Page 149 of Need You Now

“It ain’t about Beau. It’s about me.” Luke and Sal lock eyes, surprised. “It’s about that article that came out last month ...”

Luke’s back straightens. “I told you, we took care of it.”

A sharp edge stains Luke’s voice, one that’s bracing himself against Seth’s next words, hoping against hope it’s not what he thinks.

“That’s the thing. You shouldn’t have.” His throat convulses, but he gets the words out. “I fucked up, Luke.”

All the blood drains from Luke’s face. He closes his eyes in disbelief. “When?” The crack of his voice is like a gunshot.

Seth flinches and clears his throat. “The night you got hurt. I left the hospital, and I went and got wasted at some bar on Broadway. And ... I got somethin’ to get me through it.” He squeezes his eyes shut, feeling himself come apart all over again at the memory. “I got you hurt. I couldn’t take it. If you weren’t okay ... I didn’t want to be.”

A small sob escapes Sal.

Seth watches a tear roll down her cheek, his heart twisting at her pain. He hates himself for hurting her, but he owes them this. The truth, no matter the consequences.

Taking a breath, he continues. “I took it back to my apartment. But I didn’t—I never touched the stuff. I swear. I fuckin’ swear it.”

Seth’s gut clenches. Luke looks agonized. Beside him, Lacey’s green eyes glow with tears. A match to her sister’s.

“I was so fuckin’ scared to tell you. I know you said if I touched the stuff again, you’d never forgive me. But you shouldn’t have been defendin’ me in the press. Y’all have done enough for me.” He looks at Sal, at his brother, these two people who mean the world to him.

“I’m so damn sorry. I let you down. I ain’t no better than Beau. And I should have owned up to it.”

For a heartbeat, Luke stands still. Silent and stone-faced, his jaw clenched as he stares at Seth.

Seth braces himself, expecting the worst.

Instead, Luke’s suddenly moving, crushing him in a fierce hug. “I’m so sorry. I’m so goddamn sorry.”

Seth clings to his brother, a shaky sob ripping out of him.

“You’re my little brother,” Luke chokes out when he pulls away. Silver shines in his dark eyes. “I should have done better to listen to you.” He palms Seth’s face with both hands. “And you didn’t fuck up. You stopped yourself. You gotta forgive yourself, Seth. You did your best back then, and you’re doin’ your best now.”

Seth stares at Luke, the fear he felt melting away to be replaced by relief. His brother’s unwavering support knocking him over like a sledgehammer. It’s better than he imagined. It’s hope.

It’s like coming out the other end of the blackest tunnel and finding light. Finding his family.

“I’m proud of you,” Luke says in a steady voice. “I love you. And I’ll always be here for you.”

Seth shoves him away, not wanting to break down into a sniveling mess. “Goddamn, man, quit it.” His eyes drift to Sal. She’s watching him, hands on her stomach. He grins. “I suppose you want a hug too.”

“I do,” Sal says, smiling through her tears.

He reaches for her, pulling her petite frame into his arms, the curve of her belly hitting him in the stomach. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” she murmurs as Seth squeezes her tight. “You’re so important to me, Seth.” Her eyes fill again as she stares up at him, her expression fierce and full of love and understanding. “To all of us.”

Lacey, who’s been standing silently all this time, smiles at him. Pride shines in her eyes. Ambling forward, Seth loops an arm around her and hugs her close. “I couldn’t have done it without you,” he whispers.

Love in the air. All around them.

It’s a goddamn great feeling.

He did one of the hardest things he’s ever had to do. But he did it. He took the long road home. Now he’s back and here to stay. With his brother and his band and the best part of this new life of his—Lacey.

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