Uncovering Hope (Uncovering Love Book 3) (16 page)

“You little shit. You opened my mail, didn’t you? And don’t even try to give me a lame excuse. I know you, little brother. You never were patient.”

“I can be patient when I want to be,” he mumbles as he reshuffles a stack of mail and drops it on the table. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that. It was just mocking me.”

“You sir, are never patient. Hello! We’re planning your wedding mere months after you met the woman of your dreams. And, come on . . . Christmas?”

“What about Christmas?” He scoffs and I gasp.

“Really? Your memory’s that selective? Mom still hasn’t recovered.” He now joins in my laughter.

“I thought she’d never notice. I did a really good job covering my tracks.” He pulls out a chair to sit across from me. I flip through the remaining letters.

“You thought she wouldn’t notice you opened and then re-wrapped every single present?” I shake my head and his lips pull into a wide grin.

“What can I say? I was only eight.” He shrugs.

“If Ezra ever did that I’d go ballistic.”

“He’d never do that. He’s an old soul, too wise to try that stunt. Now Eli—”

“Yeah, I know.” I laugh and meet my brother’s gaze. I reach out to touch his hand and squeeze. “Hey, I was going to tell you but it’s still early. I’m looking for a place of my own. It’s—”

“I thought we already discussed this. Just because I’m getting married doesn’t mean things have to change.”

“No, that’s where you’re wrong. Things
are
changing. But this is exciting for me. You know I’ll always be thankful for you saving us. I can never repay you for what you’ve done—”

“I don’t want you to repay me—”

“Let me finish. I know you didn’t do it expecting a return. I want you to know how much I appreciate you. Because of what you did, I’m in a place where I can support my own family. And you need to start yours. Just give me lots of nieces and nephews, okay?” I smile but I can feel tears gather. I blink them back.

“Lots?” He croaks and his face turns a shade paler. I laugh.

“Maybe one at a time? Marry her first?” I tease.

“I love you, sis.”

“I love you too, bro.”

“YOU DIDN’T DRESS UP!”

“And you did! You’re a—” Carly bites back a laugh.

“Shut it. Don’t mock this. I totally pull it off.” I try to motion down my body but my hands are stopped by the tiny arms. Damn it. How was I supposed to know costumes sell out and get picked over? I shouldn’t have waited until today. I wanted to be a sick as fuck dragon. Instead I’m—

“Barney? Really, Derek? I expected so much more.” She can’t help but grin and shake her head. I jump around trying to clap my hands but they don’t reach. She bursts into giggles and the sound’s intoxicating. I want to hear it more.

“Why are you dressed like a baby show?” Eli pokes his head out the door with a look of disappointment. His hair is spiked into a Mohawk and he’s dressed in jeans, white tee, and leather vest. He looks like a little nineties rocker and it’s cute as hell.

“That’s not a cool costume,” Ezra adds and stomps outside in full camo, candy bag in tow.

“Well, I wanted to be a dragon, ’cause dragons are cool as fu—fudgesicles . . . but they were all sold out. So, when they said there was a dinosaur left I thought that’d be super cool too. But instead I got Barney.” I pout through the costume’s mouth, the only opening for my face.

“At least I look cool when I do this!” I jump up and try to dance around. I look like a fucking idiot but it earns giggles from the trio. Totally worth the embarrassment.

“Okay, boys, you ready? You have your bags?” Carly asks, and they shout a resounding yes. It’s only dusk but there’re a few kids traipsing down the sidewalk with parents in tow. I bounce on the balls of my dino covered feet. Excitement is in the air. Trick or treating is upon us.

Carly turns back to the front door as Evie and Tate rush outside.

“We’ve gotta go! I know we said we’d hand out candy, but something’s come up!” Evie’s words tumble on top of one another.

Tate flips the house lights off. “Carly, you’ve got your keys?”

“Yeah. What’s going on? Is everything okay?” Carly glances between her brother, who locks the front door, and Evie who’s halfway to Tate’s car.

“It’s Kate. 911,” Tate offers. What the—? Carly nods knowingly. I’m lost.

“Text or call if you need anything. Drive safe.”

“Will do. Bye.” Tate hops in the driver’s seat. Evie’s already in the car. He backs out of the driveway careful to not hit any kids before pulling away.

“Eli, Ezra, you guys ready?” Carly asks, calm and collected, and we start down the street.

“What was that about?” I ask in a low enough voice that the boys don’t hear.

“Oh. Evie and Kate have been friends forever. If one needs the other, they text 911. It’s like their code, for big things only. I hope . . . whatever it is, Kate will have the support to get through it.”

“You sound like you already know something?”

“Just a guess. So, really, this was the best you could come up with?” She raises her brow with a smirk.

“I wanted to be a frickin’ dragon,” I mutter dejectedly.

“So, dino?”

“Well, they had one dragon left, but it was in the fall male stripper line. I figured the thong would be inappropriate. The headpiece and nipple clamps were a nice touch, though.”

She laughs. “So you have a thing for dragons? Is that why you have them tattooed all over?”

I smirk. “You checking out shirtless pics of me, sweet nurse Carly?” A pink stain works its way up her neck and cheeks and she looks away.

“Well, it’s all over the internet,” she mutters as an excuse. A wave of gratification crashes over me knowing she appreciates the way I look. I try to keep in good shape and I like my appearance, but I know the tattoos and piercings aren’t for everyone.

“Yeah, I have a thing for dragons. That’s why I have the two mirroring tats, one for me and one for my brother.” I bump her shoulder with my costume and it sends her stumbling a few steps. I try to steady her but my hindered arms don’t reach. She breaks into a fit of giggles.

We continue our pace while the boys race ahead up each driveway and we keep watch at the curb. Their loud thank yous float through the air at each house and I can tell they’ve been taught manners.

“So, you have a brother?” Carly asks but before I can answer, Eli’s enthusiastic shouts interrupt our conversation.

“Mama! Mama! Can we go another block? I want to fill up my bag!” His cheeks are flushed from the cold night and probably from running up and down the driveways.

“I don’t know.” Carly looks back down the street at her house.

“Pulleeze!” Ezra chimes in. “Dillon from my class said they’re handing out full size Hershey bars the next street over! We can’t miss that!”

“Full size! Fu—ntastic!” I shout. “Come on, mama, I think we have to!”

Carly grins and then nods slowly, “Okay, but once we get home it’s only five pieces and then straight to bed. No complaining.”

“We won’t!” Ezra and Eli nod before traveling down the sidewalk with Carly and me keeping a close pace.

“If you need to get back, let me know. I’m sure you have other plans on a Friday night.”

“These are my only plans, Carly. I’ve got all night,” I say and I catch her inhale of breath. She’s stunning tonight in her dark jeans and gray hoodie. Hell, she looks exquisite in a pair of Pepto Bismol colored scrubs. Her lush pink lips stand out in contrast to her fair skin. And those knowing green eyes—damn, I’m tempted to stare all night. But sporting a boner in a child’s character costume isn’t my idea of a good time.

I focus on the boys instead. Their joy and enthusiasm is contagious. The grin that spreads across my face is permanently plastered without any effort.

“So, do we get dibs on the loot?” I ask. Carly grins and a smile fills her sweet face.

“It’s why we put up with this stupid holiday.” She murmurs then drops her voice to add, “We tax the hell out of that shit. I’m all over the Reese’s, so you better watch yourself.”

I raise my tiny arms. “Whoa, no need to get excited. I’ll let you have your damn chocolate and peanut butter heaven . . . as long as I get a taste.” I roll the stud of my tongue piercing through my lips. Her eyes widen and she sucks in a breath.
Shit.
Does she want me as much as I want her? Am I really up for that? The whole package—the boys, and the baggage from the ex, because I know the answer she gave me last week was bullshit; there’s more than she wants to share.

My gaze goes back to Eli and Ezra who run toward us with giant candy bars. “See! They really had full-size!”

“We should head back after this block,” Carly says and nods toward the other side of the street. “Hold hands boys.”

“Mama, I’m too old to hold hands,” Ezra complains.

“Can I eat my candy now?” Eli whines.

“I think we should call it a night,” she says with a pointed look. Ezra quickly changes his tune.

“Never mind. I’ll hold your hand. Just one more street!” he pleads.

“My legs are tired. I need a chair.” Eli emphasizes his point by dragging his feet as we cross the pavement.

“I’ll make you a deal. I’ll give you a ride on my shoulders the rest of the way, if your mama agrees to carry my dinosaur head.”

“Derek, he’s too old to be carried. And too heavy.”

“But I work out.” I pull the head piece off and I’m relieved by the cool night air. It hits my bald head and I hold back a shiver. Damn it. I really do need a beanie.

“Up you go!” I grab Eli underneath his arms and heave him up and over my head. He’s light and easy to carry, and I like the way his little hands loop under my chin.

“If he gets to be too much, put him down. He can walk,” Carly says in an apology.

“Don’t question the strength of my muscles. I’ve got this.” I wink and catch a grin play at her lips. Yeah, I’ll carry this kid for miles to earn that look on her face.

At the end of the block we loop left to Carly’s house. It’s late and most of the children who filled the streets earlier are now gone. It’s fairly quiet, but for the growl of an occasional passing car and Ezra’s intermittent chatter between bites of candy. I’m pretty sure Eli’s passed out or close to it by the way his body sags onto the top of my head. I hold his hands under my chin just in case.

Carly stops abruptly, grips Ezra’s shoulder, and I almost trip. I follow her gaze up the drive to where a shadowy figure stands at their doorstep. I glance to Carly and fear is written all over her face.

“Hello! Can I help you?” I shout into the night. The figure steps forward and the street light reveals a man. He’s dressed in all black down to his gloves and shoes, with a skeleton mask covering his entire face.
Who the hell is this?

“Carly do you know him?” I ask under my breath. She barely acknowledges my question. “Carly,” I snap. “Get your phone out and call the police.”

My words finally pull her from her daze and she reaches in her back pocket to retrieve the phone. I still have my eye on fuck face. If he makes one aggressive step toward us I’ll have time to hand Eli to Carly, scream, and grapple with this creeper long enough to give them a running start.

Carly speaks with the dispatcher, and the man with the mask raises his hands overhead and slinks backward until he’s off the lawn opposite where we stand. He nods once, turns, and sprints off down the street. The moment he’s around the corner I pull Carly toward the house. She tugs Ezra behind her.

“Let’s get inside,” I suggest. Carly pulls the keys from her pocket; her gaze darts behind us while she cradles the phone to her head. Her hand trembles and I grab the keys, unlock the door and push everyone inside.

Eli starts to cry, waking as I pull him from my shoulders. I’m glad he was sleeping during that encounter, whatever the fuck it was. I glance over to find Ezra’s lower lip quiver. I hand Eli to Carly, who assures the dispatcher we are now safely inside the home. She rocks Eli, big as he is, in her arms.

I hurriedly unzip my ridiculous costume and drop to my knees before Ezra. “Hey, buddy, it’s okay, you’re safe.” He lunges and I almost don’t catch his body as he wraps his arms in a fierce hold around my neck.