Page 64 of Reclaimed

“He’s been injured. Mom didn’t say how, just that it’s pretty bad.” Sutton locks his eyes on hers and a silent conversation passes between them.

Cortney slowly sinks back into her chair. “Let us know when you find out.”

“We will. Sorry to cut this short.” Sutton doesn’t even bother to uphold the prior dynamic. He’s all business. “See you guys later.”

Silas bids his farewell and follows after his older brother.

“Who’s Spencer?” I ask Aiden as conversation slowly resumes around the table.

“He’s Sutton and Silas’s brother.”

“They have another brother?”

Aiden pushes my hair off the back of my neck. His gaze fixates on the motion. “Mhm. Middle brother.”

“He didn’t join the police force like his brothers?”

A crooked smile stretches across his face. “Giving back wasn’t really ever Spencer’s thing.”

“Why haven’t I ever seen him?”

“He’s older. Younger than Lee and Sutton. He graduated with Cortney. Actually, as soon as they graduated, he took off. As far as I know, he hasn’t been back since. Not even for a holiday.”

“Oh. That explains that, I guess. Not that I know everyone in town. You and I didn’t cross paths all that much except when I spent time with Juniper.”

“Shy kid, remember?”

I roll my eyes and fiddle with the button at the top of his button down. “I still don’t see it.”

His lips touch my temple. “That just means I hide it well.”

17

Aiden

“Lucy!Bennett! Why don’t you see who’s at the door?”

The little blonde races toward my front entryway with her brother hot on her heels. I wave at Jack through the half-circle window he’s peeking through, sure he can hear the little footsteps headed his way.

She uses both hands to twist the knob and stick her head out. “Daddy!”

“Hey, Luce.” Each arm snags a child and he scoops them up for a quick hug. “Did you have fun with Uncle Aiden?”

Whitney slowly walks in behind Jack, gripping her stomach.

“Mommy! Can we get a cat, Mommy?” Bennett asks, bypassing Jack. The little ones spent the afternoon waving lasers and stringy toys for Chevy. I brought him back home with me temporarily to give him a dose of his normal surroundings, and he made a lasting impression on Bennett.

“You’re supposed to wait in the car,” Jack gently reprimands his wife, taking her hand and leading her to my sofa. She groans as she sits down.

“Momma, can we get a cat?” Bennett tries again.

“Can I get you anything?” I ask.

“A water would be great. They refused me anything in case I was actually in labor. Thanks again for watching them.”

“I’ll get it.” Jack hustles to my kitchen.

I kneel down and catch Bennett before he can crawl on top of Whitney. “Be gentle with your mom, kiddo. The baby’s making her tired.”

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