Tucker (The Family Simon 1)

“What’s up? You got a premiere or something I forgot about?” he asked Beau. His mind was turning, already chugging ahead.

He had plans. And as much as he loved his family, appreciated a visit from his brothers, Tucker wanted the hell out of the city.

“Nope,” Beau replied. “I flew in because I’ve got something to ask you and Jack here,” he poked their older brother. “Well, he’s got his own shit storm to deal with and was looking to get away.”

That got Tucker’s interest. “Shit storm, huh? What did you do? Walk across Monique’s white carpet with muddy shoes? Accidentally drown that sorry excuse that she calls a dog?”

Jack scowled. “Watch it. That sorry excuse of a dog belongs to me.”

Tucker glanced over at Beau, but Beau was trying real hard not to laugh.

“I don’t get it,” Tucker said. He had a feeling this was gonna be good.

“Monique and Jack are no longer a couple.” That was Beau and now Jack’s scowl was reaching epic proportions.

“Okay,” Tucker replied. “But I still don’t get it.”

“Apparently our brother here,” Beau poked Jack again.

“Watch it, pretty boy,” Jack warned.

Beau chuckled. “Our Jack here was caught leaving a night club in Miami.”

Huh. Tucker’s eyes were on Jack. His oldest brother wasn’t exactly the club type.

“And?” Tucker asked.

“At three in the morning,” Beau continued, his grin nearly as big as Jack’s scowl. “Looking like crap with his shirt unbuttoned, tie undone and accompanied by none other than Donovan James.”

No. Shit.

Jack shoved his hands into his front pockets. “Don’t ask,” was all he said.

“I can’t help it,” Tucker laughed. “I gotta ask.”

“Don’t,” Jack bit out.

“Where the hell does the dog figure into all of this?”

Jack stared at him, mouth half open, and then he shrugged. “That is a long story.”

“I bet,” Tucker replied. “Look I’d be all over the family drama, but guys, I’m heading out of town with Abby.”

“Blackheath?” Jack asked.

Tucker nodded. “It’s time.”

For a few moments, all three brothers were quiet and then Beau spoke quietly. “I’m glad for you, Tuck. She’s a lucky girl.”

Something shifted between the three of them. Some understanding that things in the past, things now finished, were finally gone and buried. These guys had seen Tucker through a lot. God, Jack had done his damnedest to facilitate a quick recovery of the wreckage.

The media frenzy and subsequent mania had died down, but not until a painful goodbye. All three members of Marley’s team, including Mar

ley, had been found. No one knew why they were so far from where they were supposed to be. Was it pilot error? Mechanical error?

Those were questions that would remain unanswered.

Beau slapped him on the shoulders. “So, the reason I’m here.” He cleared his throat. “I’m getting married, and I want you up there with me.”