Page 53 of Sworn to Protect

“Whoa, this is the coolest gift.” Liam turns to face me, all smiles and bright eyes, surrounded by torn wrapping paper and birthdaycards stuffed with money. “I have tickets to see the San Jose Earthquakes! Thanks, Nate.”

“You’re welcome. We’ll have to study what the big leaguers do.” Nate winks as Liam practically glows.

“There’s one more gift,” he adds, reaching behind the couch for a hidden box.

“There’s more?” Liam’s excitement crackles in the air.

“Yep. I needed you to open that one first.”

Liam rips into the package, and his jaw drops when he pulls out a Golden Strikers jersey. “Sweet! Does this mean I’m going to be on the team?”

“It sure does. Think you’re up for the challenge?”

“Yes!”

I whip my head to Nate. He wouldn’t tell me what he got him, and now I see why. The suspense was worth the wait. My throat tightens as emotion rises. The admission price for the traveling team had been too steep, and I made Liam promise not to tell Nate.

“That’s too much.” I shake my head, barely containing my emotions.

Nate’s gaze locks with mine, steady and unflinching. “Nothing is too much for you guys.”

Heat rushes up my neck. I reach down and squeeze his hand, and when he laces our fingers together, something in my chest squeezes tight.

“What are you going to do with all of your loot?” Stan asks as he settles into his recliner. He’s making great strides in his recovery. If not for his cane, no one would know he had surgery.

“I’m going to save it for a house.”

My stomach clenches. “A house?” Mom asks.

“Yeah, I want one big enough to have my own space.”

He doesn’t mean it as a dig, but it still lands like one. I’d known Liam wasn’t thrilled about sharing a room, but I didn’t think he hated it that much. A tight ache settles in my chest.

“I think you’ll need a lot more of those greenbacks.” Nate chuckles.

“Yeah, someday when I’m a big soccer star, I’ll have tons of money. Then I can buy Mom a huge house.”

A lump rises in my throat. He meansfor me. “Oh, that’s nice, sweetie.” My voice wobbles, but I force a smile. “Does that mean you plan on living with me forever?”

“Where else would I go? I have everything I want right there.”

My breath shudders out, and I try to blink the burn from my eyes. Maybe I’m not doing so awful at this after all.

“Maybe I should start making it more disciplined. I hate you getting too comfy.”

“What’s disciplined mean?” Nick asks.

“Stricter rules, which you boys definitely don’t need.” Jordan rolls his eyes. “Are you ready for my gift? You need to come out to the porch for it.”

My stomach knots.He better not have done what I think he did.

Liam bolts for the door with Nick on his heels.

My feet feel heavy as I stand. Nate’s hand skims the small of my back, his voice low in my ear. “Are you all right?”

“I honestly don’t know.” Mom sighs. A silent plea for me to stay calm. But I’m too far past calm for that.

Jordan skips down the steps and ducks around the side of the house.

---