Brody (25 page)

“Well yeah, but only because—”

“She’s breaking up with me?” His voice was weak as he stumbled back a step. “How can she do that? She said she loves me.”

The last time I’d seen Seb look this broken was at his mother’s funeral, and I immediately regretted opening my big mouth. As much as I loved them both, I should have let them work this out on their own.

Seb was gripping the iron railing skirting the deck, his head bowed, when I touched his back. “She does love you. But she doesn’t want to be with someone who feels he needs an insurance policy in case the relationship doesn’t work out.”

“I don’t want that,” he said, his voice raspy. “I thought she did.”

“What do you mean?” I was praying this was just some silly misunderstanding they could work out with a brief conversation.

“I made space for her in the closet and bathroom, but she keeps living out of an overnight bag. I gave her a key, and she hasn’t used it. Not once.”

That didn’t make sense. “But she’s been spending a lot of time at your place, hasn’t she?”

“Yeah, but it’s like she’s afraid to make it official or something.” He stood upright. “When I suggested she hang on to the apartment, I wanted her to tell me she didn’t need it, that she was ready to move in with me. Instead she’s going to break up with me?” He tipped his head back. “I don’t believe this. What am I supposed to do now?”

I stepped into his line of vision and gripped his shoulders. “I don’t believe for a second that she wants to break up with you. I think she feels she has to because you’re having second thoughts about the relationship.”

“That couldn’t be further from the truth.”

“Don’t tell me.” I pointed at the door. “Go in there and tell her.”

“You’re right. This is bullshit. I’m in love with her. I can’t let her break up with me.”

I walked into the house after him, not at all surprised when he gripped Skylar’s shoulders in front of his family.

“Here’s the deal,” he said. “You can’t leave me. I won’t let you.”

Skylar glanced at me while all of his brothers looked on in shock. “Seb, I don’t think this is the time or place for this conversation.”

“I don’t give a goddamn who hears this,” he said, sounding panicked. “You’re not breaking up with me, so just get that idea out of your head right now.”

Skylar crossed her arms, clearly defensive. “And I won’t be with someone who insists on assuming the worst.”

“Is that what you think I’m doing?” he asked, dropping his hands. “God, Skylar, haven’t you heard a goddamn word I’ve said to you over the past year? I love you. I want to be with you. Forever.”

Her eyes watered as she searched his face for answers. “But what about the apartment? You said—”

“I know what I said. I wanted you to tell me that you didn’t need it because you were ready to start a life with me. Officially.”

“I am ready for that,” she said, resting her hands on his chest. “I’ve been ready for that for months.”

“Then why didn’t you move any of your stuff in or use the key I gave you?” he asked.

“Because you said your ex-girlfriend was trying to pressure you into living with her and you weren’t ready. I didn’t want to do the same thing.”

He rolled his eyes before pulling her into his arms. “You are crazy, girl. You can’t compare what I had with anyone else to what I have with you. There is no comparison. You’re it for me.”

Awww.
I smiled, along with everyone else in the room, glad that I was here to witness this even though I felt like a bit of a voyeur.

“You’re it for me too,” she whispered, holding him. “I’m sorry I led you to believe I wasn’t as committed to this relationship as you are. I am, I swear.”

“Prove it to me,” he said, his lips hovering above hers. “Move in with me. Officially.”

“Yes,” she whispered, laughing against his lips.

His rowdy brothers all hooted and hollered.

“Are you crying?” Ryker teased Jaci. “You’re such a sap.”

“Shut up,” she said, sniffling as she smacked his shoulder. “It’s not my fault. It’s pre—” She clamped her hand over her mouth and locked eyes with her husband, who was standing across the room.

Closing in on her with a wide grin, Nex asked Jaci, “Should we tell them?”

Looking embarrassed, her eyes circled the room and landed on Mac, Skylar, and me. “I kind of already told the girls. I’m sorry. I was just so excited, I couldn’t keep it to myself another minute. Are you mad at me?”

Nex framed her face with his hands and kissed her soundly. “How could I be?”

If this continued, I was going to be crying, and I definitely couldn’t blame it on pregnancy hormones… yet.

Brody came up behind me, his arms circling my waist as he whispered in my ear, “This day just keeps getting better and better, doesn’t it?”

I nodded, biting my lip as I fought back tears while I waited for Nex and Jaci to share their big news with the people who loved them most.

Nex turned to face his brothers as he slipped an arm around his wife’s waist. “So you’ve probably figured it out by now…” He paused for dramatic effect. “We’re going to have a baby.”

The whoops were deafening as the five brothers swarmed the happy couple, offering their congratulations. Mac, Skylar, and I stood on the periphery, all of us fighting tears as we let them have their moment.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” Ryker said. “Another Steele. Think there’s any chance it’ll be a girl this time?”

We all looked at each other and laughed before a resounding “No” echoed throughout the room.

Brody dragged me into his arms and kissed me. “I hope you don’t mind sharing this day with my crazy family.”

“
Our
crazy family,” I corrected. There was no one I would rather share my life with than these people.

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Shameless

Fearless

Ruthless

Reckless

Relentless

Heartless

Hopeless

Careless

Nashville Nights Next Generation

High Stakes

Trade Off

Holiday Homecoming

Game On

Burn Out

Fast Track

Time Out

Face Value

Blown Away

Breathless

Imagine

Starting Over
(Single Title)

Music City Moguls

Stone Cold

Envious

Forbidden

Haunted

Jaded

Hero Worship

Texas Titans

Strike Out

End Zone

First Down

Cheap Shot

Fast Break (Holiday Novella)

Wild Card

Free Agent

Going For It

Possession

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Damon

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Catia (Coming Soon)

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Steele Brothers Christmas

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Brody

Kane (coming soon)

Gabe (coming soon)