Page 41 of Clean Out of Luck

I bought a ring the next week and have kept it in this drawer ever since. I’ve worn it once—the first day I saw Scarlett’s apartment.

Slipping the ring on my right hand, I finally find a comfortable fit on my middle finger. It feels strange having something around my finger.

After I slip on my watch, I pull out my phone and text Carson. I haven’t talked to him since the night I babysat the kids.

WADE

Have you been helping with the baby?

CARSON

We’re trading every other night now. It’s like she’s a different person.

WADE

The baby or your wife?

CARSON

Ashlyn. She seems happier. Who knew?

WADE

I did. Mom would have told you the same thing if you’d asked her.

I love my little brother, but sometimes he gets so focused on his own life, he forgets to look up at the other people in his world who might need his help.

CARSON

You’re always annoyingly right. I guess I just didn’t realize how tired Ashlyn was. We had a good talk on that date. It was the first uninterrupted conversation we’ve had in a long time—thanks to you. I really am trying to figure out this dad and husband thing. And I’ll get better at it.

WADE

I know you will. Just make sure you figure it out while your wife still likes you.

With our parents traveling a lot when we were growing up, we often stayed with our grandparents who live here in Serendipity Springs. They are fantastic grandparents but rather lackadaisical babysitters. I spent a lot of time trying to keep my brother out of trouble. It was another reason I like spending so much time at the Fernsbys’ house. Carson would play with Scarlett, and Mrs. Fernsby was a responsible adult who kept him alive. She usually got home from the courthouse late afternoon and fed us all dinner, making sure we stuck around and actually got our homework done. Looking back, I’m not sure how she did it. She worked a high-stressjob, then came home and not only loved her children but managed to give me a childhood as well.

Having to look out for my brother has given me a sense of protectiveness that has followed me into adulthood. Unfortunately, I don’t know anything about being a husband, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see Ashlyn needs support.

CARSON

You’re a pain in the butt, but I love you.

WADE

Love you too, brother.

By the time I finish at the courthouse, it’s almost noon. When I leave, I find Jack standing in the hallway, waiting for me.

He testified today on the same case as me, earlier in the lineup than I was, and since they bring in the witnesses one by one, we weren’t allowed to see each other beforehand.

A few other people are standing in the hall. A woman with a large pink purse I’m pretty sure is hiding a small animal. An ear pops out of the bag, confirming my suspicions—it looks like a dog.

A few police officers stand gathered around one man wearing handcuffs. I spot Kevin Wilson, one of the police officers I know. He smiles and lifts a hand in greeting. I wave back.

“I’ll see you at racquetball tomorrow night!” he calls down the hall.

I laugh. “Make sure you stretch this time.”

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