Beloved by Brothers (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 6)

He already had plans for his brothers. “Honey, it’s always been their hearts’ desire for us to be together again.”

“They aren’t you, Lucas.” She looked down at her hands. “You and I both know that I saw Mitchell with Kaylyn last night. He looked so happy beside her, and I’m really not sure about Jason. I’m not even sure about myself.”

She’d always worried too much. “Phoebe, you need to take one step at a time. Trust me. We can get back to how it was. I see that now.”

“But if I’m pregnant, I don’t have time to take one step at a time.”

“We’ve already started with the first step. And I’m going to get the second step started today.”

“What is the second step? I have so much on my plate, Lucas. The Steele case. This stalker issue. Helping Shane.”

He stroked her hair. “You have always been the overachiever, baby. That’s just one of the many things I love about you. I’m going to help you with everything. Until the stalker is found, me, Mitchell, or Jason will be at your side.”

“But—”

“No ‘buts.’” He put his finger to her lips. “Hear me out. I’m calling Mitchell now.” He knew she wasn’t ready to face Jason just yet. As soon as possible, he would go see Jason and fill him in on everything. “You two need time alone. You have your meeting with Jennifer and I’ve got to go to the Stone Ranch to show Amber some changes to the dormitory plans this morning. Mitchell can be your bodyguard today while I’m gone, and that’ll give you time to talk to him about everything.”

“I hope you’re right about all of this, Lucas. I’m still getting used to us being back together again. I’m still not sure how it’s going to turn out with Mitchell and Jason.”

“You know, under the circumstances, that time is of the essence. We all want the same thing. So let’s move on it.”

“I know you’re right, but I’m just scared. It’s been so long. Are you sure everything is going to turn out okay?”

He kissed her. “Trust me.”

“Okay,” she said, leaning into him. “Promise me my heart won’t be broken again.”

“Believe me, baby. My brothers still love you just as much as I do. Leave everything to me.” Lucas knew getting Jason and Phoebe to open up to each other was going to be difficult, but not impossible because the love was still there inside them. But they were both very stubborn. Lucas kissed her on the forehead. “You go get ready for your meeting and I will call Mitchell.”

She smiled. “Yes, Sir.”

Watching her trot off to the bathroom, he’d never been happier that they were together again. But his mind slammed back to the call from the stalker he’d received last night. He clenched his jaw. The woman of his dreams required protection and there were only two men he would trust with that task. The plan was to go to Mitchell first and then Jason.

He retrieved his cell from the nightstand. “Time for step two.”

* * * *

Mitchell hit the snare, ending the last song. He’d finally found the sound that he’d been seeking for years. Adding Kaylyn’s voice to the mix created what he’d heard in his head that night he’d been holding Phoebe under the stars at Lover’s Beach.

“Mitchell, I’m beat,” Big Jim said. “I’ve got to get some shut-eye.”

“Just a couple more. Please.” He and the band had jammed all night and into the morning after the O’Learys’ party with Kaylyn.

Hank turned to their new lead singer. “I told you he never tires.”

“I don’t think he needs sleep,” Big Jim added with a laugh.

Godric yawned. “I could go for another thirty minutes.”

Kaylyn stepped away from the keyboard. ?

?I’m toast. I’ve had fun, Mitchell, but I’ve got to run. My dogs need to be fed and I’m supposed to be at the sheriff’s office.”

“I’m sorry for keeping you so long. I forgot you were filling in for Jason until he can find a replacement for Shannon.” Destiny wouldn’t be the same without the lovely lady.

Kaylyn frowned. “I still can’t believe she’s gone.”

“None of us can.” The sweet woman was a fixture in Destiny. “Go,” he told them. “Can you all be back tonight at seven?”