Page 272 of Steamy Ever After

“Seriously though, we’re closed. It was deader than dead, so your dad and I made an executive decision to stop worrying from so far away and drive over here.”

Peyton shook her head but was still smiling. Brodie couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“Your love is showing,” Alex whispered.

“Good. I hope she can see it.”

“Oh yeah, impossible to miss.”

“Hey, Brodie,” Naughton called over to him. “Mad wants to know if he should come get us.”

Brodie couldn’t leave. He’d made a promise to Finn.

“Actually, he’ll leave the truck, and we’ll fly ol’ Betty home,” his brother added.

“Better idea. Thanks, Naught.”

Brodie sat next to Peyton.

“Betty?” she asked.

“It’s what Naught named the helicopter.”

He leaned forward, closer to Jamison. “How are you doin’, big guy? Is there anything you need? Hungry? I don’t know how good hospital food is, but I saw a vending machine with candy bars.”

Jamison looked up at his mom.

“Go ahead, and thanks,” she mouthed to Brodie.

“My mom is still upstairs. We should probably say hello.”

“Oh.” Peyton gasped. “I’m so sorry. I forgot she was here. Go. We’ll be fine. I can take Jamison to get a candy bar.”

“Stop. I’ll take care of the vending machine purchases. Then you and I will zip upstairs and see my ma.”

“Brodie—”

“Please, Peyton. Naught told her we were here and what was going on. She’s worried about you. A couple of minutes are all it will take to ease her mind. It isn’t good for her to worry about anything right now.”

“I’m sorry. Of course we can go say hello to your mother.”

Brodie returned with several candy bars and some chips. He and Jamison went around the waiting room, offering food to their family and friends. Naughton came in a few seconds later, carrying water bottles.

He approached Peyton first. “Figured you’d skin me if I offered your boy soda, so it’s water for everybody.”

Brodie watched Peyton interact with his brother. It was such a shame Kade hadn’t brought her around more. She fit with them, and it was obvious Naught adored her.

She caught him looking and smiled. “Ready?” she asked.

Brodie nodded. “We’re gonna go see Ma. If you’re not here when I’m done, tell Mad I owe him.” He looked over at Alex, and since she was hanging on his every word, he winked and said, “Hey, Alex. Your love is showing.”

Alex laughed. “Shut up, Brodie.”

Jamison approached Alex and held out his hand.

“What?”

“Shut up is a bad word. You owe me a buck.”

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