Page 63 of Night of the Living Manny
Brenden patted Susanna’s shoulder, and they headed down to where Britt and Peter were reading on the couch. Peter glanced up, frowning. “Dad?”
“Yeah, kiddo?” Shh. Be at peace.
“What’s up?”
“We have to go. Me and Brenden. We’ll be back before dark.”
Peter frowned. “I think you should stay here.”
“Daddy?” Britt stared, eyes wide. “You and Brenden can’t both leave!”
“Just for a few hours.” He kept his voice even. Low. “We have to, guys. I have to call some people, and I don’t want them to know where we are.”
“Susanna will be here, and I need you to watch Moose for me, Britt.”
“You always just say that so I won’t be so scared.”
Brenden went to squat in front of Brittany. “Not true. Moose is my very best friend. He gets nervous without me. I need you to look after him, okay?”
“I promise. You’ll come back for him, though? You swear?”
“I swear.” Brenden leaned forward to kiss her cheek.
“Peter, I need you to back up your big sister,” Liam said. “You know what to look for.” His boy was a zombie nut.
“I do. We’re cool, Dad.”
God, he didn’t want this for them. He wanted normal.
“Okay.” He turned on his heel because he couldn’t look at them anymore. Brenden followed him to the garage, and they shared a solemn glance before getting in the Hummer.
“Let’s do this. I want to give them their lives again.”
“I get that.” Brenden put a hand on his arm. “I got your back, love. And the kids’.”
“I know. I believe in you. Seriously.” He believed in Brenden’s heart.
“Okay. Just so we know. If something happens—” Brenden took a deep breath. “Well, if anything happens to me, I need you to let Brittany keep Moose. He’ll be good for her.”
“Nothing is going to happen to you, one, and two, you and Moose are family.” They weren’t going anywhere.
“Hey, we’re responsible adults.” Brenden pulled out of the garage, and they made sure the door shut firmly before they moved along. “We have to plan. That’s what couples do.”
“Of course, but I’m not going to throw your dog out.”
“Thanks. He doesn’t really have anyone else to go to.” Brenden laughed. “He drools. A lot.”
“He does. I sort of love him. Not like I love you, of course.” Okay, whoa. True, but whoa.
Brenden went still, hands clenching on the wheel for a moment. Then a slow smile spread on his face. “Oddly enough, I love you too.”
“Yeah. That’s good. Real good.” God, what a mess.
Brenden looked at him. “We’ll figure this out. You’re a scientist and I’m a manny. We can do anything.”
“We can. You know if something bad happens, you leave me, right? The important thing is the kids.” More than anything.
“I—” Brenden glanced at him again as they stopped at the first gate. “I’ll make sure they’re safe no matter what.”
