Page 121 of Waves of Fury

Kellen

Once I successfully turn the dials on the combination padlock that’s never changed all these years, I unlatch the gate and then drive through, a sense of peace washing over me. Tyler was right. No matter what happens here this morning, I’ll still have him. I’ll still have our group of friends and his brothers. We have people who we can live with in Goodland. Not all hope is lost.

Uncle Mason and Aunt Beth’s farmhouse comes into view. So many fond memories came from our visits here. It was the country living part I loved without all the stressful hard work that came with living on Dad’s ranch. I’d always wished Dad would relax like Uncle Mason and live life rather than try to control its every move.

A man carrying a shotgun comes into view. Beside him is a woman with a ball cap that says “toxic positivity,” whatever that means. Both of them are tense as I drive the vehicle right up to the house, parking in the same spot Dad used to.

The man with the strong build and wide shoulders is the same one I held in my arms when I was just twelve years old. I’d marveled at the tiny little thing that had an impressive set of lungs as it wailed. When I’d spoken to him and said, “Nice to meet you, little brother,” he stopped crying and looked at me with wide, curious eyes. Right then, in the hospital near our house, I fell in love with the little guy. I whispered a vow to protect him forever and always.

Somewhere along the way, I forgot that vow.

Slowly, so as not to get myself shot, I climb out of the car. Recognition burns bright in Knox’s eyes and he gapes at me in wonder.

Not fury.

Not disgust.

Wondrous pleasure.

“Hey, little brother.” I yank the big guy to me, hugging him so tight I’m sure I’ll crack a rib or two. Thankfully, he’s as solid as an ox.

Knox doesn’t respond, just holds me tight, his entire body tense. I’m flooded with fond memories of our shared childhood and the bond we formed.

“I knew I’d find you,” I rasp out, though it’s a lie.

“I’m so glad you did.” His voice is deep and gravelly, reminding me of Dad’s, but there’s still a hint of the vulnerable kid lurking beneath. My kid brother.

I was filled with complete doubt I’d ever see him again until this moment.

But I did find him. We found each other.

“Where’s Dad?” I ask, pulling away to look at my brother.

His features pinch and he shakes his head. Dad’s not here. I’m sure I’ll get the full story later, but the unspoken words are: he didn’t make it. I expect to feel relief, but I only feel sadness. Despite his cruelty and controlling nature, he was still my father.

“I’m sorry,” I murmur and mean it. I glance up at the farmhouse. “Uncle Mason and Aunt Beth?”

He steps back and hands the rifle to the woman, who watches me curiously. “He died a while back. Cancer. Dad never told us.”

I wince at his words. Uncle Mason was the father I always craved to have. “Okay, wow. That sucks.”

The woman cocks her head to the side as she studies me. Still, Knox doesn’t introduce us.

“Aunt Beth is here. She’s still in her room. Harper is too.”

Finally, Miss Toxic Positivity steps forward and offers me her hand. “I’m Ava. Harper joined us recently. We’re looking after her.”

Knox’s cheeks slightly redden and the sappy grin that curls his lips up makes me chuckle. She’s more than just Ava. She’s his woman. From what I can tell, she’s fierce, protective, and beyond gorgeous.

“Didn’t know they made such beautiful women in Texas,” I say to Knox. “What’s more impressive is you found one to couple up with.”

Knox snorts, relaxing with the banter. “She had no choice. Lack of options.”

She rolls her eyes as though we’re the most annoying men on the planet, which makes us both laugh. Then she skirts her gaze over to Tyler, who’s quietly exited the car. “And you are?”

Before he can answer, I beam Tyler’s way. “Tyler’s my boyfriend. We’re in love.”

It’s probably shocking for my brother to hear and quite frankly it’s shocking that I blurted it out, but it’s the truth. I don’t want to hide who I am. I want to shout it from the rooftops.

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