Brody

by Cheryl Douglas

  “I can’t believe Ryker didn’t tell me about this,” Mac said as she dove into the box of cinnamon rolls. “I’m going to kill him for holding out on me.”

  “It’s not his fault,” Jaci said, claiming one of the sweet treats for herself. “Nex hasn’t told the guys yet.”

  “Why not?” I asked, reaching for a paper napkin from the stack they’d brought. “Those guys tell each other everything.”

  “Well, we’re not technically out of the danger zone yet. Besides, you guys just announced your engagement and the big move. We wanted to let the excitement from that die down before we dropped our little bombshell. But me and my big mouth… I just couldn’t wait.”

  “Are you kidding?” I said. “I’m glad you told us. It gives us one more reason to celebrate.”

  “Speaking of,” Mac said, looking around the spacious kitchen, “are you going to give us a tour of your beautiful new home, or what?”

  “Of course.”

  I led them out of the kitchen and through the first floor. When I heard the front door open and close, followed by Brody’s booming voice, I was showing the girls the last of the four bedrooms.

  “Up here,” I called, leaning over the banister. “Are your brothers here yet?”

  “Yeah, they’re outside,” Brody said, rolling his eyes. “Supervising the movers.”

  I laughed. That sounded like them. “We’ll be down in just a minute.”

  “Take your time, I’m gonna head back out for a sec. I just wanted to let you know we were here in case you need anything.”

  Jaci grabbed my wrist before I could lead the way back down the stairs. “Do you think Nex is going to be mad that I told you guys before he could tell his brothers?”

  Mac put her arm around her sister-in-law, smiling. “How could he be mad that the woman he loves is so excited about having his baby that she couldn’t wait to share it with family?”

  “I’m not family,” Skylar reminded them.

  I caught Sky’s eye and sensed some uncharacteristic sadness. I hadn’t known Skylar as long as Mac or even Jaci, but she typically wore her heart on her sleeve and wasn’t difficult to read.

  “Is everything okay between you and Seb?” Jaci asked, obviously getting the same vibe I was.

  “This isn’t the time or place to have this conversation,” she said, shaking her head. “With all the good news floating around, I refuse to be the bearer of bad news.”

  My stomach plummeted. Oh my God, if Skylar was planning to break up with Seb, it would crush him. I reached for her hand. “Sky, tell us what’s going on. Please.”

  Lowering her head as she gripped the railing, she said, “Last night I told Seb the lease was almost up on my uncle’s apartment. He won’t be needing it anymore, since he’s getting married.” When we all looked at her expectantly, she finally added, “He suggested I hang on to it… just in case things don’t work out between us.”

  Mac and Jaci gasped, prompting me to give them the stink eye over Skylar’s shoulder.

  “Honey,” I said, squeezing her hand, “we all know how Seb feels about you. He’s crazy about you. Is it possible you misunderstood?”

  “No,” she said, looking glum. “I wasn’t even sure I should come today, but I wanted to be here to support you and Brody.”

  “I appreciate that.” I put my arm around her as I led her down the stairs. “So where did you and Seb leave things?”

  “I went home last night. It was the first time in weeks I haven’t slept with him…” She sniffed. “And I hated it, but I’ll guess I’ll have to get used to it, right?”

  “Please don’t tell me you’re thinking about breaking up with him just because—”

  “He already has one foot out the door, Riley. What am I supposed to do, stick around until he decides he’s done with me?” Raising her chin defiantly, she said, “Not gonna happen, sorry. I still have my pride.”

  “But—”

  The guys chose that moment to lead the movers inside, and Skylar excused herself, claiming she needed to use the restroom. Brody talked the movers into bringing in his toys first so the guys could help set up his man cave. But before Seb could sneak away, I grabbed his arm and led him out to the backyard.

  Admiring the pool and professionally landscaped yard, Seb said, “This a sweet setup, Ri. I’m sure you guys are going to love living here.”

  “Yeah, thanks. I’m sure we will too.”

  I was rehearsing how I wanted to broach the delicate subject when Seb asked, “Is there something on your mind?”

  “Um, yeah, there kind of is.”

  “So go ahead. You know by now there’s nothing you can’t say to me. We’ve known each other a long time.”

  I curled my hand around his forearm, hoping he understood that I was only butting in because I loved him and wanted him to be happy. “You can tell me to mind my own business, but I’m worried about you.”

  “What are you talking about?” he asked, frowning.

  “Have you really thought this through? I mean, what your life will be like without Skylar? I’ve never seen you happier than you are with her. Are you sure you’re ready to throw that away just because you’re scared to take your relationship to the next level?”

  He gripped my upper arms, the color draining from his face. “What the hell are you talking about? Did Skylar say something to you about breaking up with me?”

  “Well yeah, but only because—”

  “She’s breaking up with me?” His voice was weak as he stumbled back a step. “How can she do that? She said she loves me.”

  The last time I’d seen Seb look this broken was at his mother’s funeral, and I immediately regretted opening my big mouth. As much as I loved them both, I should have let them work this out on their own.

  Seb was gripping the iron railing skirting the deck, his head bowed, when I touched his back. “She does love you. But she doesn’t want to be with someone who feels he needs an insurance policy in case the relationship doesn’t work out.”

  “I don’t want that,” he said, his voice raspy. “I thought she did.”

  “What do you mean?” I was praying this was just some silly misunderstanding they could work out with a brief conversation.

  “I made space for her in the closet and bathroom, but she keeps living out of an overnight bag. I gave her a key, and she hasn’t used it. Not once.”

  That didn’t make sense. “But she’s been spending a lot of time at your place, hasn’t she?”

  “Yeah, but it’s like she’s afraid to make it official or something.” He stood upright. “When I suggested she hang on to the apartment, I wanted her to tell me she didn’t need it, that she was ready to move in with me. Instead she’s going to break up with me?” He tipped his head back. “I don’t believe this. What am I supposed to do now?”

  I stepped into his line of vision and gripped his shoulders. “I don’t believe for a second that she wants to break up with you. I think she feels she has to because you’re having second thoughts about the relationship.”

  “That couldn’t be further from the truth.”

  “Don’t tell me.” I pointed at the door. “Go in there and tell her.”

  “You’re right. This is bullshit. I’m in love with her. I can’t let her break up with me.”

  I walked into the house after him, not at all surprised when he gripped Skylar’s shoulders in front of his family.

  “Here’s the deal,” he said. “You can’t leave me. I won’t let you.”

  Skylar glanced at me while all of his brothers looked on in shock. “Seb, I don’t think this is the time or place for this conversation.”

  “I don’t give a goddamn who hears this,” he said, sounding panicked. “You’re not breaking up with me, so just get that idea out of your head right now.”

  Skylar crossed her arms, clearly defensive. “And I won’t be with someone who insists on assuming the worst.”

  “Is that what you think I’m doing?�
� he asked, dropping his hands. “God, Skylar, haven’t you heard a goddamn word I’ve said to you over the past year? I love you. I want to be with you. Forever.”

  Her eyes watered as she searched his face for answers. “But what about the apartment? You said—”

  “I know what I said. I wanted you to tell me that you didn’t need it because you were ready to start a life with me. Officially.”

  “I am ready for that,” she said, resting her hands on his chest. “I’ve been ready for that for months.”

  “Then why didn’t you move any of your stuff in or use the key I gave you?” he asked.

  “Because you said your ex-girlfriend was trying to pressure you into living with her and you weren’t ready. I didn’t want to do the same thing.”

  He rolled his eyes before pulling her into his arms. “You are crazy, girl. You can’t compare what I had with anyone else to what I have with you. There is no comparison. You’re it for me.”

  Awww. I smiled, along with everyone else in the room, glad that I was here to witness this even though I felt like a bit of a voyeur.

  “You’re it for me too,” she whispered, holding him. “I’m sorry I led you to believe I wasn’t as committed to this relationship as you are. I am, I swear.”

  “Prove it to me,” he said, his lips hovering above hers. “Move in with me. Officially.”

  “Yes,” she whispered, laughing against his lips.

  His rowdy brothers all hooted and hollered.

  “Are you crying?” Ryker teased Jaci. “You’re such a sap.”

  “Shut up,” she said, sniffling as she smacked his shoulder. “It’s not my fault. It’s pre—” She clamped her hand over her mouth and locked eyes with her husband, who was standing across the room.

  Closing in on her with a wide grin, Nex asked Jaci, “Should we tell them?”

  Looking embarrassed, her eyes circled the room and landed on Mac, Skylar, and me. “I kind of already told the girls. I’m sorry. I was just so excited, I couldn’t keep it to myself another minute. Are you mad at me?”

  Nex framed her face with his hands and kissed her soundly. “How could I be?”

  If this continued, I was going to be crying, and I definitely couldn’t blame it on pregnancy hormones… yet.

  Brody came up behind me, his arms circling my waist as he whispered in my ear, “This day just keeps getting better and better, doesn’t it?”

  I nodded, biting my lip as I fought back tears while I waited for Nex and Jaci to share their big news with the people who loved them most.

  Nex turned to face his brothers as he slipped an arm around his wife’s waist. “So you’ve probably figured it out by now…” He paused for dramatic effect. “We’re going to have a baby.”

  The whoops were deafening as the five brothers swarmed the happy couple, offering their congratulations. Mac, Skylar, and I stood on the periphery, all of us fighting tears as we let them have their moment.

  “Well, I’ll be damned,” Ryker said. “Another Steele. Think there’s any chance it’ll be a girl this time?”

  We all looked at each other and laughed before a resounding “No” echoed throughout the room.

  Brody dragged me into his arms and kissed me. “I hope you don’t mind sharing this day with my crazy family.”

  “Our crazy family,” I corrected. There was no one I would rather share my life with than these people.

  About the Author

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  Other Books by Cheryl Douglas

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  Nashville Nights Next Generation

  High Stakes

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  Holiday Homecoming

  Game On

  Burn Out

  Fast Track

  Time Out

  Face Value

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  Starting Over (Single Title)

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  Stone Cold

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  Cheap Shot

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