22. Brodie

brODIE

" H ow's he doing?" Brodie asked when Peyton returned to the waiting room.

"They're taking him into surgery in a few minutes." She took a deep breath. "He asked to see you first."

"Oh, uh, is that okay with you?" Brodie wasn't sure how to navigate this situation. Was it a good thing Finn wanted to see him, or was Peyton unhappy about it? He couldn't tell.

"Of course it's okay." She smiled at him like his ma would've.

"Okay, so, where is he?"

"I'll show you."

"I'll hang out here and let your mom know what's goin' on when she arrives," Naughton offered.

Peyton walked over to his brother standing near the window with his hands in his pockets, watching her as she rested her hand on Naughton's arm, reached up, and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you, Naughton," he heard her say. Then she motioned for Brodie to follow her. "Finn's this way."

When they approached the emergency-room bay, a nurse was talking to Finn.

"I'll get the doctor," she said to Peyton. "He wants to talk to you before we take your son into surgery. Better yet, if you come with me, I have some forms for you to fill out."

Peyton looked at Brodie.

"Go. We'll be okay. Won't we, Finn?"

Finn said they would, and Peyton blew him a kiss, which he pretended to catch in his palm.

"Tell me the truth," he said to Finn once Peyton was out of earshot. "How are you really doin'? I know you're being brave for your mama."

"It doesn't hurt as bad anymore. They put something in this thing." Finn pointed to his IV.

"Oh, gotcha. Yeah, you're probably feelin' pretty good right about now."

Finn smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "She's gonna be super worried the whole time. Will you stay with her?"

"Of course." Brodie saw the concern in Peyton's son's eyes. "Look at me, Finn."

He turned his head.

"I'm not going anywhere. You got it? Nowhere. I'll stay right with her and help her not worry so much."

"That'd be good. Thanks, Brodie."

Peyton opened the curtain and joined them. "All set." She took Finn's hand. "You ready for this, kiddo? I know you'll be brave, and before you know it, you'll wake up and you won't remember a thing."

"I'm ready, Mom. Oh, and, Mom? Brodie is going to stay with you. And he's not going anywhere, right, Brodie?"

"That's right, buddy." Brodie leaned over and kissed Finn's forehead. "I'll take care of her while they take care of you."

"Thanks, Brodie."

Peyton leaned over and kissed Finn, too, and hugged him as best she could. When he tried to sit up, she bent down farther so he wouldn't try to move too much. She was such a good mother.

The orderly wheeled Finn away while Peyton stood in the hallway, wiping away her tears.

"Come here." Brodie wrapped his arms around her, and Peyton's head fell against his shoulder.

"You were so good with him, Brodie. I really don't know how to thank you."

He had some ideas, starting with her letting him be a part of their lives, but that was something they'd talk about later.

When they returned to the waiting room, Jamison, Peyton's mom, and Alex came running toward her. Jamison landed first, wrapping his arms around his mother's waist. Her mom and Alex hugged Peyton at the same time, standing over Jamison.

"They just took him into surgery," she told them, then knelt down and looked into her son's eyes. "His leg is broken in a couple of places, and they need to operate so it heals properly. Do you have any questions?"

"How long will it take?"

"Maybe a couple of hours. Do you want to wait at the house with Grandma?"

"Can I stay?"

"Of course you can, sweetheart."

Peyton took his hand and led him over to a chair. She sat next to him and cuddled him closer to her.

"I was so scared," Brodie heard him say.

"So was I," she answered.

"She's something, isn't she?" Alex whispered to Brodie. "She's a great mom. Almost makes me not want children. I think I'd have a hard time measuring up."

"You'll be a great mom too, Alex." Brodie put his arm around her.

Peyton's father walked in, went straight to his wife, and put his arm around her. "How's Finn?"

"He's in surgery." She led her husband a short distance away, and the two spoke quietly.

A few minutes later, Mr. Wolf knelt down and talked to Peyton and Jamison. She rested her head on her father's shoulder and whispered something Brodie couldn't hear.

Then Mr. Wolf stood and approached him. "I understand you saved the day. Thank you, son." He did the same with Naughton.

"Who's at Stave?" Peyton asked Alex, who laughed.

"We're closed. Out of business, in fact. It all went to hell with you gone. Sorry, Peyton. I did my best."

Peyton grinned. "Stop it."

It was great to see her smile.

"Seriously though, we're closed. It was deader than dead, so your dad and I made an executive decision to stop worrying from so far away and drive over here."

Peyton shook her head but was still smiling. Brodie couldn't take his eyes off her.

"Your love is showing," Alex whispered.

"Good. I hope she can see it."

"Oh yeah, impossible to miss."

"Hey, Brodie," Naughton called over to him. "Mad wants to know if he should come get us."

Brodie couldn't leave. He'd made a promise to Finn.

"Actually, he'll leave the truck, and we'll fly ol' Betty home," his brother added.

"Better idea. Thanks, Naught."

Brodie sat next to Peyton.

"Betty?" she asked.

"It's what Naught named the helicopter."

He leaned forward, closer to Jamison. "How are you doin', big guy? Is there anything you need? Hungry? I don't know how good hospital food is, but I saw a vending machine with candy bars."

Jamison looked up at his mom.

"Go ahead, and thanks," she mouthed to Brodie.

"My mom is still upstairs. We should probably say hello."

"Oh." Peyton gasped. "I'm so sorry. I forgot she was here. Go. We'll be fine. I can take Jamison to get a candy bar."

"Stop. I'll take care of the vending machine purchases. Then you and I will zip upstairs and see my ma."

"Brodie—"

"Please, Peyton. Naught told her we were here and what was going on. She's worried about you. A couple of minutes are all it will take to ease her mind. It isn't good for her to worry about anything right now."

"I'm sorry. Of course we can go say hello to your mother."

Brodie returned with several candy bars and some chips. He and Jamison went around the waiting room, offering food to their family and friends. Naughton came in a few seconds later, carrying water bottles.

He approached Peyton first. "Figured you'd skin me if I offered your boy soda, so it's water for everybody."

Brodie watched Peyton interact with his brother. It was such a shame Kade hadn't brought her around more. She fit with them, and it was obvious Naught adored her.

She caught him looking and smiled. "Ready?" she asked.

Brodie nodded. "We're gonna go see Ma. If you're not here when I'm done, tell Mad I owe him." He looked over at Alex, and since she was hanging on his every word, he winked and said, "Hey, Alex. Your love is showing."

Alex laughed. "Shut up, Brodie."

Jamison approached Alex and held out his hand.

"What?"

"Shut up is a bad word. You owe me a buck."

Alex laughed, reached into her pocket, and pulled out a five. "I'm covering your mom too, kiddo. I think I heard her say it at least four times, to me, of course."

Peyton put her hand on Alex's arm. "When this is over and Finn is home and healing, you have a lot of explaining to do."

"About what?"

"Maddox? Since high school?"

"Yeah, yeah. Not that much to tell."

"As if I believe you. By the way, I understand he didn't come home last night."

"Don't you mean either ?" Alex smiled.

When they left the waiting area, Brodie took Peyton's hand, hoping she wouldn't pull away from him. She didn't. Instead, she held tight, leaned in, and rested her head on his shoulder.

"I don't know what we would've done without you, Brodie. Thank you."

"Your hand in mine is thanks enough. And now you know that any time, any reason, you need anything at all—call me. If you can't reach me, call Naught. After Naught, call Maddox. We'll take care of you, Peyton."

She leaned into him again, so close that her breast brushed against his arm. He managed not to groan, but it took every ounce of strength he had to squelch it.

When they rounded the corner to the elevator, Peyton stopped.

"What's wrong?"

She pulled him closer to her and wiggled her finger for him to lean down. When he did, she kissed him.

"Was that part of my thanks?" Brodie asked.

"I just wanted to kiss you." She pressed the button for the elevator. "What floor?"

"You gotta give me a sec, baby. After that kiss, I don't remember my own name."

She slipped inside when the doors opened. When they closed behind him and they were alone, he pushed her against the wall and plundered her mouth with his, then rested his forehead against hers. "Is this okay?"

"No questions. For now, please, just kiss me."

"Gladly."

She leaned away. "Remember yet?"

"Remember what?"

"What floor your mother's on?"

"Six," he grumbled.

His ma was filled with questions about how Finn was doing. She even offered to come downstairs with them, to wait while he was in surgery.

"I know what you're up to. You're angling for someone to sneak you outta here," Brodie teased.

His mother beamed at him and smiled at Peyton. "He's a good one."

When he told her they had to return downstairs, she wiggled her finger at Peyton.

"Come here, sweetheart."

His mother took her hand and held it tight. "You let my boy take care of you. You need him, Peyton."

Brodie stepped forward, but his mother said to wait in the hall.

"It's okay," Peyton told him.

While Brodie did as his ma asked, he left the door open enough to hear their conversation.

"Sit down for a minute, lass."

"Mrs. Butler?—"

"Call me Sorcha." Brodie pictured her patting Peyton's hand. "There have been many times I wished we knew you better, but now, I see why we didn't. You weren't ready to become a part of our family then; it wasn't right. But now, it is."

"I don't know what to say. This is all so?—"

"Let it happen, Peyton. Kade wants this for you both."

"It seems wrong," he heard her whisper.

"Wrong? Love is never wrong, lass. Sometimes, we love the wrong person at the wrong time, but it isn't ever the love itself."

"I'm sorry about my ma," he said when Peyton joined him in the hallway.

"Don't be. She's very sweet."

"And a meddler."

She smiled. "She cares about you."

"You too." He wiped away a tear with the pad of his thumb. "You've been crying."

"Haven't I been all day?" She laughed. "This time was different. They were good tears."

"Ready to go?"

"Yes. Listen, Brodie, you don't have to stay. My parents will, and I doubt Alex will leave either."

He rested his forehead against hers like he had earlier. "I promised Finn I'd stay with you, and I won't break it, no matter what."

"Okay, but?—"

"I'm staying."

Peyton laughed. "You're bossy sometimes."

"Sometimes? Always, sweetheart. It's part of what makes me so lovable."

When Peyton said she agreed, he beamed.

Her parents took Jamison home after Finn was out of the surgical recovery area and in a room on the pediatric floor of the hospital. Since it was customary for parents to stay overnight, the space had two sleeping recliners.

When she tried again to get him to leave, Brodie reminded her he'd promised to stay, and he meant it.

"But Finn's out of surgery now. We'll be fine."

He didn't answer. He'd inherited his father's scowl, and knew how to use it. He only wished he could be closer to her, hold her, comfort her. The recliners were good sized, but not big enough for two. He moved them closer together so he could reach over and hold her hand until she fell asleep.

Brodie dozed off and on, but the slightest noise would rouse him. The nurses came and checked on Finn throughout the night, waking him each time they did.

Finn slept soundly, but Peyton was restless. She talked in her sleep, and while he couldn't decipher her words, it was obvious her dreams were troubling. Around three in the morning, she sat straight up and looked around the room. "Kade?"

"No, sweetheart. I'm here, what do you need?"

"Brodie?"

"Yes?"

When she closed her eyes and fell asleep, he wondered if she'd remember it later.

The doctor came in before seven, checked Finn out, asked what he wanted for breakfast, then requested Peyton meet him in the hall.

"I'll wait here," Brodie offered.

"Would you mind joining us? Would it be okay with you, Finn?" Peyton asked.

Finn nodded, so he followed.

"He's doing well enough that I think he can go home after lunch. I want to see how he tolerates food after going under anesthesia," the doctor said before walking away.

"What a relief. He'll feel better in his own bed, and honestly, so will I," said Peyton.

"You were dreaming last night. Do you remember what about?" he asked.

"Same thing I always dream about, Brodie." She sighed. "Although my dreams have been different in the last few days."

"How so?"

"I used to dream about Kade."

"And now?"

"I dream about you more."

"Based on how restless you were last night, I don't know whether that's good or bad."

"I dreamed about both of you."

"Do you want to tell me about it?"

"I think so, but not right now. Okay?"

"Of course."

"Mom, I'm starving, and I want to go home," Finn said when they returned to his bedside.

"You sound like my ma." Brodie laughed. "She's upstairs, and she wants to go home too."

"Did she break her leg?"

"No, she had a problem with her heart, although she didn't have surgery like you did."

He should probably check on her, as much as he didn't want to leave Peyton's side. If Finn went home this afternoon, he'd have to let her go anyway, and then there was no telling when she might want to see him again.

"It's okay, Brodie. Go see her. We'll be fine."

He tousled Finn's hair. "I shouldn't be gone too long. Take care of your mom, okay?"

The boy's eyes filled with tears, and Brodie knelt down and kissed his forehead. Finn's arms went around his neck, and he held on.

"Finn," Peyton began.

"It's okay," Brodie whispered.

When he let go, Peyton led Brodie out of the room.

"I'm sorry if I'm getting too…I don't know…familiar, Peyton."

"I don't want him to get hurt."

"I understand." Honestly, he was more worried he was the one who would be.

"There he is." Maddox stood when Brodie entered his mom's room. "How's the little guy?"

"Good. Hey, Ma." Brodie knelt down and kissed her cheek. "They're saying he can go home this afternoon."

"That makes two of us."

"They're filling out her paperwork now. We'll be able to go home in an hour," his dad added.

"Blessed Father." Sorcha put her hands together and raised her head to the ceiling.

"The nurses are probably thanking the Holy Father more than you, Ma."

"Mind your tongue, Maddox Butler. I can still tweak your ear."

"Is the SUV still here?" Brodie wanted to be the one to take Peyton and Finn home. That way, he'd be able to spend a few more hours with her.

"Left it yesterday. Da and I drove down to get Ma."

"You take care of Peyton, Brodie. Are you understanding me?" said his mother.

If she'd let him, that was his plan. "Yes, Ma."

He waited until they brought the wheelchair, then followed his brother and parents to the hospital entrance.

"We'll see you when we see you." His mother waved from the open window of his father's car. "Remember what I said."

"Yes, Ma."

"I was worried you weren't coming back," Finn whined when Brodie returned.

"Finn Becker, mind your manners," Peyton scolded. "Brodie has other responsibilities." She was standing near the window, but took a few steps in his direction. "How's your mom?"

"On her way to Los Cab, I'm happy to report."

"Oh, if you need to leave, it's okay."

"If I do, who will give you a ride?"

"My parents?—"

"Peyton, please, let me take you home."

"We've wasted so much of your time already."

He turned to face Peyton, motioning for her to come closer. "If you don't want me here, you're going to have to say so. Otherwise, there is nowhere else I need, or want, to be."

They both glanced at Finn. "We want you here, Brodie. We just don't want to be a burden," said Peyton.

Brodie turned his attention to her son. "How was breakfast, kiddo?"

"It was great. I had eggs and bacon and pancakes and orange juice."

Brodie groaned at the same time Peyton did. "I'm starving," he muttered. "Did you get anything?"

"Not yet. I haven't wanted to leave."

"Hey, Finn-man. Will you be okay if I leave and pick up breakfast for your mom and me?"

Brodie asked Peyton what she'd like when Finn said that sounded good to him.

"Anything will be fine, thanks."

"I think I know your taste in breakfast foods," he whispered.

"Mm-hmm." She smiled.

Peyton got Finn settled in his bed at home. "Are you sure there's nothing else I can get you, sweetie?" Brodie heard her ask.

"No, Mom. I've got a hundred books, Jamie's phone to play games on, and I had two milkshakes."

"Okay, but I'm down the hall if you change your mind." When she stepped into the hallway, Brodie stood.

"I didn't remember how red your mom's hair is," she said, looking around the kitchen.

"It's natural—she wants everyone to know it, too."

"Can I get you anything? Glass of wine?" She opened the refrigerator. "I have beer in here, if you'd prefer that."

"Peyton, I'm fine. Come and sit down." Brodie patted the cushion next to him on the sofa. "You've had a long day."

He held out his hand, then pulled her down in front of him and rubbed her shoulders.

"God, that feels good." She moaned.

His hands moved to her neck, then to her hair, and continued kneading her tired muscles. He felt her tension ease. "Come on, let's get you to bed." He tugged at her hand to help her stand.

"Brodie, the boys?—"

"Peyton, I'm going to tuck you in, and then I'm going to say good night."

"Oh."

"Sweetheart, you're killing me. Don't pout. You stick that lower lip out, and I'm a goner. I'm a goner anyway when I'm with you. Listen, I know it's not right for me to stay with your boys here. I get that. Okay?"

"Thanks for understanding, Brodie."

"I'll call you in the morning. Stave is closed, right?"

"Yes, I'll be able to stay home with Finn tomorrow. Oh, wait. Crap. Jamison."

"What about Jamison?"

"I need to take him to school. Alex is not a morning person. I can't ask my parents. They took him this morning. Maybe I'll let him stay home with us tomorrow."

"There's another solution, Peyton."

"No, Brodie. I can't ask you to do it either. He has to be there at seven-thirty. By the time you got home, you'd have to turn around and come back."

He pushed her toward the bedroom. "Get in bed."

When they passed the hall closet he peeked inside.

"Extra pillows and blankets. I'm good."

"Brodie?"

"I'm going to crash out right over there." He pointed to the sofa in the living room. "Tomorrow morning, I'll take Jamison to school, then, if there isn't anything else I can do for you, I'll give you space."

She looked tired enough to fall asleep standing. "I can't. You can't. You haven't slept in a proper bed?—"

"Let me do this, sweetheart. Why make it so hard on yourself when the solution is so easy?"

"Okay, but, Brodie?"

"Yeah, Peyton?"

"I can't remember what I was going to say."

"Then say good night, and get into bed. I'll see you in the morning."

He heard her get up in the middle of the night, and then Finn, crying. When he shot off the sofa and rushed down the hallway to look inside, he saw Peyton sitting on the bed, rocking her son.

"Shh," she murmured, then hummed a lullaby.

He could listen to her sing to Finn all night long, but he was intruding on their private moment. So he returned to the living room and was about to lie down when Peyton walked toward him.

"Everything okay?"

"He has some pain, but he's asleep. I hope we didn't wake you. I mean, obviously we did. I'm sorry."

"Stop it. Come sit for a minute."

"Will you rub my shoulders again?"

"Do you want me to?"

"Yes," she whispered.

"Come here, baby." He turned his body so it rested against the arm of the sofa, then eased her between his legs. "Lean back, sweetheart."

He started with her neck. Earlier he'd kneaded her sore muscles. Now, she needed to relax enough to fall asleep. He kept his stroke feathery as he hummed the lullaby he had heard her sing to Finn. Moments later, Peyton's head rested against his chest.

Brodie propped a pillow behind his head, and with Peyton wrapped in his arms, he let his heavy eyelids close.