Page 111 of Hey, Stepbro

My eyes well up with tears, and my heart constricts.

Brock reaches out and holds my hands tightly, offering support. "Blakely, I brought the information to my dad. He took one look at it and immediately contacted a lawyer. He's had suspicions about Nightingale Pharmaceuticals over the past year, but after they paid for his trip to Honduras with Stephen, he felt obligated to them and couldn't raise any concerns."

"What's Nathaniel going to do?"

Brock squeezes my hands reassuringly. "He wants to go to the feds and testify. He can act as an informant for the next few months while the lawyers build a case."

A whirlwind of thoughts and emotions leaves me breathless. My heart plays the drums on my ribcage, fueled by equal parts fear and admiration.

How did I get so lucky to have someone like Brock in my life? Even though his dad works for the very company responsible for my mom's death, he's willing to stand up against them and fight for justice.

A sense of awe for the courage and loyalty Brock and Nathaniel show me fills me. Most people would side with their employers, especially if those employers were as powerful and influential as Nightingale Pharmaceuticals.

Not Brock and his dad.

They recognize that my mom deserves justice.

Even if it means going up against a giant corporation.

"Thank you." I’m unable to find any other words to express the gratitude swelling in my chest. "This means everything to me."

"We're in this together, Blakely.Always."

"Did I ever tell you," I say, my voice barely above a whisper, "that Christmas was my mom's favorite time of year? She loved everything about it—the twinkling lights, the sweet smell of gingerbread cookies, and the sound of carolers singing. Having you and your dad help me in this fight for justice... it's like the perfect gift."

Brock smiles warmly at me, his eyes softening. "We're here for you. We're not going anywhere."

Before I know it, Brock leans down and captures my lips in a tender kiss.

Time stands still.

The festive decorations waiting to be hung up around Rainbow Paws can wait.

My heart sings with delight, and I wonder how I got so lucky to have Brock by my side.

He pulls away gently and gazes into my eyes. "I'm always going to be here for you. You never need to worry again."

"Thank you."

Brock squeezes my hand tightly, offering me comfort and reassurance. Looking around at the piles of decorations waiting to be hung up, he asks, "So, what's the deal with all these decorations? Are you hanging them up or what?"

"Stella and I planned to do it before breaking for lunch." I wipe my eyes as a small, genuine smile creeps onto my face. It feels good to focus on something positive and festive amidst the revelations about Nightingale.

"Mind if I join?"

"Of course not. We could use an extra pair of hands."

Together, Brock and I get to work, hanging up garlands and stringing lights all around the shelter.

The laughter and banter between us three—Stella, Brock, and me—fills the air, making the environment feel even more warm and inviting than before.

As Brock reaches up to hang another ornament high on the tree, I let gratitude and love tattoo themselves on me. Despite everything we've been through, I know that I can face anything as long as I have him by my side.

"Blakely," Brock calls out, catching me lost in thought. "You gonna help me with this mistletoe or what?"

"Coming!" I walk over to join him, ready to feel his lips on mine.

CHAPTER34

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