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“Fuckin’ Brady!”

A smile burst across his sunburned face, his teeth bright white. The next thing I knew, he caught me up in his arms and lifted me off the ground. It hurt. But I didn’t give a shit.

“Grady!”

I wiggled out of his hold and then we both had our hands on one another’s shoulders. I felt tears threatening.

“Do you know how many times I’d be in our bedroom and wish for you to come home?” Beau asked in a whisper. “It was every damn day for years.”

What could I say to that?

He grinned.

“And you’re here! You’re on our porch! Fuckin’ A, Brady. I never thought⁠—”

He stopped.

“I never thought…”

He used the bottom of his t-shirt to swipe at his eyes.

“I just never thought I’d see you again. Man, I thought you were dead!” He slapped me upside my head.

“Stop that!”

We both turned to see Marlowe wearing one of my tees that hit her mid-thigh, as she came storming through the living room to the front door.

“Don’t you dare hit Kai. He has neck and back injuries, hitting him upside the head isn’t good for that.”

Beau looked askance. “Seriously, Bro?”

“It’s nothing.”

“It’s not nothing,” Marlowe said. “You told me.” She came closer and slipped one arm around my waist and her other hand crept up over my heart.

“Fuck. You work fast, Brady. When did you get to town? A week ago?”

“I got here six weeks ago. Don’t cast aspersions against Marlowe. She’s my woman, and we’re heading someplace serious.”

Beau held up his hands, palms out. “Sorry, Marlowe, no offense meant.”

“None taken.” She smiled. “How about we take this soiree inside?”

It was then that I noted he had a pack on the porch beside him. “What’s that?” I asked.

“It’s all the paperwork that Bernie’s ever sent my way. In it is the title to this property. Dad can go suck—” He looked at Marlowe. “He can go suck eggs.”

“Well, let’s bring it on inside and take a look. Marlowe, you can go get dressed,” I suggested.

“It’s just your brother,” she protested.

“Yeah. Well, I think I have an idea how he thinks, so do me a favor and get dressed.”

She rolled her eyes, but sauntered back to our bedroom. Damn. She looked just as good going as she did coming. I looked over at Beau and saw that he was thinking the same thing.

“I’m guessing you were wishing you came home sooner.” I chuckled.

“Nah. I knew what I wanted, and those days are over. I had my chance.” He sighed as he put his pack on the dining room table.