37. Peyton

PEYTON

O n their way to Butler Ranch later in the day, Brodie turned off the highway and took the dirt road up to see the view of Morro Bay. Instead of getting out of the truck, they remained inside.

"I loved you then," he murmured. "Even then, I knew."

"I think I did too. I just fought it harder than you did."

"And later, when I told you I wanted to make you mine, I knew I wanted to spend my life with you, Peyton. Does that sound crazy?"

"It doesn't to me. I felt the same way you did. Except I had too much history, believing I made bad choices when it came to men. When I finally found the right one, I didn't trust myself."

"Should we get going? I know you still want to go to Stave, and I'd like to have more time alone with you before Alex brings the boys home."

"I don't know where they are. Alex didn't say, did she? All she said was they were having a slumber party. Maybe they're at the ranch. If they are, who's at Stave?"

"We'll soon find out."

They were quiet the rest of the drive. When Brodie pulled in, they saw Alex's car parked near Maddox's cottage. "Guess that answers one question. Do you want to go see them while I pack up some stuff?"

"I'd rather come with you. I've never seen where you live," Peyton said.

"I don't live there anymore, sweetheart." Brodie drew her close and brushed her lips with his.

"Damn, Brodie, you can kiss." She put the back of her hand against her forehead. "Those women who call you ‘Brodie the Booty' must not know how good you are with those lips."

"They never will, darlin'." Brodie opened the door. "I apologize if it's a mess—wait, what the hell ?" Brodie stopped before Peyton could get in the door.

"What's wrong?"

"Sorry." He moved forward so she could come inside. "I can't believe this." Brodie ran his hand over the box sitting on the kitchen table.

"What is that?"

"It's Kade's box."

Peyton sat in a chair near the table. "Where did it come from?"

"The woman who owns the house I rented in Argentina must've sent it."

"You took it with you?"

"Yeah." Brodie's hands still rested on the top of it, appearing perplexed.

Peyton stood and rested her hands on his. "Let's open it together."

"Are you sure?"

"Would it bother you?"

"No, but…"

"It isn't a secret, Brodie. You knew your brother and I were together. You know I loved him, but you also know I love you more."

"I don't want to intrude on your privacy."

"But I want you to. I don't want secrets between us. I don't want you to hide things from me, not even to protect me, the way Kade did."

"Peyton—"

"What, Brodie? You have that same look on your face. A look of regret." She got up to leave, but he grabbed her arm and pulled her against him.

"There is something I didn't tell you, but only because I forgot, not because I meant to keep it from you. It's about Lang. Your dad's lawyer is trying to get the petition denied, or at least to get the judge who signed it to recuse himself."

"Why?"

"Because he has a connection to Lang."

" I knew it. I knew he'd find a way to work the system against me and for him. He's a lying, cheating bastard."

"He isn't going to win, Peyton. I promise you. If we can't get the petition denied now, we'll keep at it until we do," Brodie assured her.

"What else?" she asked.

Brodie's eyes scrunched. "What do you mean?"

"What else didn't you tell me?"

"That was it. Yesterday, your dad asked to speak to me privately while you were talking with Skye outside. He told me, then he asked me not to share it with you until we knew more. I said I couldn't, that I wouldn't keep things from you."

Peyton put her arms around his neck and kissed him. "And when I said that, it reminded you."

"Yes, and I'm sorry. I had every intention of telling you."

"I know." She glanced at the box. "Let's open it and get it over with."

There wasn't much inside that Peyton didn't expect to see. Kade had saved the letters she wrote to him, and there were photos of him with her and her boys. Near the bottom, there was a case holding the Legion of Merit Bronze Star he'd been given for exceptionally meritorious conduct.

"Your mom should have this," she said, running her fingers over the clear box.

"If that's what you want, Peyton."

Below it were other awards Kade had been given, along with his diplomas and newspaper articles written about him through the years. She was about to return the contents to the box when Brodie stopped her.

"There's something under the papers." He moved them aside, and she saw an envelope with her name on it and a ring box.

"Brodie, I…I can't." Peyton stood and stepped away from the table. "I don't want this." Her eyes filled with tears.

"You should read the letter, Peyton. He left this box for you, knowing you'd only see it if something happened to him."

"Can you give me a few minutes?"

"I'll check on the boys." He picked up her phone and added his name to her favorites list. "You need me, press this, and I'll be here in a flash."

She put her arms around him again. "I love you, Brodie."

"I love you, Peyton."

After Brodie closed the kitchen door behind him, Peyton pulled the envelope from the box and held it. She knew Brodie was right. She had to read it, no matter how hard it was. She'd loved Kade, and Kade had loved her. Now, he was gone, and he'd written this to say goodbye.

My dear Peyton,

As I've asked that this letter be given to you in the event of my death, I understand it will be difficult for you to read, and I'm sorry.

There are things you need to know about me, and about yourself, that are important for me to tell you. Things I couldn't say when I was alive.

I knew my time on earth would be short. I always knew, from when I was a boy, and I accepted it. I also knew I'd die doing something I dedicated my life to, something I believed in, something bigger than me. To serve my country, to protect the rights and freedoms of those I love, was what drove me to keep going, keep living, and in the past couple of years, to keep leaving you and the boys.

I want you to know I love Jamison and Finn as though they are my own flesh and blood, and when I'm gone, I'll continue to look down on them, and you, and protect and love you.

I do love you, Peyton, but I realized I'd never love you the way you need me to. I knew I could never give up the life I chose, even for you.

A few days ago, I found the ring my grandmother asked my father to give me before she died. He told me she wanted me to have it, and I'd know when I met the woman who deserved to wear it. You are that woman, Peyton, even though I am not the man who was meant to give it to you.

The love you deserve is so close. The man who truly deserves you hasn't met you yet, but you and he will meet soon. He will be the one who gives you this letter, and he will be the one who gives you our grandmother's ring. Give him a chance, Peyton. I know he'll love you in a way I never could.

I'm okay, my dear Peyton, and you will be too.

All my love,

Kade

Peyton lifted her phone and, through her tears, pressed Brodie's name. She returned it to the table, knowing he wouldn't answer. Instead, he'd come straight here because she needed him.

Kade knew. Brodie was the man she was always meant to be with. He was the man she was meant to love and who was meant to love her.

She felt Brodie's arms around her, and she leaned against him, letting his love flow through her body.