Page 76 of That One Heartbreak

Thank God for Addy. He was pretty much in love with that kid. The same way he felt about all of Kate’s kids.

The same way he felt about their mom.

“You should invite them over next Sunday,” his mom said. “I’d love to cook dinner for them. They’re such lovely kids.”

He looked at Pres for help. But his twin was just grinning at him.

“I’m busy next week,” Marley said.

“Doing what?” Hendrix asked. “Watching paint dry?”

“It’s more interesting than watching you,” Marley said.

Hendrix lifted a brow. Then he launched himself at his brother, knocking him off the chair.

His brother liked to play fight. Probably because it was the first time in his life that Hendrix was the same size as Pres and Marley. And all those hours on the farm were making him strong, so it was hard to fight him off.

Growing up, they had every advantage over him and they weren’t afraid to use it.

But now he had surprise on his side. And for a moment Marley lay beneath him, wounded, while his mom shouted out admonishments and Pres just laughed loudly.

“Fuck’s sake,” Marley muttered. Because he wasn’t in the mood for this. He tried to push Hendrix off him, but damn, the kid was like a ten ton weight.

“Get off me, you ass,” Marley grunted.

“Not until you admit you and Kate Connelly are a thing,” Hendrix taunted.

“I’m not admitting jack to you.” Marley grabbed his brother by his upper arms, then lifted his legs in an attempt to throw him off, but Hendrix pushed down on him, laughing.

“Admit it, then I’ll let you go,” Hendrix panted.

“Fuck you,” Marley growled.

“Let him go,” their dad said firmly. “What are you all, five?”

“I’m just trying to teach him not to tell lies, Dad,” Hendrix called out, barely breathless. “Like you taught me.”

“I didn’t teach you by fighting,” their dad muttered.

With a low grunt, Marley managed to dislodge his brother, twisting his body around so Hendrix’s back was against the floor and Marley was above him, his knees on his thighs, his hands holding down his arms.

Hendrix started to laugh. “Fuck, you’re pissed at me. I’m sorry.”

Marley let him go, slowly moving off him.

“It’s okay. Ignore me. I’m just tired,” he muttered. He let Hendrix get up, and the two of them walked back to the patio table where the rest of the family were sitting, as though they weren’t grown men who’d just rolled around fighting in the grass.

His mom lifted a brow. “Are you three going to still be fighting when you’re drawing your pensions?” she asked them.

“I didn’t do anything,” Pres pointed out. “I’m your good boy, Mommy.”

Everybody started laughing. And Hendrix slapped his back. Marley punched his arm in return, because that’s how they showed love.

Hey, how’s it going? I just finished at the station and am heading over to my parent’s for lunch. I miss you. And your kisses. – Marley

His message had arrived two hours ago. And she hadn’t answered it. She’d made every excuse to herself. She was busy with the kids. She needed to be alone when she replied. She’d do it tonight.

But the truth was, she was scared. She felt guilty and sick.

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