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Brian barked a laugh at the same time he heard the exact same sound from behind the curtain. Brian’s head dropped to his chin. He did fuckin’ sound just like Ford. The voice Brian spoke in wasn’t what he remembered. His command was always powerful, however now his voice was raspier, grittier, just like his big brother’s… and that was all right.
Dana stepped inside, now that Ford was all patched up to kiss and make it better.
Cayson stood with his hand out, gesturing for Brian to follow, his bright blue eyes sparkling with his amazing sense of humor. They all agreed Quick was a lucky man, and it was common practice to rib him that he wasn’t worthy of the physician. But, Cayson was family. He loved all of them, and cared for them, not just Quick.
Brian walked into his brother’s room and sat in one of the chairs. “It looked like I said all that?”
Cayson shrugged after Dana translated what he’d said. The doc could care less what tactics he used on them to get them to comply; as long as the end result was what he wanted. None of them made cooperative patients. So, thank goodness, the exam was quick. The fall hadn’t done much damage—that was why they wore leather, his arms were good. His head still ached, so Cayson asked Brian several questions to determine if he had a concussion. Only after Brian agreed to see the hospital’s ENT about his ear and Cayson made the appointment through the hospital’s system, did he tell Brian he was good to go.
Ford translated everything he said, watching Brian closely. Was he wondering why Brian was signing again? Wondering why he wasn’t using his voice when it was clearly working. Fact of the matter was, he was scared to try to speak… and then… nothing. Since they’d left the parking lot in a mess of hotel security, executives, police, fireman, news crews and countless gawkers, Brian hadn’t even attempted to speak. It wasn’t important. His brother was alive. He’d wanted to stay in Ford’s presence a little while longer, so he’d come with him to the hospital. Cayson informed them early on that the bullet had only grazed him, but it still took a good chunk of flesh. The X-rays showed no muscle damage, but the wound would be healing for weeks and some physical therapy for range might be needed.
“Guys, let me talk to my brother alone.”
Dana and Cayson both left without argument, leaving Brian sitting there with his brother’s piercing look. Ford was propped up, his upper arm heavily bandaged and immobile, the other hand, he pointed at Brian.
“Talk,” Ford growled at him. His order not one to be disobeyed.
Brian clenched his teeth. He fuckin’ knew it! He went to put his hands up but Ford’s growl was so frightening and barely controlled, Brian slammed his hands back down. He worked his throat. Fuck. What if it don’t come out?
“Don’t be afraid of it. Take it just like you did in that parking lot,” Ford demanded. Even in a hospital bed he was ten feet tall and impressive. “Don’t be afraid!”
“I’m not afraid!” Brian signed angrily, his hands slapping together.
“I didn’t hear that!” Ford bellowed. “If you’re not afraid then, talk!”
“NO!” Brian roared in his brother’s face, releasing all the air he’d pulled into his diaphragm.
Ford startled, the back of his head hitting his pillow. Brian jerked away, clutching his throat. The vibration was intense, almost too much to take. His head pounded, and excruciating pain seared behind his left eye. Yelling hadn’t been a good idea, but Brian couldn’t beat himself up for making his ears and headache worse. The unknown was over. It hadn’t been a fluke. His voice had returned. And, just like Colton had promised him, it’d returned when Brian needed it the most. He turned to look at his brother.
“Ford,” Brian croaked.
Ford curved one side of his mouth, his eyes instantly brimming with tears then flowing over. His face was a mask of pride and perseverance. “I’ve waited almost six damn years to hear you say that,” Ford replied, his voice thick with emotion.
Brian hadn’t cried in years, and now he couldn’t seem to turn it off. They let their tears fall silently as Brian leaned in and held his brother. They’d made it. Since they were kids they’d fought together and had beat all obstacles that’d been placed in front of them. From that damn depressing farm they were raised on, to their spineless mom who’d left for greener pastures, to their abusive father; they stayed fighters. When the war had tried to claim Brian, Ford had known he was still alive and he’d never given up. They’d never abandoned each other, emerging on the other side as warriors. They’d promised that they’d always be there for each other and that was a promise that was as unbreakable as their bond.
