“I forgive you, but you know there’s someone else you need to apologize to.” I pull back after he returns my hug.
“I freaking know. Kellie’s been busting my balls too. Come on, let’s get out of here and let Mom rest. You’ll call if you need anything, right?” he asks Mom and Dad.
They nod their heads. We all walk out together. Braxton has his back leaned against the wall outside the hospital room, his head tipped up, feet crossed at the ankles, and his hands in his pocket. I’ve never been so grateful that we set our sights on one another. He’s everything I could have ever asked for in my version of Prince Charming when I was a little girl.
“Come on, Ro. Let’s let the men talk while we go see where Kellie is.” The guys were in here with their wives when we came in, all of them camping out to see how Mom was doing and if we needed anything.
“One second.” I walk to Braxton, his body instantly enveloping mine. The warm solace his comfort brings me in a time like this is all I want.
“You okay, siren?” he murmurs into my ear.
“I am. So is Mom. And I think Bridger is done being a bag of dicks.” We chuckle together. Braxton kisses my head and then replies, “He’s always that way. Go be with your sisters. We’ll deal with this, okay?”
“Okay.” I lift my head and stand up on my toes, giving him a small peck on his lips before I do what he said. We have lots of gossip to catch up on, and I know Aspen won’t be here too much longer.SixteenBraxton“Today has been a long one,” Rowen mumbles between yawns as we get ready to slide into bed. I just had her in the shower. My dick should be tired, but here it is again as I watch Rowen get in bed without a stitch of clothing on. We both seem to always find one another in the middle of the night, and with us both naked, it gives us the access we both need.
“Yeah, it has. You sure you’re okay with everything?” I get in beside her and turn off the lamp that’s on the nightstand. She’s already settling in beside me when she answers, “Yes, but even if Bridger didn’t make things right, I still would be.”
That wasn’t awkward or anything. In fact, after Bridger and I had our talk, I swept it under the bridge. I’m sure if I had a younger sister, I would be protective as hell. Shit, I tried my hardest to watch over Leo. Fat lot of good that did. Slade, Travis, Easton, Leo, and Drake came over to check on our conversation. As if we’d have another issue like Slade and Travis did. I wouldn’t allow it. I would have walked away before that happened. There’s no way Rowen and her family need any more added drama after today. We shook hands, shot the shit with the guys for a few minutes, then we all decided to grab a bite to eat at the diner across the street. Aspen was already figuring out a way to bring the contraband back to her mom. Something about Robert making sure she only eats healthy food even though this has nothing to do with anything heart or blood pressure related. Peyton rolled her eyes and said to put it in her huge bag she always carries around and to feed their mom when their dad snuck off himself to find something full of sugar. We all laughed at that. That man is a walking contradiction when it comes to what’s best for Talia and himself. It was a great end to the evening, something I’m thankful for. I know Rowen needed it after the last few days.
“It would still suck, so I’m glad he did the right thing. Even more glad your mom will be going home in the next couple of days.” Her hand moves over my heart, and I place mine on top of hers.
“Me too, though that means Aspen will be going back to Texas. Damn, she’s like a tumbleweed blowing in the wind. I’m really going to miss her. Even though this has been her dream all along. Maybe she did the right thing. Where she’s at in Texas, it doesn’t get blistering cold, which reminds me. I know my car is finished, but I do love driving your truck and sitting up higher. Would you go with me to the dealership to trade my car in for something bigger?”
“First of all,”—I flip her over, wedging my hips between hers, the lights may be off, but the moonlight is shining through, giving us light to see each other—“you can have my truck. Or we’ll get you something similar, but maybe a four-door in case we need it later on in life.” I thrust my hips, getting my point across to her.