Page 321 of Steamy Ever After

Peyton felt the emotion of the day weighing on her, something Brodie picked up on when he met her near the front door.

“What would you like to do, sweetheart? Go upstairs and rest?”

“I’d rather go home, Brodie. Can we, please?”

“I’d prefer it too, Peyton, but I think we should talk about how this is going to work. I’ll need to stay with you.”

“I don’t care what anyone thinks, Brodie. I’ve spent too much time worrying about it. I just want to go home.”

“You got it.”

BRODIE

Brodie went upstairs with Peyton and found Alex already packing her stuff.

“I need to grab what’s in the bathroom, and you’ll be set to go.”

“Thanks, Alex. I’m so tired,” Peyton told her.

“I know you are. You’ll feel much better, sleeping in your own bed. Plus, no stairs at your place. That’ll be better too.”

“Brodie, can you ask the boys?—”

Alex held up a hand. “The boys have plans tonight.”

“They do?”

“Yep. Slumber party with Uncle Maddox and Aunt Alex.”

Peyton and Brodie both raised their eyebrows.

“We’ll talk about that tomorrow. You need to get our girl home,” Alex said to Brodie. “We’ll bring the boys over tomorrow afternoon, and I’ll call you in the morning.”

Peyton sat on the bed.

“I’ll bring all this down. You get her in the car,” said Alex.

Rather than wait for further direction, Brodie picked Peyton up and carried her down the stairs. When they got to the bottom, she wriggled.

“Put me down, Brodie. I’m heavy.”

He ignored her and held her still. “I need to get my girl home. We’ll see all of you soon,” he said once they were downstairs.

“You’re making too much of this,” Peyton said, but when she rested her head on his shoulder, he knew he was right about how exhausted she was.

Alex closed the door after Brodie helped Peyton inside the car, and rested her arm on the bottom of the open window. “You’re in good hands, or I wouldn’t let you leave,” she teased before her eyes filled with tears. “I’m so happy for you both.”

“Thanks, Alex.” Peyton rested against the seat and closed her eyes.

“Get her home, Brode.” Alex stepped away from the truck and into Maddox, who wrapped his arms around her waist. They both waved as Brodie drove off.

“What else can I get you?”

“Seriously, Brodie, nothing. I’ve already told you that ten times.” Peyton patted the mattress. “Would you please get in bed?”

When he rubbed his neck, Peyton threw a pillow at him. “I’m done sleeping without you next to me, Brodie. Get. In. Bed!”

“Are you sure it’s okay?”

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