoon.

  “Slow down!” Maddox growled.

  Ignoring his command, they surrounded Lewis and Cameron, telling them news of the week, each fighting for their attention. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Lewis and Cameron came to the island to help teach. Mondays and Wednesdays Maddox and I took over. Deborah also helped as much as she could, when she wasn’t on a date with a local fisherman she’d met two months ago, if you could believe that. Even Sierra had moved to the mainland to be with Cameron and Lewis. She’d become the kindly grandma the kids needed and the trusted adult that we deserved.

  As we moved into the living room, Maddox headed toward Lewis and the kids, each man stoically staying on his own side of the fireplace. They had an unspoken rule not to kill each other. But they were warming up, I could sense it. Or maybe it was just wishful thinking.

  “Any word?” Cameron asked as she and I settled on the sofa.

  Every visit she asked me the same thing. Maddox and Lewis had pulled a pile of board games from the shelf and were helping the kids set up for game night. Pizza was in the oven, sending the warm scent of baking dough through the house. Perfection.

  I shook my head. For six months now Aunt Lyndsey had been gone, although she sent the occasional postcard. Her last had been to tell us that she’d be returning soon. I had no idea why she left and imagined it was just because she wasn’t one for settling down. To be honest, her disappearance had hurt, although I’d tried not to take it personally.

  “Someone’s here,” Colin cried out, jumping up from the pile of cards he’d managed to spill all over the carpet while trying to do a magic trick to thrill Caroline, who was looking anything but impressed.

  Confused, Cameron glanced at me.

  “Expecting anyone?” she asked.

  I shook my head. Wary, we met Lewis and Maddox at the windows. A light snow was falling, the wind bitterly cold as it whipped the flurries through the yard in a white whirlwind. The black SUV that emerged from the storm reminded me only too much of the government vehicles used in Washington. Cameron glanced at me, the surprise no doubt mirrored in my own eyes. We didn’t get visitors…ever. But this was no government official. I knew who it was even before she stepped outside; I could feel her familiar energy.

  Startled, Cameron grabbed my hand. “Aunt Lyndsey is back.”

  I watched our aunt step from the car. Surprise, confusion, and a little bit of excitement rushed through me all at once…until I spotted the man in the passenger seat. “She’s not alone.”

  Cameron moved closer to the window. The car door opened, and the man stepped outside. He was tall and lean, his golden hair shockingly familiar. He paused for a moment, as if to get his bearings as he stared up at the house. Cameron’s gasp of surprise only confirmed his identity.

  Aaron had returned.

  Her grip grew tight around my hand, her gaze pinned to the window as if she didn’t dare look away for fear he’d disappear. I wanted to reach out and comfort her somehow, but I didn’t know what to say, what to do.

  I was more than relieved when Lewis rested his hand on her back. “Do you want me to tell him to leave?”

  She released my hand and leaned back against Lewis for support. “No. It’s his house, right?”

  I refocused on the car, frowning. So that’s what Aunt Lyndsey had been doing: forcing Cameron’s dad to return and be a father. It was a little too late for that. Everything had been going well. Cameron and I were actually close. Maddox was here. The kids were thriving. I sighed and turned away, pacing toward the fireplace. The children, sensing our unease, had gone silent and still. Sierra caught my eye and smiled comfortingly at me. But I wasn’t the one who needed reassurance.

  “Don’t worry,” I said as Maddox paused near me. “He won’t even think about throwing you out once I’ve told him all you’ve done for us. Aaron will understand why you did what you did.”

  At least, I hoped.

  “Hell,” Maddox muttered. “I don’t give a shit about Aaron. I’m worried about you. Frankly, I don’t care if this is his house, if you want him gone…”

  I shook my head. “He’s Cameron’s father; this is her decision.”

  Aaron had gone away in order to freaking “find himself” or some such crap. Why was he back now, ruining everything? I glanced at Cameron, who still stood frozen by the windows with Lewis. I realized a part of me was afraid she’d leave, that he would influence her in some way, and I’d lose her for good. Yeah, our family was odd, but it was still a family. My family.

  The front door opened, and the children looked toward the foyer, curious. We could hear the soft murmur of my aunt in the hallway as she talked to Aaron, probably reassuring him that we wouldn’t kill him. When they appeared in the doorway it was like a shock to the system. My aunt, who I wasn’t sure I’d ever see again. And Aaron—Cameron’s father—who was still the same man, yet somehow seemed different.

  “Hey,” my aunt said, shrugging off her coat. She smiled easily, as if everything was normal, when it was far, far from normal.

  Aaron glanced at me, then Cameron, where his gaze remained. He’d lost weight, and the scruff along his jaw and overly long hair only added to the differences. Instead of the wealthy businessman we knew, he looked like some scruffy-chic, debonair European traveler. I knew my mom’s death had affected him, but I hadn’t realized how much until now. Heck, even his energy felt different.

  Sierra rose from her chair and moved toward Aaron and Lyndsey. “So lovely to see you both.” She gave each of them a sincere hug and moved into the foyer, basically proclaiming that this was a family matter, and she wouldn’t intervene.

  “So,” I said. “You’re back.”

  He glanced my way. “If you’ll have me.”

  Maddox’s hand was warm and comforting on my lower back. I shrugged. “Your house.”

  “I won’t impose.”

  Cameron looked away, staring out the window.

  You okay? I mentally asked.

  Yeah.

  Want me to tell him to get the hell out?

  The corners of her mouth lifted briefly. We knew this day would come, didn’t we?

  I was sort of hoping he’d forget about us. Forget about his million dollar mansion.

  Okay, so yeah, silly dream.

  “I’ve rented a cottage on the mainland,” he said. “This is your home now. I won’t impose. And I won’t interfere with the school, either. From what I’ve heard, you’re doing a much better job than I could ever do with the children.”

  Very true. Still, Cameron didn’t look impressed with his speech. She was hurting. I could practically feel her pain. Frustrated, I couldn’t take it anymore. “What do you want?”

  “I want to be in your lives.” He wore jeans and a sweatshirt. I’d never seen him dressed so casually. Maybe he had changed. His gaze looked sincere. Heck, I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, but I needed something more than a pretty speech and a change in style.

  “Not just Cameron, but you, Nora. I loved your mother, and you are a part of her. You both remind me so much of Kat.”

  Anger, frustration, hurt, need…it all boiled from Cameron in a heated wave, making one thing clear: This man might be nothing to me, but he was Cameron’s dad. I didn’t have the right to say anything. I could only support my sister and whatever she decided. Knowing Cameron, I had a feeling I knew exactly what she would eventually decide. A year ago, her forgiving nature would have
annoyed me. Now, hell, I was just grateful she was in my life, and if she wanted Aaron in her life as well, so be it.

  “It’s time you had a responsible adult to rely on. Let me and your aunt be here for you.”

  I wanted to laugh, to tell him that we didn’t need anyone to take care of us. We weren’t kids anymore. For Cameron’s sake I remained quiet. She didn’t respond, just continued to stare out the window, Lewis’ arm resting comfortingly around her waist. Lewis, on the other hand, looked ready to kill Aaron.

  She didn’t need me to protect her. The tension I’d felt evaporated. But she did need this…the forgiveness. To believe in someone, to believe in a parent. Cameron was compassion itself, and she’d taught me to forgive.

  Come on, I sent the mental message. He’s practically crying. Give the man a break.

  Cameron swallowed hard. I can’t. She shifted her gaze to me. Can I?

  Okay, so she needed a little push and support. How about I give him the chance? That way you don’t have to decide just yet.

  She gave me a grateful smile, then taking Lewis’ hand, she turned and used the side door to flee the room. Aaron actually looked crestfallen. I almost felt sorry for him. Almost.

  “Stay for dinner?” I asked.

  My aunt winked at me. She knew I was trying, at least.

  Aaron actually sighed in relief, giving me a grateful nod. “I really meant what I said, Nora. I swear I’ve changed.”

  I gave him a tight smile in return. I might forgive, but I didn’t forget. Maybe he had changed, but he’d have to prove it. “Kids, show Aunt Lyndsey and Uncle Aaron to the dining room, will you?”

  The children dropped their game pieces and quietly led the way out of the living room. A few of the older ones remembered Aaron, and they didn’t exactly look happy to see him. I’d have to reassure them tonight that they weren’t going anywhere near their former basement residence. Maddox, Lewis, Cameron and I were in charge now and always would be.

  “You okay?” Maddox asked as the last child left the room.

  “Yeah, I’m fine.” I turned toward the fireplace, letting the warmth of the flames comfort me. “Just need a moment.” He stood quietly beside me, both of us lost in thought. I think I appreciated that most of all about Maddox, that we could be silent in each other’s company. There was no awkwardness. Never had been. I could be myself with Maddox, utterly and completely.

  He was staring moodily into the flames, those thick lashes making shadows on his sharp cheekbones. Aaron had tortured Maddox, and for that alone, it was hard for me to even look at him. But he had also been in my life for as long as I could remember. He had loved my mom, in his own screwed up way. “I can’t believe he’s actually here. Are you okay?”

  Maddox gave me that familiar grin. “It’s in the past.”

  I slid my arms around his waist and rested my head on his shoulder. Maddox never took anything personally. He understood that people changed, and he didn’t hold grudges, not even against the man who had tortured him. “Wish we could just stay here, but I suppose we should head to dinner.”

  After a few minutes, I forced myself to release him. But Maddox apparently wasn’t ready to let go and reached for my hand. “Wait.”

  I paused, confused. “I don’t think Cameron wants to be alone with…”

  He shook his head, dropping my hand. “No, it’s just that.” Frowning, he paced toward the sofa. “Hell, it wasn’t supposed to be…I was going to…”

  Confused, I crossed my arms over my chest, feeling suddenly uncomfortable. I wasn’t sure if I should be concerned or not. I’d never seen Maddox flustered. Charming, arrogant, sexy…yes, but never unsure. A sinking feeling of dread washed over me.

  “Just tell me,” I blurted out. “What’s wrong?”

  He spun around and lunged for me, grabbing my hand. “Come on. I want privacy.”

  “But, we…”

  I didn’t have time to explain that we were already alone. Maddox shoved open the French doors and pulled me out into the cold night. Immediately my lungs burned and my face stung, but I was too curious to complain about the chill weather. Was he bored here? Sick of being a teacher? A million explanations raced through my mind, and none were good.

  Winter had made everything quiet and secluded. It was beautiful, really, but we could have enjoyed it from the windows, inside the warm house. Maddox released my hand and closed the doors. Silence fell between us. For a long moment he just stood there, staring down at me as the snow swirled, whispering secrets across the slate patio. The warm light from the windows highlighted his body, making him practically glow, but I couldn’t see his features, and I so badly wanted to know what was bothering him.

  I swallowed hard, worried and chilled. “Maddox, what is it?”

  Slowly, he moved toward me, snow crunching under his heavy boots. “You know I love you.”

  I nodded, my worry growing. No guy started a sentence like that without something terrible coming afterward. “Yeah, I love you, too.”

  “I had wanted this to be romantic.” He shoved his hands into his jean pockets. “I was going to wait, but now with your aunt here, and you looked so sad.”

  Wait, what? Romantic? Sad? “Maddox, what…”

  There, in the snow, he dropped to one knee and held out his hand. A small velvet box lay nestled in his palm. I had a feeling that box didn’t hold earrings. My heart leapt into my throat, denying what I knew was true. “What the hell are you doing?”

  “Marry me.”

  Suddenly, I no longer felt the cold. Heck, I didn’t feel much of anything. My body, my mind, my heart had grown completely numb. I stumbled back a step. “Are you insane?”

  He didn’t grin. This was no charming, flirtatious Maddox. This man was sincere—completely and utterly serious. “We don’t have to get married right away. We can wait a year, two, hell, five. But I’m not going anywhere, Nora. We’re in this together.”

  “And that’s a reason to marry?” I said, feeling a bit hysterical. This could not be happening. It was like a scene from a romantic movie, and things like this just didn’t happen to me.

  “No.” Slowly, he stood. “Marry me because I love you. I’ve loved you since I first saw you pretending to be a nursing student, with your horrible bedside manner. I knew you we lying, and I still fell for you. Being here with you these last eight months has only supported what I realized long ago.” He took my hand. “You can push me away all you want, but I’m not going anywhere. Trust me, Nora. Trust us.”

  The warm pressure in my chest spread comfortingly through my body. A bubble of laughter slipped between my lips. A year ago, just the thought of an engagement would have left me feeling stifled, horrified even. “One big happy family, huh?”

  “Why not? Life is better with you, Nora. Finally, I feel free. I feel like there’s hope, there’s….” He swallowed hard, his features going soft as snowflakes peppered his hair and clung to his dark lashes. “Nora, unlike you I can’t read minds. I swear, if you don’t—”

  “Yes!” I threw myself at Maddox.

  He caught me easily, and together we collapsed into the snow. Without pause, I pressed my lips to his. Maddox was right. Love wasn’t stifling. Not true love. It was freeing. He flipped me over, the back of my neck exposed to the snow.

  I shrieked, laughing. “Seriously, you couldn’t have proposed on a beach in the Caribbean?”

  “You don’t mean it.” He grinned down at me and took my hand, sliding the ring over my finger. It fit perfectly, a diamond star that had landed on my hand, just for me. “This is your home. You love it here.”

  I sighed, wrapping my arms around his neck. “You’re right. This is home, and there is nowhere I’d rather be than here with you…and our fifteen kids.”

  There, in the cold, we kissed, completely heedless of the snow melting underneath us. I’d always wanted a family. When I was a child, I’d dreamt that my father would repent and rejoin us, and we could have the Norman Rockwell painting kind of
life. It hadn’t happened the way I’d expected, but frankly I was glad. For we were a family in our weird, screwed up kind of way. More importantly, I had love…true, selfless love. No matter what happened, we had each other, and I knew without a doubt we were going to be alright.

  “And,” he whispered. “They lived happily ever after.”

  I grinned, pulling him close. “You read my mind.”

  The End

  The Mind Readers might be over, but make sure to check out Lori’s new series, Make Me a Match! Read the first two chapters below!

  Make Me a Match

  Lori Brighton

  Chapter 1

  Emma

  “Come on. Make your move, you jerk.”

  Three freaking weeks. For three freaking weeks I’d been watching him. Three freaking weeks I’d been forced to shadow his every dull move…spying on some pathetic loser’s life in order to get that one photo opportunity that would pay next month’s rent.

  It had never bothered me before. Why, now, did I feel so frustrated?

  I sighed and lowered the camera. Spying was way less fun than it was portrayed on television, especially when it revolved around watching from the shrubbery while middle-aged perverts tried to pick up women half their age. No cloaks and daggers for me. No running for my life through narrow European alleys. Certainly no mysterious hot men coming to my rescue.

  “Emma! Emma! I have the telephoto lens.” Lizzie’s voice carried easily across the parking lot, no doubt drawing the attention of the numerous patrons who were enjoying the outside deck…including the man we were spying on.

  Glaring over my shoulder, I pressed my finger to my lips. “What part of incognito don’t you understand?”

  My sister frowned, tottering as she climbed over the curb and stepped into the pea gravel that surrounded the lilacs and azaleas. She handed me the lens. “Sorry. Sheesh, you’re in a mood.”

  I ignored her comment, having more important things to worry about than her overly sensitive thin skin. A deck with tables took advantage of the lake view while Bob Marley played on outdoor speakers. Our target was currently reclining in a bamboo-framed chair, bobbing his head in time to the music, but his gaze, oh yes, his gaze remained focused on the bar.