26. Indy

Chapter 26

Indy

I look over the chaos that is Breaker’s childhood home. It has really been a good evening. There have been stories after stories about Breaker and his sisters, the club, Joker and Dom even got in their fair share of the tales. Currently my eyes are glued on my daughter who is in heaven. She’s playing checkers with Sky and Bull. They’re all three laughing and they both hug my daughter often and generously. Slowly I shift my line of sight to the opposite side of the room. Breaker is talking with Dom and Joker, his rich, baritone laugh ringing out into the room often. He’s happy. This is the life he had before we found him. This is where he’s meant to be. It would be wrong to ask him to give it up for life in North Carolina, where the only people he knows are me, Cooper and Iva.

“How are you doing?”

I turn behind me to see Thea and smile at her. “I’m okay. It’s a little overwhelming,” I laugh nervously.

“My family can be like that, but we love fiercely. You’ll love Mom and Dad when you get used to them.”

“I love them already. I think they’ve adopted my daughter,” I joke.

“They have. I heard Dad talking about buying her a pony. You should probably prepare for them spoiling her rotten. Thank God they have Tinny to occupy them before my baby is born. I might have a chance to be a mom before they whisk her away from me,” she laughs.

“You’re going to be a wonderful mother,” Dom says, coming up to us and wrapping his arms around Thea, pulling her back against him, resting his chin where the collum of her throat and shoulder meet. “Let’s hope so, because if not, we’re doomed. You’ll spoil our child rotten,” Thea mutters and Dom just grins—silently agreeing with her.

“Breaker tells me you’re a vet, Indy.”

“Yeah, I own a small clinic in Bryson City.”

“You know there is a big need for vets—especially large animals—here in London. We only have two really good ones, and they stay booked.”

“Dom—” Thea warns.

“What? I’m just saying that’s an option if she decided she wanted to live here. Our area also has a lot of good schools. Mattie’s house is located in one of the best districts, too.”

“Ignore my man. He’s about as subtle as a Mack truck.”

“It’s okay,” I laugh.

I feel Breaker’s arms move around me and I immediately lean against him. He centers me and I could use that right now. “What are you guys talking about?”

“Dom is trying to give Indy the hard sell on why London, Kentucky is a wonderful place to live,” Thea responds, laughing. “Before he annoys her further, I’m going to take him into the kitchen and show him the samples of carpet Mom picked up today. They’re paying for the nursery redo in mine and Dom’s new house. I’m really glad you’re back Mattie. The memory will come. The important thing is you’re alive and happy. I love you big brother,” she says. She hugs him closely. He’ll hug her. I saw him do the same thing with Skylar earlier, too. It feels really good to see him so happy.

When her and Dom leave, Breaker turns me to face him, cupping the side of my face. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I really am. It has been a good night. It has been nice. This is the family feeling I’ve wanted my whole life.” My gaze moves over to Tinny. “Look at her, Breaker. She’s so happy. I really like your family.”

“I do, too. They’re not making me feel guilty at all. I know it’s not my fault I can’t remember them, but I still feel horrible that I don’t.”

“You will in time. I truly believe that.”

He nods. “You know these people will be your and Tinny’s family now, too.”

“I’ve been thinking about that. Have you been able to remember anything else?”

“Not a lot. Sometimes when I hear a story, I’ll get scattered glimpses of what they’re talking about. A few of the pictures have me remembering small things here and there. It’s nothing really concrete.”

“It’ll come,” I answer, more positive than I’ve ever been.

“Is that your professional opinion, Doc?”

“Yep.”

“Oh, but I thought you were only an animal doctor?” he teases.

“Yeah, but you can’t deny that you’re very animal like—especially when we’re in bed together.”

“You know, I hear we’re going to be staying in the basement apartment tonight. How about we make sure my parents … Dang that feels weird,” he laughs. “Let’s see if they’re good with Tinny for a while and I can show you how animal I can get.”

“Wouldn’t that be weird, I mean …”

“Hell no. It’ll be heaven,” he argues, then picks me up in his arms and walks over toward his parents, still carrying me bridal style. I should be self-conscious or embarrassed. Instead, I’m just grateful.