Page 276 of Steamy Ever After

“It’s okay,” Brodie whispered.

When he let go, Peyton led 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.” Honestly, he was more worried he was the one who would be.

“There he is.” Maddox stood when Brodie entered his mom’s room. “How’s the little guy?”

“Good. Hey, Ma.” Brodie knelt down and kissed her cheek. “They’re saying he can go home this afternoon.”

“That makes two of us.”

“They’re filling out her paperwork now. We’ll be able to go home in an hour,” his dad added.

“Blessed Father.” Sorcha put her hands together and raised her head to 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 SUV 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?” said his mother.

If she’d let him, that was his plan. “Yes, Ma.”

He waited until they brought the wheelchair, then followed his brother and parents 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.”

“I was worried you weren’t coming back,” Finn whined when Brodie returned.

“Finn Becker, mind your manners,” Peyton scolded. “Brodie has other responsibilities.” She was standing near the window, but took a few steps in his direction. “How’s your mom?”

“On her way to Los Cab, I’m happy to report.”

“Oh, if you need to leave, it’s okay.”

“If I do, who will give you a ride?”

“My parents?—”

“Peyton, please, let me take you home.”

“We’ve wasted so much of your time already.”

He turned to face Peyton, motioning for her to come closer. “If you don’t want me here, you’re going to have to say so. Otherwise, there is nowhere else I need, or want, to be.”

They both glanced at Finn. “We want you here, Brodie. We just don’t want to be a burden,” said Peyton.

Brodie turned his attention to her son. “How was breakfast, kiddo?”

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