20. Chapter Twenty

20

Chapter Twenty

Rowan

W hen Clara left the office it felt like my soul was split in two. Half of me needed to go with her. I'm not dense, I knew where she was going. Needing to see him too, but knowing I cannot leave this office without a plan and some answers, I take out my cell phone and pull up the surveillance in his room. Watching as he sleeps soundly and she crawls into bed with him, I lock my phone and turn to my brothers.

"Let's figure this shit out so I can go take care of my family."

Mac starts in, his eyes glued to his laptop, fingers flying over the keyboard, and his monotone no nonsense voice in full force. This isn't Mac my brother, this is Mac the human computer.

"So we need to figure out who had access to the house and what their connection to us and to Preston is. Sounds easy, but when you think about all the staff, guards, and soldiers who come in and out of here it's a pretty long list. If anything is fact at this point, it's that there's an inside man working with us and with him."

That has a thought rushing to the forefront of my mind, "Wait, an inside man? Declan, remember those Russians we tortured?"

Declan's eyes pop wide, "Shit, yeah, they said something about they could get to us here if they wanted. They knew about Clara and Rhett."

The feeling of all the blood draining from my face as realization dawns on me is enough to make me vomit. When I finally speak my voice is barely over a whisper.

"He's working with the Russians. There's no way we have two rats working for two different causes in our house. They're all working together." Darting my eyes around the room, locking my eyes with each of my brothers I cant help but yell, "They're all fucking working together!"

We've been in the office working out details for our plan going forward for an hour and a half. It's a pretty damn good one in my opinion. Now that every single detail has been hammered out between the six of us and we all have a job, I have another job to do. Making my way out of the office and up the stairs. Once I get to Rhett's room I dismiss Killian who's still posted up at the door even though I'm sure Clara told him to leave. Planting my ass on the ground and leaning against the wall beside the door, I make myself comfortable. I'd never break a promise to them, especially not when that promise is to keep the bad guys away.

I must have drifted off at some point because I'm startled awake by Clara tripping over me. After calming her down and moving back up into the sitting position, situating Clara in my lap, my hand trails lightly up and down her back.

"We've got a plan, Pretty Girl. We'll handle this. I promise you, you and Bear will be safe. I'm so sorry. I feel like I've failed you guys, but I promise never again."

She buries her head into the crook of my shoulder, "This isn't your fault. It just really freaks me out that he's been in this house. He could have done something or taken us. I just don't understand."

"Hey, whoa, no. He wasn't in this house." I lean my head down to whisper into the side of her head because you never know right now.

"We think he's working with the Russians, and we think THEY have a rat planted here. He's not important to them, they just want to fuck with us."

Her spine straightens and she stiffens in my hold. "What?" Her voice is unnaturally high and my finger flies to my lips to signal to her that we have to keep our voices down.

Leaning in I bring my lips to her ear, "We don't know who, we have to keep it quiet. You can ask me anything you need to in the morning on the way to the doctor, okay?"

She nods in understanding then curls back up in my lap trailing her fingers up and down my chest. "His appointment is in the morning.."

Kissing her head I pull her closer, "I know, how are you feeling?" She yawns, "I'm nervous, I'm exhausted, I don't know what to do with the information tomorrow once we get it. I'm just, I don't know. I'm still processing. How do you feel?"

I think that over, while my arms pull her impossibly closer, "I'm okay. Just hoping he does well, these tests won't hurt him, right?" My heart rate spikes, much like it does every time I think about anything making them hurt or uncomfortable. I've never worried about things like this, to be honest I've never worried like this about my brothers, and they make me worry about everything. Clara must be able to hear the anxiety in my voice, or feel it radiating from me, because she takes my hand and pulls it into her lap, running her fingers up and down my forearm arm in a soothing way. "No, they may have to take blood, but I'm not even sure about that. He'll be fine. He's excited for this, remember."

She's right, I know she is, but I still can't shake this unease. "I don't know, baby. I have this really uneasy feeling about this. Maybe we should push his appointment back."

Smiling up at me, she leans up and kisses the underside of my jaw, "That's being a parent, Roe. Unfortunately the feeling never really goes away. It'll lessen or get stronger depending on what's going on with your kids, but it's always there lingering." Nope, don't like that. I don't want to have to be constantly worried he's going to be hurt, or something's going to happen to him.

"Well, maybe if we make him safe enough. We won't have to worry then."

Laughing, she's laughing at me now. "Oh, Babe, that's not going to happen. It's a part of parenthood, you have the Daddy title, now you get the Daddy anxiety with it."

Huffing out an annoyed breath I nuzzle my face into her hair, "Well, fine, but I don't like it."

Her hand never stops rubbing on my forearm, she sighs, "Me either, but it comes with the territory." My eyes start drifting closed, as I feel her body relax into mine, her breathing evening out. Yeah, we're going to get through this together. When we do, I may just take them and leave. Never has the thought crossed my mind before, but as soon as it runs through my head I know it's true. My brothers have been the priority for so long. Now, I'm realizing I'd leave them, and this life all behind just to make sure Clara and Rhett are happy, healthy, and safe.

* * *

Rhett's sitting in my lap in the room, squeezing Safe, and waiting on the doctor. He's buzzing with nervous energy. I'm unsure if it's because of the tests he's had today or if it's because every single person who's walked in this fucking room or tested him has been a male. He won't leave my lap, which is fine with me, it just means I've had to sit in on his tests. Obviously, that's something I preferred anyways. Clara's come with us too because I'm not Rhett's legal guardian or parent. Something we will be rectifying soon. He's tangling his fingers in mine while Clara's head is leaning on my shoulder. It's been a long day. We're sitting like this in silence when Dr. Matthews walks into the room. Rhett turns to face me as the doctor starts talking.

"Well, Rhett here is a prime candidate for a cochlear implant. His hearing loss is in the profound region. I would like to get an MRI done before we discuss surgery dates just to be sure the one you provided from a few years ago is accurate. After that we can schedule." The entire time he's talking to us, I'm signing to Rhett. He's not going to understand it all. Hell, he won't understand half of it, but it'll be a cold day in hell before we talk about him in front of him and he doesn't know what's going on. They've been doing this all day and it pisses me off. I could tell Clara was getting just as irritated as I was. So instead of her blowing up on everyone here I just started telling him what's going on.

Clara's watching the doctor closely, "So what does that look like? How long is the surgery? How long does he stay in the hospital? What's the recovery time?" Reaching over I take her hand in mine and give it a reassuring squeeze.

Before he can answer I cut in, "Also I need you to either get an interpreter or do it yourself while you answer our questions." He gives me a bored look that makes me want to rip his vocal cords out of his throat.

"Mr. Byrne, he's a small child. He doesn't need to know what I'm saying. Even if we did interpret, he won't understand what we're saying." Yeah, fuck this. Smiling, I hand Rhett to Clara and sign that I'll be right back.

Walking past Dr. Douche I grip his shoulder, "I'm going to need to talk to you for a minute in the hall." His face pales as he apprehensively follows me. As soon as the door shuts my hand is wrapped in his shirt and he's against the wall. Unable to stop myself, I get up in his face and speak low but deliberately.

"I'm only going to say this one more time. Go get my son a fucking interpreter. If I have to repeat myself again, I'll cut your fucking hands off myself. You're the best on the East Coast, it'd be a shame for something to happen to them."

His eyes grow in shock then in recognition before he chokes out, "You're Rowan Byrne. Mr. Byrne, I'm so sorry, of course. Let me go get our interpreter and I'll be right back."

Pushing off of him, he scurries off to find us what we need. Rolling my shoulders and shaking out the tension from my arms, I take a big breath, let it out, then open the door walking back in, to my family.

Clara's shooting daggers at me as soon as I walk in the door, but Rhett just looks relieved that I'm back.

Signing and speaking at the same time, "He'll be right back. He went to grab an interpreter for us." I paste on my infamous grin that usually gets me out of trouble and into bed with Clara but she isn't budging on her glare. Taking my seat beside her again and situating Rhett back in my lap he leans his back onto my chest and shuts his eyes. Absentmindedly running his little fingers through mine. Deciding to break the tension first my lips find her cheek.

"I'm sorry baby. I'm not going to let anyone, doctor or not, disrespect you two. We're here for his help and I understand that. At the same time we're paying him a lot of money for him to perform a service on our son. He'll do as we ask, especially when the request wasn't ludicrous."

Her anger evaporates and she looks at me with understanding. "I just want the answers to my questions. Understanding and agreeing with you on him needing an interpreter right now, and not wanting to make a big deal about it so he doesn't get mad can both be true at the same time."

I mull that over for a second, "You're right, they can be. I'm not worried about making waves with the surgeon though. He'll perform Rhett's surgery with refined precision, because he's good at his job. Maybe a little bit because we have an understanding now. Mostly because he's not the best for no reason."

After the doctor comes back with the interpreter, he answers all of our questions. Surgery will last between four to eight hours. It's outpatient as long as he has no complications. Three to four weeks of recovery. Then they'll turn on the implant, put in the external transmitters and we start the programming sessions. It'll be lengthy, but we're doing it. Clara and I bickered about the cost of it all and how I'll be paying for it the whole way home. She finally caved when she realized that I'm not going to budge on it.

Now, we're playing on the playground with Rhett before it's time for bath and bed, sneaking kisses like teenagers every chance we get. Yesterday was a lot. Today was also a lot. I think tonight after Rhett goes down we need some time alone together. We've been sneaking in time when we can, but I have something for her, and I'll be setting up something special this evening for us. Deciding to let her in on my plans, at least a little bit, I tug her back by her hand as she walks by me.

"After we lay Rhett down, I have plans for us. You don't have to dress up."

Her eyebrow quirks up and she gives me an inquisitive look, "Okay, Mr. Mysterious. What are you wearing?" Smirking while pulling her into my arms, my hands go to her hips and my lips to her forehead.

"Hmm. Probably a suit, but you could wear nothing and still be the most gorgeous woman I've ever seen. Actually, just be naked. I like that idea the most." Squeezing her hips playfully she lightly pushes my hands away while laughing.

"You're something, Rowan Byrne."

Taking a moment to check her out unapologetically, I smack her ass then take my hands off her completely, "I'll show you something later. Just wait, Pretty Girl." I shoot her a wink then turn and wave to get Rhett's attention.

When I have it I let him know, "Hey, Bear, it's time for a shower, and bed." He's exhausted from the day so he doesn't even try bargaining for more time to play, just an, "Okay, Daddy." before climbing off the playground and taking our hands to go upstairs.

Clara gives Rhett his shower while my job is to lay out his pajamas and figure out what book we're going to read him. Well, one of us reads it, and the other signs to him. Shutting the curtains I hear the shower turn off and get ready for my favorite part of our routine. The bathroom door swings open and Rhett comes running out in his big brown fluffy robe. The hood is up as it always is, the bear ears flopping in the wind, and his bear claw slippers slapping against the hardwood, his damp curls falling over his forehead. He's sprinting at me full force. Just like every night, he jumps and I catch him mid air. He's giggling as I fly him around the room for a minute before setting him down.

"Okay, Bear, time to get dressed for bed. I'm going to go get your toothbrush ready, okay?" He gives me a huge grin and a thumbs up. Going into the bathroom to get his toothbrush ready and cleaning up the mess he and his mama made while he's getting dressed, I pull out my phone. Of course the group chat I have with my brothers is going off, it's always going off. Pulling it up to see if there's anything that needs my immediate attention, there isn't. Just everyone bugging Kieran about why he's been training with Ryan so much, Mac about who the girl he's sulking over is, Sul about Elle, Flynn's hockey conditioning, and Dec's flavor of the day. Exiting the thread, I pull up my text with just Declan.

Rowan: All set?

Declan: Everything's perfect. We need a debrief on the Dr. appointment too.

Rowan: Tomorrow. Thanks for making this happen. Now make sure everyone makes themselves scarce .

Declan: Guards will be in the shadows, we aren't leaving you guys unprotected. Remember that before you get too carried away tonight.

Rolling my eyes at his response I pocket my phone and focus on getting Rhett to bed.

* * *

Clara

Standing in the mirror of our bathroom, my eyes wander over my entire outfit. The dress I'm wearing is royal blue and wraps around my body like a second skin, the neckline plunges between my breasts and the hemline stops just above my knees. I've paired it with silver everything; heels, necklace, and earrings. My hair is curled into soft waves , and my makeup is neutral. As soon as we got Rhett settled, Rowan showered, changed into a smokey gray suit, kissed me stupid, then made himself scarce. Feeling like I'm having first date jitters all over again, I contemplate calling Britt. Quickly ruling that out though, I've only told her bare minimum about what's been going on. She's always wanted to keep us safe, and it hurts me to think about her stressing out over everything. Smoothing my dress and giving myself one last look, I turn towards the door just as I hear a knock. Who's knocking on our bedroom door?

"Come in. "

The door crack open slightly before I hear Declan, "It's just me. I figured I'd escort you downstairs since Rowans pacing the floor so much I'm sure he'll fall through any second."

Laughing while making my way to the door, the picture of him nervous is clear as day in my head. I'm clueless on why he'd be nervous though, it's just dinner, right? Oh no, what if he's about to spring something on me? Now my nerves are shot as Declan leads me to the back patio.

"You look beautiful, by the way. He's going to swallow his tongue. Make him work for it, seeing my big brother sweat is my favorite pastime."

Make him work for what? What is going on? Declan opens the patio door, kisses my cheek, then gives me an encouraging nod. Confused, I look onto the patio. Rowan's standing in the middle of it, hands in his pockets looking as handsome as ever. His hands have been running through his hair, giving that perfectly imperfect look. Fairy lights are strung from poles on the corners of the patio, he's set up a round table with two chairs behind him, and what looks like two covered plates, two wine glasses, and a bottle of champagne. There's candles set up around the entire perimeter of the area giving us just enough light.

Looking back to my favorite shade of green he gives me his famous smirk. The smirk that would have me passing over my panties in point five seconds, that's if I was wearing any. Rowan extends his hand out to me, on instinct my feet carry me to him. When I'm close enough his hands go to my hips and he pulls me into his arms. Before I can blink his hand is tangled into my hair, as his thumb angles my face up using my jaw. He stares deeply into my eyes, "You are the most stunning woman to ever exist in this universe." His lips are on mine before I'm able to respond. Instantly opening for his tongue to explore, his hand grips my hip firmer than it just was. I'm unsure how long we stand here making out like teenagers. Eventually, he comes up for air, leaning his forehead on mine, his eyes are playful and he's smiling a full smile.

"I feel like we skipped this whole dating part. I miss it."

His brows furrow, "Are you uncomfortable with what we're doing?"

"No, I'm not saying that at all. I'm just saying I miss the one on one time with you, you know without sex."

This time he pulls back a little, "You don't like the sex?"

Flustered I pull away from him, this is coming out all wrong, "No. I didn't say that. I just mean I miss the other stuff too. I'm glad we carved out this time for just the two of us to enjoy the evening together."

His eyes dance with laughter, "I'm joking with you, Pretty Girl. I know what you mean. The romance, while still there, is thrown in where we can fit it with everything else going on. Tonight's date night, that's important. I'll do better with prioritizing it. Hopefully everything will be done soon and we can actually go into the city on date night. Come on baby, let's eat before it gets cold."

This is exactly what we needed; the flirty banter, the subtle touches, and the time alone together. We finis eating, and move to the patio couch, my legs in his lap and his fingers working magic on my tired feet and calves. We've talked about everything from his parents and how they'd have loved me and Rhett, to silly things like our favorite songs. I love these moments with him, he doesn't stop working on my calves when our conversation dies down, and he switches gears.

"So, I have something for you." Sitting up and pulling my legs from his lap, I give him my undivided attention. He frowns and pulls my legs back in his lap, "Don't pull away from me, it's not bad. Just a gift I have for you."

"Roe, you didn't have to get me anything. All I need is you, Rhett, and a phone to text and call Brittany."

He hands me a rectangular box and chuckles at me, "Just humor me, Pretty Girl." Skeptical, I take it from him and open it.

My eyes widen and my jaw slackens. "It's, oh, Rowan. It's gorgeous." I'm staring at a gold tennis bracelet with a plate on it. On the plate is written what has become our little family motto, ‘safe, promise.' Looking up at him with teary eyes, I'm speechless. It's simple, but it means so much. It's a declaration to keep Rhett and I safe and protected.

"Keep it on every day, and when I'm out for business you can look at it and remember you're always safe with me. I love you so much, Clara."

Unable to wait a second longer I throw myself in his arms and start pressing kisses all over his handsome face. He catches me on a laugh and lets me kiss all over his face, forehead, and jaw. The whole time telling him ‘thank you' and ‘I love you' over and over.

"You're welcome, baby. I'm glad you like it." He takes the bracelet from the box and clasps the delicate chain around my wrist. Gently, he takes my face in his hands, "If I wasn't worried about you not being ready, that bracelet would have been a diamond ring. I don't want you to doubt how serious I am about you two. I'd have a judge here to sign the documents within the hour if you said the word. You and Rhett are my family now. You're both mine, I will fight for you both until my last breath, because you both deserve nothing less. Clara, you started my heart the day we met in the office. Your beautiful brown eyes locked onto mine and I just knew. I'm not a religious man, but as soon as you looked away from me I prayed to whoever would listen that you would land your attention back on to me, if you did I'd do whatever I could to make you stay." Bringing my hands up to play with the short strands on the back of his head, I press a fast kiss to his lips

"I've never had someone who loves me or fights for me like you do. I love you so much, for being the man we need, for being the best partner and Daddy we could ever imagine. I think the universe multiple times a day for sending you to us and for you choosing us to love." He pulls me in and takes my lips with his. My life is perfect with my little family. This is exactly where we're meant to be, where I'll choose to spend every day for the rest of my life.