Page 75 of Broken Daddy

My cheeks burn and I try to turn the conversation, not sure how to take the compliment. “I’m not the only one shaking things up. Did you know Brutus actually climbed in bed with me a few days ago?”

Chris laughs. “The rescue said he was a snuggler. If he catches you sleeping in, he’ll probably join you. Must be making Nate jealous.”

Was that a wink, or did I imagine it?

The truth is, I haven’t slept much in the last two weeks. Between morning sickness and this bone-deep fatigue, Nathan and Eva have been living off muffins and precooked egg bites I make late at night. So, yeah, Brutus and I will probably spend a lot more time cuddling up together—until this stage of the pregnancy passes, at least.

I bite my lip, going back to the thought of what’s stressing Nathan out. As someone who didn’t have my brother around all the time—only when we got lucky and had two years together in the same foster home—I can’t imagine beingstressedby finding out I have more family.

I’d love to have more family. More roots.

A reason to stay…

The train of thought makes me sad.

“What can I do to help?” I ask. “With this whole half brother thing. Do you think he needs to talk about it, or…?”

Chris laughs, but it’s a sour sound. “Nate’s never been one for talking things out. He’s more of a brooder. But—” a quick glance at my Saucer menu “—maybe we could come up with something.”

“Like what?” Wary, I stand up and give Chris a once-over. He’s a sneaky guy, but not in a malicious way. I can see the puzzle pieces clicking together in his head.

“What do you think about a dinner? At my place. I’ll invite Jenson—that’s our half brother—and his wife.”

It’s not a bad idea. I try to imagine how Nate will handle a dinner with the surprise guests. Is he the kind of guy who will get embarrassed, angry, or embrace the spontaneity?

“Alright. I’m in. Give me a time and the address, and I’ll come up with a menu.”

Chapter30

Nathan

“Why do you have to be so rude, Dad?” Eva hisses quietly in disappointment. “That was so embarrassing.”

My spine is stiff as we make our way back to the car. Trudy got a call earlier today from Eva’s art camp. One of the teachers was, apparently, violently sick and they had to shut down for the day.

Which means I pulled out of work at only 1 p.m. to pick my daughter up. Gen is spending the afternoon with Russ, helping set up a new exhibit. His assistant is on vacation.

All this is incredibly frustrating, and I can feel my teeth grinding as I clench my jaw.

“Buckle your seatbelt, please.”

Eva does so, sullenly staring down at her knees. “Everyone is going to make fun of me next week.Whydid you have to say those things?”

Pulling out of the community center parking lot, I take a deep breath and try not to tune out my daughter. It’s tempting. Normally, I would, but I’m trying to be better. To be present.

Which is why I feel so bad about snapping at the director of the camp.

It was a busy day, not that that’s an excuse. Equally as frustrating is the fact Jenson’s PR company actually managed to save my ass. And now I feel like I owe him, even though he’s reassured me repeatedly, professionally, that I don’t. After all, Ironside paid the consultation fees.

A headache starts to pound in my temples.

And then there’s Brutus…he’s home alone, hopefully not chewing on a shoe. Or the furniture. As someone who didn’t have a pet growing up, I’m finding it hard to adjust.

“Why don’t we stop and get a treat?” I say tightly, turning the wheel to head to a little bakery nearby I know Eva likes.

When I glance in the rearview mirror, she’s still pouting. Only it’s not the dramatic act of a ten-year-old. She looks…sad.

“I just wish it didn’t bother you to have to spend time with me.” The melancholy in her voice breaks my heart as I open the door for her.

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