Page 271 of Steamy Ever After

“I’m not going anywhere. You got it? Nowhere. I’ll stay right with her and help her not worry so much.”

“That’d be good. Thanks, Brodie.”

Peyton opened the curtain and joined them. “All set.” She took Finn’s hand. “You ready for this, kiddo? I know you’ll be brave, and before you know it, you’ll wake up and you won’t remember a thing.”

“I’m ready, Mom. Oh, and, Mom? Brodie is going to stay with you. And he’s not going anywhere, right, Brodie?”

“That’s right, buddy.” Brodie leaned over and kissed Finn’s forehead. “I’ll take care of her while they take care of you.”

“Thanks, Brodie.”

Peyton leaned over and kissed Finn, too, and hugged him as best she could. When he tried to sit up, she bent down farther so he wouldn’t try to move too much. She was such a good mother.

The orderly wheeled Finn away while Peyton stood in the hallway, wiping away her tears.

“Come here.” Brodie wrapped his arms around her, and Peyton’s head fell against his shoulder.

“You were so good with him, Brodie. I really don’t know how to thank you.”

He had some ideas, starting with her letting him be a part of their lives, but that was something they’d talk about later.

When they returned to the waiting room, Jamison, Peyton’s mom, and Alex came running toward her. Jamison landed first, wrapping his arms around his mother’s waist. Her mom and Alex hugged Peyton at the same time, standing over Jamison.

“They just took him into surgery,” she told them, then knelt down and looked into her son’s eyes. “His leg is broken in a couple of places, and they need to operate so it heals properly. Do you have any questions?”

“How long will it take?”

“Maybe a couple of hours. Do you want to wait at the house with Grandma?”

“Can I stay?”

“Of course you can, sweetheart.”

Peyton took his hand and led him over to a chair. She sat next to him and cuddled him closer to her.

“I was so scared,” Brodie heard him say.

“So was I,” she answered.

“She’s something, isn’t she?” Alex whispered to Brodie. “She’s a great mom. Almost makes me not want children. I think I’d have a hard time measuring up.”

“You’ll be a great mom too, Alex.” Brodie put his arm around her.

Peyton’s father walked in, went straight to his wife, and put his arm around her. “How’s Finn?”

“He’s in surgery.” She led her husband a short distance away, and the two spoke quietly.

A few minutes later, Mr. Wolf knelt down and talked to Peyton and Jamison. She rested her head on her father’s shoulder and whispered something Brodie couldn’t hear.

Then Mr. Wolf stood and approached him. “I understand you saved the day. Thank you, son.” He did the same with Naughton.

“Who’s at Stave?” Peyton asked Alex, who laughed.

“We’re closed. Out of business, in fact. It all went to hell with you gone. Sorry, Peyton. I did my best.”

Peyton grinned. “Stop it.”

It was great to see her smile.