Page 112 of Hey, Stepbro

BROCK

The warmth of the cozy log cabin nestled among the snow-laden pines Northern Minnesota is a welcome reprieve from a long day of skiing.

The glow from the windows spills out onto the blanket of white covering the ground, creating tiny effervescent paintings. Exhaustion kills my muscles, but it's the good kind—the kind that comes from hours of laughter and fun with my family.

Inside, Blakely and I recline on plush couches next to our dads, all of us sipping steaming mugs of hot chocolate. The rich aroma of cocoa fills the air, mingling with the scent of pine from the towering Christmas tree we decorated earlier. A roaring fire crackles and snaps in the hearth, casting dancing shadows on the walls and bathing us in its flickering light. It's moments like these when I truly understand the meaning of love and family.

"Here's to another great day on the slopes." Stephen raises his mug in a toast.

"Cheers." The rest of us clink our mugs together, even though we’re bone tired.

We sip our hot chocolate, the ooey gooey heat spreading through our bodies as we laugh at memories from our day skiing. But as lighthearted as the atmosphere is, I know there's something serious weighing on all our minds: the case against Nightingale Pharmaceuticals.

My dad sets his mug down on the coffee table, his face turning serious as he looks at Blakely. "Son, I want you to know how proud I am of all the research you've done on Nightingale Pharmaceuticals. It's not easy to take on such a big corporation, but you've handled it with courage and determination."

"Thanks." Blakely draws his gaze down, but his cheeks flush with pride. I can see that this means the world to him, especially considering everything he's been through since losing his mom.

I reach over and give Blakely's hand a gentle squeeze. I'm so grateful to be by his side as we navigate this journey together. His strength and resilience inspire me every day.

"I promise you we'll get justice for your mom." Dad’s voice fills with conviction. "We won't rest until those responsible are held accountable."

"Thank you, Nathaniel. Thank you, Brock." Blakely's eyes well up with tears. "Knowing I have your support means more than I can express. Mom would be so grateful, too."

Blakely's tears spill over, and I quickly wipe them away with my hand. He looks at me, and the entire world stops spinning for a moment. Our connection is so strong that I experience his emotions as my own.

"Come here, stepbro." I open my arms to him.

Blakely leans into me, wrapping his arms around me tightly, burying his face in my chest. I hold him close, rubbing comforting circles on his back, feeling his warm breath against my skin.

"I appreciate that you all take this seriously and stand by me... It means everything."

"Don't mention it." Dad's voice is gentle. "This is what families do: we support each other through thick and thin."

"Exactly." I press a tender kiss to the top of Blakely's head. "We've got your back, always. And we'll make sure your mom gets the justice she deserves."

Blakely sniffles, pulling back slightly to look up at me. His eyes are red rimmed but filled with gratitude and love.

"You know, I occasionally saw news clippings about Nightingale Pharmaceuticals' shady practices, but I ignored them." Dad pushes out an ashamed breath. "It’s tough to question your employer who provides your livelihood. Your research, Blakely, was the kick I needed to take action. We all need to fight for justice, not only for your mom but for anyone else who might be hurt by my company."

"Absolutely." Stephen sets a comforting hand on Nathaniel’s shoulder.

"Couldn't have said it better myself." Pride fills me at our united front.

As Dad and Stephen discuss what our next steps should be, I guide Blakely upstairs to the top floor of the chalet.

A beautifully decorated room awaits us. In the center of the room is a cozy bed, surrounded by twinkling fairy lights.

The soft glow of the moonlight seeps through the window, casting a gentle light over the bedsheets.

I lead Blakely to the bed and lay him down, tucking the blankets around him.

"Rest now," I whisper, brushing a stray hair from his forehead. "You've done more than enough work, and we're so proud of you."

Tears well up in Blakely's eyes once more as he gazes up at me. "I can't thank you enough for being here for me. Having you by my side makes everything feel possible."

"Hey, that's what stepbrothers are for." I try to lighten the mood with a playful wink. "Besides, I'm glad I could help in any way."

I lean in and press a sweet kiss to his lips, wanting him to know how much I care without having to say it out loud.

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