Page 35 of All It Takes

“Thanks,” my dad said lightly as he turned and crossed over to lift it from Chase’s hand.

“What were you doing? It’s not like you have any shortage of tools,” I commented.

“I do have plenty of tools, but I don’t have a hardwood floor nailer.”

“How are things going at the house?” I asked.

“Almost done,” Chase said with a nod.

“Just in time for the baby,” my father observed.

“I still can’t believe you’re a father!” I impulsively stepped to my brother and threw my arms around his waist to give him a quick hug. Chase returned my hug before stepping back with a grin.

“Here and there, I still can’t believe it. Dad’s got a bonus grandkid now.”

Our father winked. “And I love it.”

That sense of uncertainty unspooled inside me. I hadn’t fully adjusted to the reality that Sarah had passed away. It was still startling the way it played out. I couldn’t help but wonder why Sarah and George wanted Wes and me to share guardianship.

“Speaking of, what’s up with you and Wes?” Chase asked.

I glanced at my brother, my eyes narrowing as I cast him a glare.

Our father looked back and forth between us. “What don’t I know?”

“Nothing,” I said too quickly.

My dad chuckled as he finished putting away the last of his tools. “I need some coffee. I’m going to the kitchen to make it.” He met my eyes. “Are you hanging out?”

“I need to run. I have a few errands to take care of.”

My dad crossed over, dusting a kiss on my cheek and squeezing my shoulder lightly. “Give me a call. Maybe I’ll text you the time for my winter day hike next weekend. If it works out for Ross, I’d love for him to come. Perhaps Wes could come with him if you don’t want to.”

With that, my father disappeared through the doorway that led from the garage into the kitchen, and I looked over at Chase. “What the hell?”

His brows hitched up as he gave me a knowing look. “You and Wes have something going on. I’m not blind. Everybody noticed. When I asked Hallie about it, she wouldn’t say a word, which told me everything I needed to know.”

I groaned. “Nothing is going on.”

My brother studied me for a moment before his gaze softened. “You know, we both have our share of baggage from Mom. I’m living proof that it’s worth letting go of that weight.”

My throat felt tight, and tears stung my eyes. I experienced a familiar mix of annoyance and an old, achy pain in my heart. I wasn’t about to fall apart in front of Chase, so I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, scrambling for some composure before I opened them again.

“I know,” I said, striving to sound casual. “There’s nothing to worry about with Wes and me. No matter what you think.”

I was lying, but I wasn’t ready to talk about it, not with Chase, not when I already knew I was being foolish and reckless.

His eyes searched mine before he shrugged. “I’m here if you need me. He’s an old friend, and I work with him, but if he hurts you, I’ll kick his fucking ass.”

And onthatannoying note, I left.

ChapterTwenty-Four

WES

After taking a shower, I walked out of the bathroom and glanced around my bedroom. My mother had helped me furnish this house before I moved in. It had simple modern furniture with clean lines. The bed was piled high with pillows and a lightweight down quilt. I tried to imagine the space through Tiffany’s eyes. Even though I lived as a bachelor, at least my place looked comfortable and clean.

I snorted to myself. I didn’t usually worry about what a woman might think of where I lived. I could honestly say I’d never even considered it. Before moving back to Willow Brook, I’d mostly lived in apartments. As a hotshot firefighter, my life was nomadic because I moved where the season took me. When I decided to come back home to help my mom, one benefit was that the hotshot crews here had a home base. Alaska was big geographically with an unfortunate number of wildfires, but that meant there were year-round crews.

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