A Barker Family Christmas (The Barker Triplets 3.50)

Beau nodded. “I think it’s going to snow most of the night.”

“I like it,” Cooper said taking a sip from his tumbler. “Reminds me of when we were kids and we’d head up to your family’s place on the lake. Spend the entire day playing hockey and building forts in the trees.”

“We used to use Maverick for target practice,” Beau chuckled.

“Yeah,” Cooper replied softly. “Those were good times.”

The men were silent for a few seconds, both seemingly lost in thought.

Beau sighed and shoved his hands into the pockets of his tux. He glanced across the room, to where his father Noah, was having an animated conversation with Herschel Barker. The two had a passion for all living things, one of the reasons the Simon Foundation spent huge amounts of dollars on the preservation of wildlife. At the moment the two men were discussing the plight of the honeybee. Besides Logan Forest and Shane Gallagher, his brother Tucker, and cousin Maverick were gathered around them as was his older brother Jack. Seeing all the Simon boys together, especially at Christmas, had Beau feeling more than a little emotional. Partly because it had been a while since he’d seen them all in one place, but mostly because there should have been one more.

“Any news of Teague?” Cooper asked, eyes still on the view outside. It was as if he was a mind reader.

Beau shook his head, mouth tight. “No. he’s gone dark and no one’s been able to get hold of him for over a week. We thought…

” He had to pause. Had to work hard to keep his emotions in check. “I thought he was going to be here, you know? Last time we talked, he was looking forward to coming up for the wedding and spending the holidays with us.”

“He’s where exactly?” Cooper asked.

“Syria, I believe.”

“Shit.”

That was an understatement. “He was offered an assignment but it’s under the radar because it’s being run by the guy who ran his old Seal unit.”

“So he’s not there working for a magazine or paper.”

Beau shook his head. “No. I’m not sure what it’s all about, but he seemed determined to go. Said that it was a good thing that he was doing and not to worry.”

After a brief stint as a Navy Seal, his brother had pursued two passions—writing and photography. And like the adrenaline junkies that the Simon men were, in the span of a few years he’d become one of the worlds most celebrated photojournalists because he would go anywhere for a story. The more danger there was, the more interested he became. It’s what set him apart from the pack. It’s what made him a Simon.

Beau was all for following a dream and living your passion, Lord knows he’d done it in his own life, but the last time he’d seen his brother, something was different. It felt as if a piece of Teague had gone missing. As if he’d left it behind in one of the many hell holes that he’d been to. It had bothered Beau so much, he’d mentioned it to Tucker, but if Teague’s twin knew anything, he wasn’t giving it up.

“Teague said there would be times that he wouldn’t be able to get in touch with us, so we’re not raising any red flags just yet. Jack’s got his ear to the ground as well, but still, it’s hard.” Beau watched his father and thought of his mother. “Mom’s putting on a good show, yet I know she’s worried.”

“That’s normal. It’s her kid. And Syria is a dangerous place to be,” Cooper replied, with a sidelong glance. “But Teague wouldn’t want you thinking about this, wouldn’t want you worrying about him on your wedding day.”

“I know,” Beau replied.

“So how’s about you come with me and I’ll pour you a scotch.”

The men were gathered in a small private room that Shane Gallagher used as an office. A temporary bar had been set up and Beau thought that maybe a shot of something stronger than water would help settle his nerves.

He accepted a Scotch from Cooper. Herschel Barker raised his own glass and tipped his head to the side.

“First off, the twins don’t need to know that this is not apple juice. We’re clear on that?” He glanced at each and every one. “I don’t need them fussing when I’m on the wrong side of eighty and don’t care all that much that whiskey and my medication don’t mix.” His face opened into a wide smile. “Truth be told, this here apple juice is making me feel pretty damn good. Merry Christmas and cheers.”

Everyone raised their glass and took a sip of ‘apple juice’ though the room grew quiet when Herschel cleared his throat, his laughter fading, his eyes serious as they settled on Beau.

The old man squared his shoulders and refused help from Shane as he struggled to his feet. Leaning against the desk, Herschel took a few moments, his knee, obviously painful as he moved a bit until he was comfortable. When he spoke, his voice was low and Beau had to concentrate in order to hear him properly.

“These last few years have been hard on us Barkers. With Trent failing and my twins at a crossroad, there were nights when I couldn’t sleep from worry.” Herschel glanced to his right. “Logan and Shane, you two are part of our family, the girls are truly blessed to have such fine men by their side. I’m not surprised that they chose well. I never worried about Billie or Bobbi. I always knew they’d find their way, but Betty…”

Herschel’s eyes got misty and Beau decided that he didn’t much care for the lump that was now in his throat. Christ, he needed to keep it together at least until after the ceremony.

“My Betty was the one I worried about the most when it came to her personal situation. Not always, mind you. This girl was the fearless child. The child who didn’t know the meaning of the word ‘boundary’ or ‘no’ for that matter.”

“She still doesn’t,” Cooper piped up, drawing a few chuckles.