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We found Bradford passed out in his office. I nearly broke down the same way I did with my own dad. But I forced myself to be strong. I needed to be for Finn.
“You’re only human,” Jarred says as if he can read my mind. He has a way of doing that at times. It can be rather disconcerting, but I’ve gotten used to it. “You’re allowed to feel.”
“I know,” I murmur with a nod. “I just didn’t think that something like this would happen so soon after our wedding. I thought he would have more time, perhaps to see grandchildren.” As I say it, the lump in my throat thickens, and the burn in my eyes blurs my vision.
Our children won’t have any grandparents. Even though my mother is still alive, I want nothing to do with her. And she knows it. Any child that I bring into this world won’t know his or her grandmother. It may be selfish, but I don’t want any negativity around them.
“It’s not easy losing anyone in your life,” Jarred says, bringing my attention back to the present. “But with the right support system, it can ease the burden.”
I nod in agreement. “It can.” We both have to be strong for the man we love.
And that will be the easiest thing I do, because when you love someone, you’ll do anything for them.
BONUS SCENE
FINN
One year later
The sun shimmers down on the swimming pool where Zaria and Jarred are playing with Holden. I can’t believe I’m a goddamned uncle. Damien’s son is almost two-years-old, and he looks like a mini-version of my brother.
Nesrin is settled in beside me as she sunbathes in her bikini, which I know Damien has already chastised her about. It’s a bright blue two-piece, which matches the color of his eyes. But I’m certain it’s the strings and tiny triangles that are causing him the most torment.
“You know my brother is going to have a heart attack if you continue wearing that,” I inform my sister-in-law. “Also, when Creed arrives, Damien will lose his mind since the bastard is still single.”
“Your brother needs to know that I love him. And I’m not about to cower to his demands, just because he can’t handle a bit of competition.” Her playful, yet fiery nature is the reason Damien fell for her in the first place.
“Oh, I’m sure he’ll make sure you obey,” I warn her, knowing my brother. The two of them have always had an intensity that outshone everyone else in the room. The summer vacation is well underway as Cassian and Kalyn arrive in matching green swimsuits. Kalyn has also opted for a bikini, which I can tell by the look on Cass’s face he’s not happy about.
I can’t help but chuckle. Zaria exits the pool. She may be in a two piece, but at least it covers more than both my brother’s wives do. Even though they’re cavemen when it comes to their women, they know they’re safe at home. But like I said, the moment Creed walks in, the fangs will come out.
Damien’s best friend is well-known to be a playboy, just like I was. That is until Zaria and Jarred roped me into their orbit and now, all I see are those two. Zaria settles between my legs, her wet skin glistening in the bright sunshine.
“Holden is so gorgeous,” she tells Nesrin.
“He’s just like his dad, although, I can already see we’re going to have our hands full,” Nesrin says with a smile.
“Because he has his mother’s fire,” Damien informs us as he settles down on the end of Nesrin’s lounger. “Hey, man,” he greets Cass with a handshake. I reach mine out to fist bump my brother before I press a kiss to Kalyn’s knuckles.
It feels good to have the family around us. After losing our dad, we’ve come to the realization that life is short and being apart doesn’t work for us. Damien and Nesrin have decided to move back to Thorne Haven, while Cassian and Kalyn live just down the road.
We made a vow to always be close enough to help each other when needed. Blood is a strong bond. It’s one that cannot be broken, even if you want it to be. Jarred’s father has finally visited a few times, and they’ve slowly started a path to getting to know each other again.
“So, Cass,” I call out, “when are we expecting a little version of you running around?” The question is one I’ve posed before. One that has my brother rolling his eyes.
“Well,” Kalyn pipes up, a shy smile on her lips. She’s been through a fucking dark road, but she’s come out on the other side. “There might be one in about nine months?” she tells us as her hand circles her stomach. There’s no bump to speak of, but I am pretty sure it will be apparent soon.
