Page 99 of Shattered Hearts

“Right.”

“And I wanted to help Knox’s family after…”

Reid quirks a brow.

I exhale. “Their dad left a few years ago, and their mum is struggling a bit.”

My brother’s face scrunches, and I know he understands how hard it is for kids without parents. Macie lost both of hers, and it added so much extra stress to her life.

“Okay. Let’s help her, after she secures the building. We can help with renovations,” Reid agrees.

My grin grows. “Seriously?”

“Yeah. I want to help Knox and Paisley. I like them.”

I sniff a laugh, patting my palms on the desk. “We probably shouldn’t tell Cole we’re helping them, should we?”

“Oh, no. He’ll be out there tomorrow with a bulldozer for his racetrack.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. My phone buzzes in my pocket and I swiftly pull it out.

BISCUIT: Mum is asking if you want to come over for dinner tonight?

BISCUIT: I will also need your help with building the cot :)

“I’m sorry, is there something more important than this meeting?” Reid interrupts before I can send my response.

“Yeah, Laynie. She’s most important.”

He laughs. “And to think that months ago you were mad about Macie and I falling in love. Now look at you.”

I feel heat flush up my neck as Reid shakes his head, smothering a grin. “Yeah, well, I get it now.”

He smiles and holds out his hand across the table. “Good, and welcome to the whipped boyfriends club.”

My eyes roll, but I shake his hand because it’s probably true. But I don’t think I’d mind being whipped by Laynie.

“I think that bolt goes in there,” I say as Levi struggles to attach the base to the sides.

He groans, twisting the screwdriver with all his might before dropping it, the bolt falling through the slot. Huffing, he picks up a bigger one and tries again.

Laynie sticks her head through the doorway. “How’s it going in here?”

“I wish I could say good,” I grit out as I hold three wooden pieces in place as Levi takes his time connecting them. “But we’re still figuring out the bolts and screws.”

“Oh,” she breathes, stepping into the room, arms resting on her bulging stomach that makes me smile. It’s getting bigger every day, which seems positive. We’ll find out Wednesday if I’m right. “I just wanted to see because dinner will be done in ten minutes.”

“So will we,” Levi promises, grabbing another screw.

I sigh. “I should have brought my drill with me.”

“We don’t need a drill. I have hands,” Levi insists.

Laynie sniffs a laugh as I roll my eyes.

“It would take us a third of the time,” I retort, slightly amused.

Levi tsks. “Nonsense, we’re almost done.”