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“She moved out,” River grumbled as he paced Reilly’s kitchen.
There was more that River wasn’t disclosing, Reilly could feel it. “What happened?” Reilly was met with silence. “River?”
“I really screwed up this time, bro.”
Reilly looked down at the sleeping baby in his arms. Chet was finally on a decent schedule these days. Thank God, because he and Lucy had been losing sleep left and right. They were both ready for the break. He smiled when he thought of how utterly lucky he was to have the babies, to have Lucy. Warmth filled him. He’d do anything to keep them safe.
“Look, we all screw up, River. Best to learn from your mistakes so you don’t repeat them.”
“Well, I’ve made a decision, and I want your opinion.”
Reilly grinned. “I love giving my opinion. Shoot.”
“I want to marry Jeanette.”
Reilly’s eyes lit with amusement. “And does she have a say in this decision?”
He let out a heavy sigh. “Right now she would rather I jump off a bridge.”
“What’d you do now?”
“After her mugger was caught, she started talking about moving out. I asked her to stay with me.”
“What’s so wrong in that? A lot of couples live together before marriage. Look at me and Lucy.”
“Yeah, but I basically offered her money. I told her I’d help her with expenses. And I didn’t say a thing about love or marriage at the time either.”
/> Reilly’s eyes shot wide. “Jesus, it’s a wonder you can still walk upright. You know how prideful she is, River. She’d never let a man ‘keep’ her. Not even you.”
“Hell, I didn’t mean for it to come out that way. By the time I realized what an ass I was being, she was gone.” Christ, if River could kick his own ass, he would. “I only saw her leaving me and I reacted. Badly.”
Reilly arched a brow at him. “Gee, you think?”
“I want her back,” he gritted out. “She’s my equal in every way. I can’t imagine my life without her.”
Reilly smiled. “She really is something.” Concern that River was being too hasty had him asking, “But are you so sure you’ll be content with one woman? You’ve been sort of a man-whore lately, you know.”
“I haven’t really dated as much as I let you all think. And there’s been no one since the night Jeanette walked in on me with Holly.” He paused, then answered, “Yes, I’m sure. She’s everything to me. Since she’s been gone, the apartment seems so damn quiet and empty. I miss her. God, I’ve even imagined her pregnant with my child. Somehow the picture doesn’t send a shiver of fear through me either.”
“Yep, you’re in love. Once upon a time, the very idea of being a father would’ve caused me to pass out. Now, I can’t even think about life without Lucy and the twins.”
“I have an apology to make to you too. That’s the other reason I’m here.”
Reilly couldn’t begin to think what River was talking about. “I’m listening.”
River leaned against the counter, his troubled gaze on the floor. “I’ve been jealous of you,” he said in a low voice. “Your happiness, Lucy and the babies. I didn’t think it was fair that you had everything while I still only had nightmares.” His head shot up. “I’m sorry.”
Reilly stood and went to him. With Chet in his arms sleeping soundly, he kept his voice quiet. “It’s okay.” He slapped River on the arm. “I understand, man.”
River shook his head. “No, it isn’t,” he groaned, his voice gruff. “It’s not your fault what I went through. Only Briggs is to blame for that. I’ve been feeling sorry for myself, and that stops now.”
A cloud seemed to be lifting, and Reilly knew why. He had his brother back. Finally. “All’s forgiven,” Reilly said, choking back emotion. “Now, tell me what you aim to do about your girl. Got a plan?”
“Hell if I know.” River threw up his hands. “I’m lost as shit here. At first I thought she’d be better off far away from me. Now…I don’t understand it. I only know that she’s the one, and I can hardly breathe without her.”
“Then you need to do a measure of groveling, if you ask me.”
“Yeah, but first I need to find her. I’ve called her cell three times and stopped by her apartment. Nothing.”
