Page 121 of Chasing Forever
Melvin waves off his question. “Nah, we’re good.”
“Sheriff? You want me to take him down to the station?”
Brooks looks at his brother, who is staring right at him, eyes full of anger. It still breaks my heart that they’ll never have a proper sibling relationship. At least not for a very long time. My suspicion is they never will. Maybe that’s okay because Brooks has my entire table as his family. My brother and sister are his siblings, along with my cousins.
I’m fortunate to have blood relatives, but blood doesn’t mean family.
“No. I’m sure Holden has to get back to Texas.”
“This is bullshit,” Holden says.
Moore walks over to him and reaches for his arm. “I’m going to escort you out. We can do it with you in handcuffs or not. Your decision.”
Holden shrugs his arm out of Moore’s hold. “You deserve each other,” he spits at us as he passes by.
“Ah, thanks. I think so too.” I kiss my husband gingerly, so I don’t hurt his busted lip.
My family starts picking up all the cups and tables, putting everything back together.
Afterward, I corner Brooks along the wall. “Take me home.”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
We say goodbye to my family, and with his arm around my shoulders, we walk out of The Hidden Cave, finally feeling free of the weight of any demons that could hurt us now.
Chapter Forty-Nine
Brooks
The next morning, I’m out in my barn, finishing up the guy’s truck because he’s coming to pick it up this evening.
I left Lottie in bed to sleep off last night.
I suppose what happened with Holden means I’ve severed my ties with all of my family members. My dad’s election will be held tomorrow, and from what I’ve heard, he’s going to lose. I’m not sure what my parents will do afterward, but I don’t really care.
Lottie is my family.
The Owens are my family.
As are the Noughtons and Ellises.
The only thing bothering me is my last name. Technically, it’s not mine. I have no idea what it should be.
Two arms wrap around my waist and a head falls to my back. “I don’t much care for waking up alone in bed.”
“You had Mack.” I circle around and give her a warm hug.
Lottie’s in my T-shirt with no pants on. One major plus about not living near anyone.
Mack sits down next to her, and we hold on to one another, breathing each other in.
“Are you okay?” She tips her head up to look at me.
I stare down at her and brush her morning hair out of her face. “I’m good.”
“You looked like you were thinking hard. You didn’t even hear me come up.” I shrug, and she straightens her head. “What is it?”
“Watson. I’m not really a Watson, you know?”
