Page 84 of And Then There Was Us
“I heard you had some excitement the other night,” Treat said.
Layla told them all about the theater, and Jean and Brianna filled them in on the aftermath.
Treat’s eyes shadowed with seriousness, and he set his gaze on Brianna. “Were you okay with that?”
“Not at first. It was a total sensory overload, and a little frightening, but Hugh knew just what to do. He swept Layla into the car, and he made sure we were all okay before attending to the crowd.” She remembered the way he’d revealed their relationship, and it brought a warm feeling to her chest.
“I’m glad to hear he took care of it. Hugh’s a good man,” Treat said.
“All the Bradens are good people.” Max set her hand on Treat’s leg and smiled up at him adoringly.
Brianna watched them closely, finding the dichotomy of Treat’s formality and Max’s casual attire interesting. When Treat looked at Max, his dark eyes darkened even more, and he bathed her in love. Brianna had seen pictures in Hugh’s house of his family, and as she got to know Treat and Max, the things he’d said about cars beingjust carsand his job being what he did, not who he was, made even more sense. She knew that Treat owned resorts all over the world, and yet neither Treat nor Max was pretentious. If she closed her eyes, they could just as easily have been in a station wagon.
Her mother reached over and squeezed her hand and mouthed,Nice people.
Nice people.That’s what mattered most.
Chapter Forty
HUGH PACED THE hotel lobby. He’d been waiting all afternoon to see Brianna, and when she walked through the lobby doors, his pulse accelerated. He crossed the marble floor and took her in his arms, pressing a loving kiss to her lips.
“I missed you, sweetheart,” he said. He held her a beat longer, feeling much more at ease now that she and Layla were there with him. “I don’t ever want to be away from you guys for that long again.”
Her eyes widened, then narrowed, the way they did when she had amorous thoughts. He squeezed her hand and kissed her again, before swooping Layla into his arms and tickling her belly. “And you! I missed you, too. Did you make up any great stories on the way over?”
“Treat gave me an activity book,” Layla gushed.
Hugh set her down, and Brianna took her hand. “He did? Well, Treat’s a pretty good guy.” Hugh kissed Jean’s cheek. “Was the trip okay?”
“Yes. Perfect, thank you.” Jean looked pretty in her casual long skirt and blouse. “Treat and Max were wonderful hosts.”
Hugh embraced Max and kissed her cheek as he had Jean’s. “You look gorgeous, Max.” It struck him then how similar in style Max and Brianna were, and he wondered what that said about him and Treat. Maybe they weren’t so different after all. Although, now that he thought about it, none of his siblings had chosen a life partner that was pretentious or overly showy.Dad raised us well.The importance of Brianna’s desire not to spoil Layla became crystal clear.After tomorrow, he’d be sure to rein it all in.After tomorrow.
“Bro.” Hugh opened his arms, and he and Treat embraced. Treat patted him on the back. “Thanks, man. I really appreciate you taking care of everyone.”
“That’s what family’s for.” Treat put his arm around Max and kissed the top of her head.
Hugh looked at Treat, Max, Brianna, Layla, and Jean, and he felt the impact of the word like a squeeze to his heart.Family.
Chapter Forty-One
THE FLORIDA SUN beat down on the bleachers, sparkling in Layla’s eyes as she watched the cars speed around the track. They’d all had dinner together last night, but both Hugh and Layla had turned in early. Hugh, to be prepared for the race, and Layla from pure exhaustion. Hugh had come to see them in their hotel room earlier that morning before he left for the track.I’m going to win this one for you and Layla. Mark my words.As Brianna watched his car speed by, she knew he’d win the race. She believed in Hugh. She trusted his words, and she trusted his love for her and Layla. She looked around the crowded bleachers, excited and proud to hear people cheering for Hugh. Treat and Max shared an intimate kiss; then Max went back to watching the race, while Treat’s gaze remained on Max.
“How are you holding up? Uncomfortable at all?” her mother asked.
“No, actually. I realize that all that foolishness doesn’t matter. Hugh loves me. The fear of wanting to run was a momentary blip on my radar screen.” She put her arm around Layla. “Actually, that’s not true, Mom. It wasn’t that at all. I think it was Dad’s leaving coming back to haunt me, and you know what? That’s his issue, not mine. And definitely not Hugh’s or Layla’s.”
“Now, that’s the Brianna I know and love.” Her mother bumped her with her shoulder. “Your man is doing well in the race. He’ll probably win.”
He already won my heart.“He said he’d win, and when Hugh says something, he means it.” Hugh had told her that he’d change the way she thought about men, and while he might not have changed the way she thought about all men, he’d proven the kind of man he was, and that was all she needed to know.
“Somehow I think you’re right.” Jean nodded at Layla. “I think your little princess loves the races.”
“I think she loves Prince Hugh.”And I know I do.
Treat and Max rose to their feet. “The race is almost over, and Hugh asked that we meet him down by the track.”
“Sure.” She held Layla’s hand, and they followed Treat as he descended the noisy stands. “Is this safe?” Brianna asked as they neared the track.
