Page 54 of Unbreak My Heart

He closed his eyes and blew out a shaky breath, then felt the calming sensation of a strong hand gripping his nape. He relaxed into it, knowing his brother was there for him, no matter what.

“I’m here, Si. If you ever need me. I’m always here.”

Simon nodded as best he could. “I know,” he repeated quietly.

The happy giggle of a baby close by caught his attention and opened his eyes, pulling him from the spiral he refused to let take him down, yet again. He’d cross that particular bridge if and when it became necessary. It didn’t mean he couldn’t think about it in the meantime, regardless of how much he wanted to avoid the topic.

Millie stood from her chair on the other side of Max and faced them. “I’m heading for the bathroom. Can you take Juliet?” Millie asked Max. Simon sat up a little and rubbed his palms on his jeans. It was time.

“I can take her.”

He looked between his oldest brother and best friend, and his wife, both their faces showing the same stunned expression.

“I understand if you don’t—”

“No!” they both burst out at the same time.

Millie moved around and stood beside him. Juliet squirmed and jiggled when she saw Simon looking at her, her high-pitched squeal making his ears ring.

“Are you sure?” Millie asked, nervous anticipation washing over her face in waves.

Simon sent her what he hoped was a confident smile. “Yes.”

One word. That was all he needed to say. That was all they needed to hear.

Millie held the squirming one-year-old out to him and he took her, his hands trembling slightly. She was walking around furniture now, but couldn’t quite do it by herself, yet. Julietsquealed again, her face erupting with huge smiles as her sock-covered feet landed on Simon’s thigh and she bounced in place, her hands clamping to his face, her eyes wide and expressive, as if drinking in his features.

“Hey, Juliet. It’s nice to finally meet you properly.”

A strange sound brought Simon’s eyes up to those of his brother and he was surprised to see the shine of tears glinting there.

“Max? You okay?”

“Yeah.” Max nodded. He breathed deeply. “Yeah, I’m good.”

Chapter Fifteen

June

Simon couldn’t keepthe grin off his face as he handed Max the scissors that would cut the giant bright-red ribbon, complete with a gaudy bow, that currently hung across the front double doors of the new Spotted Cow.

Gabe stood just behind them, a fancy folder in his hands and a strangely suspicious smile tweaking his face.

Focusing on Max, he ignored his younger brother.

Gabe could be all mysterious and weird in his own time. He had people to serve.

Well, he would when Max finally opened the damned door, that is.

The Cow was fully stocked and ready to go. He hadn’t been allowed inside yet; only Max had gone into the kitchen, behind the bar, and into the storeroom to make sure all the stock had arrived and been put away in its proper places. Anyone else had been on a strictno-go.

Honestly, Max had been so damned cagey about it all. It didn’t make sense. Unless he was being superstitious, which didn’t really wash.

Max took the scissors and his massive grin in Simon’s direction made his own leak all over his face. They’d waited for this for so long. So much heartache, so many sleepless nights.

And now it was here.

Max motioned with his head to the wide ribbon beside the bow. “Cut it with me.”

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