Page 61 of Night of the Living Manny
Brenden closed his eyes as well, terrified of what came next.
“I’ve got you. Seriously. I’ve got all of you.”
“Do you? Promise?” It popped out, even though he didn’t want to be needy.
“I swear to God.”
“Okay.” He clung to Liam for long moments. They decided to let go at the same time, as if they both knew the world was crashing in.
“I guess we should put pants on, huh?” Liam didn’t sound like he wanted to.
“Yeah.” He wanted to suggest they hide, but he heard footsteps on the landing. Susanna, he thought.
“One day this will be over.”
“Soon, I hope.” He kissed Liam’s chin. “I’ll be here.”
“I believe you.”
“Good.” He gave Liam one more kiss just as a light knock came at the door.
“Dad?”
“Yeah, baby girl?” Liam’s hand was warm on the small of his back, fingers drawing circles.
“Should I start breakfast? And is Brenden with you? Moose needs to go out.”
“He is, yeah. We’ll be right down.”
Brenden stared at him, wide-eyed. Liam just snorted softly. Brenden had to say, he was honest with his kids.
“’Kay.” Susanna’s footsteps headed off the other way, and Liam found a sweatshirt.
“Thank you for coming to get me last night.”
“You’re welcome. No one should be so tired and alone, love.”
Liam looked at him, and Brenden could see the warmth, the happiness in the gaze. They had each other and the kids. That would make all the difference.
“Let’s breakfast, and then we’ll sit and make a plan.”
“That sounds like the best thing ever.” Thank God Liam wasn’t going to go off half-cocked.
“I hope so.” Liam took his hand. “God, I hope so.”
So did he. With everything in him.
Chapter Seven
“I HAVEto go get some infected blood, Brenden. I have to run a couple more tests before….” Before he did a human trial.
“So how do we do that safely?” Brenden’s dark eyes were worried.
“I don’t think we can.” It wasn’t like the infected were going to give it up.
“Okay, but we can take precautions? Suit up?”
“You need to stay here, just in case. Someone needs to protect the kids.”
