Page 83 of Night of the Living Manny
One of the soldiers shook his head, having heard because they had to shout over the rotors. “Not one bit.”
“I love you.” Liam looked at each child, and then at him. “All of you.”
“Even Moosey?” Britt asked.
“Even Moosey.”
Britt broke into sobs. “It’s my fault, Daddy. Mine and Moosey’s.”
“Brittany, I will bite you, and then where will you be?” Susanna said it with all the sarcasm of a sixteen-year-old.
“Daddy!” Britt fought against her seat belt.
“Ah, I’ve missed this.”
Brenden laughed out loud. “So have I. They’ve been living on the couch and not talking.”
“Are you suggesting they fight just for me?”
“No, I just think having you around helps them feel normal.” He was almost giddy with relief.
“Good to know.” Liam winked over at him, and damn, the man looked fucking exhausted. Almost as exhausted as he felt.
He reached out to grab Liam’s free hand. Brenden couldn’t help it, and he wasn’t willing to wait until they were alone.
To his pleasure, Liam held on like he needed the connection too. That was good. Really good. The physical touch.
“Am I going to be okay, Daddy?” Susanna moaned, and Liam nodded.
“Yes. I swear by all I hold holy. I’ve got you all now.”
“They did amazing.” Tears stung Brenden’s eyes, the stress pressing the moisture out.
“Of course they did. They have the best father ever. And an amazing manny.” Liam waggled his eyebrows and winked at him. “Duh.”
He snort-laughed, checking on the younger two as he did. Sound asleep in their seats. Even Moose was clipped in, a lead going from his harness to a D ring on the inner wall of the chopper.
“You trust these guys?” he mouthed, and Liam nodded, barely.
Good enough for him. Hell, if they hadn’t shown up, things might have been over for him and the kids.
Liam sighed, soothing Susanna as she moaned. “Easy, baby. We’ll be at the hospital soon.”
“Promise?”
“You know it.” Liam squeezed her poor swollen hand. “And the serum works.”
“I knew you’d figure it out.”
“I just wish I’d—” Liam cut off, and Brenden nodded.
“None of that,” Brenden said.
“Yeah, yeah. Regrets are a waste of time.”
“They are. You did your very best.”
“Dad? It hurts.” Susanna writhed in pain.
