Page 71 of The Biggest Sacrifice

“That’s Billy’s favorite, not mine.” I love giving her a hard time. Though Bill and I are not identical, we’re pretty damn close and word on the street is that mom was the only one who couldn’t tell us apart when we were little. There was never a time when dad didn’t tease her about something. He still does every chance he gets, but this one comment has stuck. I think she just likes to keep up with the tale to not claim a favorite. She tells us all we’re her favorites, and we all secretly accept that we agree with her, knowing in the end, Billy is her favorite.

Billy is everyone’s favorite.

She tsks me, smacks my shoulder, and says, “Get out of here! I’m still cooking. Dad’s outside with Adam.”

Adam’s innate need is to take care of and watch over all of us, so I know once I explain things today, he’s going to have a very tough time. He’ll more than likely hover over me a bit more for some time. I’ll let him, knowing it’s what he needs, and maybe it’s what I need too. I think when I left initially, he didn’t know how to handle not being in control of me. I had a new life, worlds away, so he came down harder on our other siblings.

I’m ready for whatever the outcome of today is.

And once I explain about Cash, Adam is going to have a new someone to control. I grin at that thought.

Good. Let Cash deal with his annoying ass.

Walking out and seeing him and Dad talking, I halt for a moment. I know they’re tight and most likely talking business right now, but because I’ve left and not had a damn clue about the family business in years, I feel like I’m intruding. But when they see me, they call me over and I approach with a good feeling about everything.

“Hey, son. Glad to see you.” Dad pulls me in close for a hug, then Adam gives me a quick shoulder slap and side hug as well.

“What’s goin-”

“Damn, Tom, you just can’t stop vying for first, can you?”

I roll my eyes as I hear my twin’s voice carry through the backyard.

Turning, I hold my hands out at my side, “Get here on time and you won’t have to vie for attention.”

He rushes me, grabbing me in a bear hug, swinging me around. He knows what today is, and I know he’s trying to lighten the mood for me.

Little does he know, I’m the lightest I’ve been in years. And it all has to do with Farrah.

Telling her last night opened up a well I didn’t know I had closed off. Of course, I knew I was holding shit inside, but I didn’t realize how it would help me by speaking it out loud.

Even though I told Cash everything, it didn’t affect me the same way it did when I told Farrah.

That’s how I knew she was the one I’ve needed to let in all along. She was the one who was waiting, who was sent to me, way before I knew what I’d need her for. She was the calm, silent peace I was going to need in my life to balance my need for control, power and dominance in my everyday activities.

Thank God for that woman.

Billy lets me go and says, “Be prepared. Mom invited everyone tonight.”

I furrow my brows. “Who’s everyone?”

He gives a sly grin. “Hunter and his girl will be here.”

“Hunter? Why’d she ask the Chief?”

Thoughts run through my head. Do they know? Why, of all days, would she have invited him here? “Who’s his girl?”

He laughs, shaking his head. “Don’t act like you don’t see what’s going on down at the station.”

“Daisy?” Her name falls incredulously from my lips.

“Of course Daisy! Damn, bro, you’ve really been oblivious, huh?” He shakes his head, giving me that Casanova smirk. “Adley is coming prepared with pen and paper tonight. Cash told her there’s some kind of weird age gap love thing going on and she can’t wait to watch it play out in front of her.”

Returning his smirk, I’m kind of glad to hear this. I’ve noticed something happening, but it’s not my business and honestly, I’ve got my own shit going on. I definitely can’t get wrapped up in the Chief’s weird love life. But I will say I’m happy to know there’s a bit less of a spotlight on me today.

Hearing chaos coming from the house, and knowing it’s not Billy, we spot the girls all spilling through the sliders and out to the patio. They drop bags and pool toys, while Bobby and Jackson come through holding the kids. And right behind them? Chief Hunter and Daisy.

She looks a bit out of place. I won’t say nervous, because she looks at ease next to Vincent, but I can tell she feels intimidated by my large family. Farrah notices me from the other side of the yard and comes my way. Meeting her halfway, wrapping her up close to me, I kiss her on the head.

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