Page 151 of It's Always Us

“They’ve got a hell of a setup,” Rob says, and I think he might be skipping his way to the parking lot. “You might have just scored yourself a deal here, kid.” He slaps me on the back.

“I told you. I’m not signing any deals until I know Lex and Bree are coming with me.”

Rob’s forward motion halts, and Shane’s large hands move to his hips.

“They won’t wait around for you to button up your personal life,” Rob states, but he’s treading lightly. “You heard what they said. They have every intention of making it to the end this season. You’re key in getting them there, but they’ll want to get started yesterday.”

I run a hand through my hair. My previous high tanking back to reality.

“Rob, I have two babies that could be born any day. My sister is now my responsibility, no matter what any papers say. She can’t leave the state without Lex and I obtaining permanent guardianship.”

Rob rubs his jaw, and Shane looms with his usual stoic stance. He can’t say a word when he would do the same damn thing every day of the week if it were Maggie and the kids.

“What will it take to get things moving?”

I widen my stance, crossing my arms over my chest. “Time. I’ve talked to a lawyer. It will never move fast enough.”

He nods, looking defeated. “Well, I’ll be in touch, but I’m going to be honest. This feels like I’m spending a hell of a lot of time and energy chasing a deal for nothing.”

I bristle, and Shane must see it because he finally breaks his silence.

“Mark, you need to get back and talk with the social worker to see what can be done.”

I already know the answer to that, and so does he, but rehashing it won’t help things right now.

“Boys, I’ve got a plane to catch, but Mark . . . ” He pauses for a second, looking at me like he’s unsure what to say. “I’ll let you know if I hear something.”

I nod as he climbs in his rental, and I’m left with Shane, who I know has something to say now that we’re alone.

I toss my duffle in the back of his truck next to my suitcase, waiting for his words of wisdom.

“Come on. Let me hear it. Whatever you’ve been holding back.”

He starts the truck, his head turning toward me, and I ignore his gaze. “You’re too damn good to quit.”

He lets it hang there, and I want to punch something.

“But I’d do the same thing, and I’d never look back.” He puts the truck in drive. “I’m proud of you. I know you’re facing a shit ton of pain and suffering that might feel like a beating all over again.” He turns out of the parking lot. “I’m damn proud to call you my brother.”

I stare out the window, willing the growing itch in my throat to settle the hell down.

Silence lingers as he navigates us toward the airport, but eventually, he cuts in. “I wouldn’t mind having you as a neighbor. Then we just need to get Sean here so we can survive all these kids.” I allow only a moment to think about what that would be like, but then tear it down. “Shit, man. You’re going to have two.”

A smile tugs at my lips, knowing no matter what happens, I’m the luckiest man there ever was.

Chapter 49

LEX

Mark pushes out the door, holding it for me. His hand slips into mine. It’s hot and a bit sweaty. I’m certain it’s from him clenching his fist for the last thirty minutes.

It’s been a week, but Linda’s court appearance was quick and to the point when her appointed lawyer had difficulty contesting the charges. Her years of sobriety couldn’t erase her former convictions, and she was sentenced to ten years with a possibility of parole.

We walk to the truck in silence, and he opens my door, helping me in. I sit for a second, letting the Braxton Hicks contraction do its thing. They’re coming more frequently anytime I have to do any amount of walking.

I’d take another contraction over the big, fat reminder that our request for permanent guardianship will be a long, drawn-out process. Mark’s evaluation was approved, and we are now joint guardians, but it wasn’t the celebratory news we hoped for.

“These things don’t happen overnight,” were the social worker’s exact words. As Mark circles the truck and climbs in, I know he’s trying to reel himself back from the past while watching his career come to an end.

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