Unspoken Vow (Steele Brothers 2)

“Hey. I’m here. I know I’m late.”

Rachel crashed on our couch for two months before she completely shocked us by taking a receptionist job at Brody’s old law firm with their dad. Then she moved in with him.

She said something about wanting to get to know the father Brody knew, because it certainly wasn’t the man she saw when she looked at their father.

Honestly, I think it’d be easier for Rachel and me if John Davenport was a huge asshole who didn’t care. The man I met in depositions years ago was just a man doing his job and doing it well. That’s all.

It’s not personal, and I understand that, but it does make it harder to hate the man. Don’t get me wrong, I still hate him. I just know I probably shouldn’t. Not if I want a future with Brody.

Since Brody quit his job, he has weekly dinners with his father that I’m always invited to but never attend. Brody tells me his father wants to put Kyle’s trial behind us, but I’m not ready. Maybe one day, but definitely not yet, and definitely not soon. They respect that and even understand it, so they’re leaving it up to me to make the first move.

“You came,” Brody says to his sister.

“Law is like a brother to me,” Rachel says.

Both Brody and I wear confused expressions.

“You two are together, Law is Anders’ brother, therefore, Law is like a brother to me.” Rachel logic. “Duh. Plus, he’s giving me free self-defence lessons.”

Brody hangs his head. “You do realise this whole thing is basically a charity, right? He’s helping queer kids learn to defend themselves.”

“What’s your point?”

“You have money. Pay him.”

“You mean Dad has money. I’m broke.”

“Shh.” I stop their bickering, because Law’s speech is getting real now.

“Growing up, I always knew I was going to be a teacher. I planned to be in a classroom, shaping the minds of the world’s future generations. Instead, I’m teaching youth how to protect themselves from an unsafe world. It wasn’t my first choice in career, but I can’t imagine ever doing anything else. The fact I even needed more space because of the demand shows how important places like this are. It’s not just somewhere to come and learn martial arts. It’s a safe space. Somewhere I hope kids turn in a time of need. And it all started because of my brother, Anders.”

He gestures in my direction, and everyone turns to get a glimpse of me.

Thanks, Law.

My neck heats, and I’m sure I’m turning red. Attention in public doesn’t usually get to me, but this is too close to home. I’m a little too raw and exposed.

Brody leans in. “You’re so cute when you blush.”

“Shut up,” I grumble.

“I have about a million other people to thank for helping me get this centre off the ground. My parents, my students. But most of all, my partner, Reed.” He waves Reed up on stage, where they hug to a round of applause and cheers.

Reed mouths something I’m pretty sure is “Love you.”

When the applause dies down, I expect Law to sign off quickly and get on with the night, but he doesn’t.

No, he certainly does not.

Brody, Rach, and I watch as my boneheaded brother gets down on one knee.

“Holy shit,” Brody and I say at the same time.

My brother takes Reed’s hand and holds the mic in the other. “None of this would’ve been possible without you pushing and encouraging me every day. You support me in everything, and I want to do the same for you. Reed Garvey, will you be my hus—”

“Yes!” our mother calls out from the sidelines.

“—band.” Law laughs, along with everyone else.

Note to self, if I ever go to take this step, don’t invite Mum.

Reed looks down at my brother still on his knee as if Law created the world or something. “I want nothing more than to be your husband.”

Law stands and kisses Reed to even louder screams and applause.

I feel Brody’s body heat as he moves even closer to me, wrapping his arms around me from behind.

“Ever wonder if you’d want that one day?”

That’s a heavy question. “Wonder? Sure. Think it’ll happen? Probably not. I guess I find it too much like ownership, and then that has negative memories attached. But I dunno … maybe if a handsome lawyer asked me one day, I’d have to seriously consider it.”

“Mmm, I don’t need it if you don’t want it. I mean, after all, it’s only been one hour since you first told me you love me. Marriage might be jumping a few steps.”

I laugh. “Just a few. I predict we’ll be trying to out-uncle each other before any wedding bells.”

Brody turns serious. “Oh, it’s on already. I’m going to start stocking up on gifts and candy for the kids Law and Reed don’t have yet.”