Page 34 of Bren

He’s quiet for a minute before he continues, “Proud of you, Alec, and I’m beyond happy for you. She’s a good woman and you’re a good man. I’m glad that you didn’t let who we come from ruin that for you.”

Clearing my throat at the emotion that clogs it at his words, “Thank you, Cash. If it wasn’t for you, I’d still be in the dark. I’m not sure if I can ever repay you for setting me straight.”

“You’re welcome, it’s what brothers do, isn’t it? We give each other shit, but we are always there for each other no matter what. Love you, little brother. You take care now, and we’ll chat again soon.”

“You’re right, it is what brothers do. Love you all too; give the kids and Lizzie a hug from me. Chat soon.”

We end our call on those words, but I don’t go back in just yet; I need a minute to pull myself together. Today has been a lot, and I realise that Cash was right about brothers always being there. I’d taken some of mine for granted for a long time. It wasn’t a mistake I’d make again.

“You okay, son?” Gunny asks, coming to stand next to me, shoulder to shoulder, supporting me like he’d done almost all my life.

Turning towards him, I smile. “Yeah, Dad, I’m good, just chatting with Cash.”

Gunny wraps his hand around my neck and shakes me slightly, like he used to do when I was younger. His way of showing affection to a boy who had no idea how to reciprocate, “We’re entering a whole new era now, lad. Proud of you.”

“Thank you, Dad,” I say, hugging him and taking him by surprise. Chuckling, he slaps my back a few times before letting me go, “Come on, lad, I’ll buy you a beer. Your mum has Bren pumping; we’ll take Lexi for the night and give you two a break.”

The two of us walk back into the chaos of the clubhouse, my eyes automatically searching for Bren. Relaxing slightly when I find her holding Lexi and sitting with Mum and Abby on the couch. She gives me a smile and waves me towards the bar where Sam is holding out a beer for me to take.

It’s a good night, spent with the brotherhood and the women who make us all stronger.

Then later that night, I get to worship the woman who made me a man and showed me that I was good enough to be loved.

Chapter 18

BREN

Who’d have thought being an Old Lady and getting engaged would make such a difference to our relationship. As soon as his ring was on my finger and his name on my back, Alec relaxed and became more confident in our relationship. Until that moment, I hadn’t realised he’d even been worried about it.

For me, I still couldn’t believe that after all this time we’d made it past the rough and were moving forward.

“What’s happening today then?” Ellie wants to know as I park in front of Crow Garage. We were only here long enough to drop Lexi off with Bev, and then Ellie and I are going to the factory. It was so good to be able to go about our business without first having to check who could shadow us.

Switching the engine off before I reply, “We’ll be at the factory most of the day. We have the test results coming in for that new face cream, and I want to check on the production team to make sure that everything is running smoothly for the new client we’ve just signed on. They’re using all our products in their spas, and as they are nationwide, I want to make sure that it all goes off without a hitch.”

“When you started this business, did you ever think it would get this big?” Ellie asks.

Shaking my head, I open my door and step out, “Nope, but I’m happy that it is and that I get to work with my little sister.”

I’m just about to close my door so that I can get Lexi out of her car seat when Ellie calls my name, “Bren?” Something in her voice has my attention. “What’s wrong?” I demand.

Ellie starts to laugh, “Nothing, I just wanted to say thanks.”

Frowning in puzzlement, I ask, “For what?”

“For looking after me since the day I was born, for always having my back, and for being the best big sister a girl could want. I know if it wasn’t for you, Ben, and the sacrifices you made, I’d have a much worse life, and I’m not sure that I’ve ever really thanked either of you for loving me the way you both do.”

“Oh Ellie,” my voice cracks slightly, “you never have to thank me for that; our lives are much better for having you in them. I love you, little sister.”

Ellie smiles at me, and I’m shocked at how grown-up she looks now. Like most, I guess I’m guilty of forgetting that she’s an adult and no longer needs me to look after her, but as I’ve done that all my life, it’s hard to switch off.

“Love you back, Bren. Now, Alec is standing at the doors with his arms folded and scowling,” she chuckles. “Go give him your daughter and get your kiss so we can get on with the day.”

Turning my head slightly, I look over my shoulder and see Alec standing exactly as she described. A smile breaks free, and I blow him a kiss that he pretends to catch, making me want to swoon. Who’d have thought that Alec could be so sweet. Opening up the back door of my car to get Lexi out, I unclip her seat and am about to take her out when a familiar arm wraps around my waist, moving me gently out of the way.

“I’ll grab her, baby; you get the diaper bag,” Alec rumbles in my ear, goosebumps erupt on my arms, and I shiver slightly. He chuckles and presses a kiss to my cheek before scooting me out of the way to pick up our daughter, greeting Ellie as he leans in, “Hey, Ells, you doing good?”

“I am, Alec, thanks. Looking forward to getting back to work at the factory today.”

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