Page 14 of Broad Shoulders

“Sorry, buddy,” I tell him. “You’ve gotta wait until you’re six months old for solid food.”

Alana raises an eyebrow. “You know when babies start solids?”

I just smile. “What can I say? I’ve been doing my homework.”

“Look at you,” Alana says, shaking her head. “Baby expert in the making.”

By the time we finish dinner, Kai’s eyelids are drooping. His head bobs against my chest as he fights to stay awake.

“I think someone’s ready for bed,” I say, standing carefully. “Come on, buddy. Let’s get you tucked in.”

Alana follows me down the hallway to Kai’s nursery. I push the door open to reveal the room I’ve spent the most time on—soft blue walls, a sturdy crib with a mobile hanging above it, a comfortable rocking chair in the corner, a bookshelf filled with books.

Alana hangs back in the doorway as I lay Kai in his crib, tucking a light blanket around him. He stirs briefly, then settles, falling easily into sleep. I step back, baby monitor in hand, and close the door softly behind me.

Alana and I stand in the hallway, face to face. In the dim light, her eyes seem to shine.

“You’re really good with him,” she says softly.

I smile. “Has your mother been convinced of that yet?”

Alana winces. “I’m sorry she’s been so hard on you. She’s just protective of us. She’ll come around eventually. It’s going to take time.”

“However much time she needs, that’s how much she needs,” I say with a shrug. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Something shifts in the air between us. Alana’s gaze drops to my mouth, and for a moment, I think she might lean in. My heart speeds up, pounding like a fucking jackhammer. But then she looks away, her eyes landing on the blank wall beside us.

“For such a furnished house, there’s an odd lack of art on these walls,” she says.

“Yeah, I know. I’ve never been great at picking out art. I was hoping maybe you could help me with that.”

She takes a moment to mull it over. “How about a giant velvet painting of Elvis? Or maybe one of those posters where the eyes follow you around the room?”

I laugh. “I knew you had good taste.”

“Or how about a life-size portrait of you in your Stallions uniform?”

“Now you’re talking. One in every room.” I nod my chin toward the kitchen. “Want a beer or something?”

“Absolutely.”

Back in the kitchen, I pull two beers from the fridge and lead her out to the lanai. The night air is warm, carrying the scent of plumeria. We lean against the railing, looking out at thedarkened outline of mountains against the star-filled sky. The baby monitor sits between us, capturing Kai’s soft breathing.

“This place is perfect, Jackson,” Alana says, taking a sip of her beer. “When are you going to let Kai and me move in?”

I know she’s joking, but the question nearly knocks the air from my lungs. The truth is I’d help them pack tonight if she was serious. Instead, I keep my tone light. “Depends. How much rent are you offering?”

She scoffs, playfully shoving my shoulder. “Jerk.”

I clutch my chest, stumbling backward dramatically. “Ow. Watch it with those muscles.”

Alana rolls her eyes. “Oh, please. You’re built like a brick wall.”

“Hey, you’re pretty sturdy yourself for someone so short.” I set my beer down and place my elbow on the railing. “Come on. Let’s settle this. Arm wrestling. Right now.”

“Are you serious?” She laughs but sets her beer down and takes my hand.

“On three.”

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