Page 90 of Shattered

Cash’s response is immediate, fierce. “You have nothing to apologize for. I just want my brother back.”

My eyes shift to Bray, who offers a soft smile. He’s the reason for this reunion—the bridge that led me back to where I belong.

“I’m back.”

Brayden’s gaze locks onto mine, wide-eyed, as we stand in the kitchen. Cash, busy giving Rylee a tour of the house “I know I failed to miss out that Jace’s dad, my brother, is now getting married to Rylee. It’s a story for another day, I think.”

Brayden smirks, his lips curving. Just then, Rylee appears around the corner, her presence like a sunbeam breaking through the clouds. Pregnancy suits her; she practically glows. And Cash? Well, he’s all over her. If he’s not holding her hand, his fingers trace patterns over her bump, weave through herhair, or rub her back. It’s only been twenty minutes, and I can already predict how hands on he’ll be.

Rylee remains blissfully ignorant of what’s coming. But I know. I know she’ll eventually seek refuge with me, escaping Cash’s overbearing ways. And honestly, I can’t wait to steal my nephew. Watching them, I ache for Brayden, even though he stands right beside me.

I grab his arm, pulling him close, and press my lips to his. He pulls back, cheeks flushed, chewing on his bottom lip. My eyes shift to Rylee, who beams at us, caught in the moment between me and Bray. Cash smirks, raising an eyebrow my way. Pulling back, I sling my arm over Brayden’s shoulder.

“I’d like to officially introduce you both to Brayden Quake Anders, my boyfriend.”

Fuck, it feels good to say that.

Rylee’s joy vibrates through the kitchen as she squeals and darts around the island, leaping into Brayden’s arms. “It’s so good to meet you, Brayden,” she says, her voice warm. Her eyes lock onto his, and then she glances at me, her expression filled with approval. “Boy, did you do good.”

Cash, being Cash, rises from his seat in an instant, pulling Rylee away from Brayden. His raised eyebrow speaks volumes. “Do you want to repeat that?” he challenges.

Rylee backpedals, her cheeks flushing. “Best not,” she murmurs, casting a smirk Brayden’s way.

Brayden, the silent observer, chuckles softly. His gaze flits to me, and I lean in, whispering, “Hey, are you OK?”

He nods, a bright smile curving his lips. “Yeah,” he replies. “It’s just nice seeing a happy family, that’s all.”

“Get used to it,” I assure him. “You haven’t met my sister yet.”

Rylee interjects, her excitement contagious. “Oh, Bridget is going to love you,” she exclaims. “She’s currently in the Bahamas for work, but I promised her juicy details. Brayden, come sit,we’re Face Timing one of the best women you’ll ever meet.” With that, she drags a wide-eyed Brayden over to the couch, phone in hand, ready to connect him to Bridget.

Cash’s gaze fixates on Rylee’s hand as it clings to Brayden’s arm.

“He’s one hundred percent gay, Cash,” I sigh.

“He fucking best be,” Cash grunts, his jaw set. His eyes shift to mine, assessing. “So, a boy, huh?” His smirk dances at the corner of his lips.

“A man,” I counter, my heart fluttering. Cash’s grin widens as he glances back at Rylee. She hovers over Brayden, her joy palpable. And there, in the background, Bridget’s smile beams through the phone screen. I can almost hear her laughter.

“You look happy, Boh. Really happy,” Cash observes, his tone both teasing and genuine.

“Honestly,” I confess, “I don’t think I’ve ever felt this happy. I don’t know how he does it.”

Cash’s next words cut through the joy. “I hate to be the one to drag you back to reality.”

“But you’re going to,” I retort, rolling my eyes.

“What about teaching?” Cash’s voice lowers. “What if you get fired? No other schools will touch you. You’ll be blacklisted.”

“I know, Cash. Trust me, I know.” I lean against the countertop, my palms pressing into the cool surface. “Teaching wasn’t a dream—it was an escape.”

“Do you love him?” Cash’s question hangs heavy in the air.

“More than anything,” I reply, my voice unwavering. “I’ll marry him, Cash. Mark my words, I’ll have a ring on that finger within the next two years. Although I’m going to try for one sooner.”

“Jesus Christ,” Cash mutters, rubbing his hand down his face. “And Rylee thinks I’m bad?” He shakes his head, chuckling, then glances at Brayden and back at me.

“Then you need to choose,” Cash says, his tone serious. “It’s Brayden, or the teaching.”

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