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They all moved toward the double doors together, but Wilder hesitated, glancing at Vaughn. His brother stopped, a question in his eyes.
Wilder leaned against the door. “That was weird.”
“Our dad wanting to spend quality time with us? Hell yeah, it’s weird.”
“Something must be going on,” Wilder mentioned as they exited the conference room. Warden was several paces ahead, waving at a few employees on his way to the restroom. “I feel it in my gut. We need to be careful.”
“Trust me, I’m always careful around everyone. Family members included.”
“Hopefully, I’m no longer on that list.”
Vaughn smiled. “I’ve crossed your name out. In pencil. We’re still fresh on this new relationship thing and my trust levels are next to nil… you will have to bear with me. Pen might come later.”
“I’ll take pencil for now.” Wilder stopped again, tapping his brother’s elbow.
Vaughn paused and turned to face him.
“Thank you.”
Vaughn shrugged. “It was the right thing to do for the company.”
He grabbed Vaughn by the shoulders. “No. Thank you. Not just for this, but for the support you’ve shown me the last few months. Without your help, I don’t know what I would’ve done.”
It was clear Vaughn was uncomfortable with the praise. Odd, given that his brother typically sought it out, even when he didn’t completely deserve it.
“Vaughn, look at me.”
His brother lifted his gaze, meeting his stare.
“What you did today… it means the world to me. In all honesty, when you didn’t answer my call earlier, for a split-second, I was worried you might play a part in my downfall. You see, I still have a few trust issues of my own. I never expected to be proven so wrong.”
Vaughn grinned. “I enjoy proving people wrong.”
Wilder returned the expression. “You do seem to have a knack for it.” He grew more serious. “Just realize that your name was penciled out on my list, too. After today, it’s erased. I love you, Vaughn. And I’m proud to be your brother.”
Vaughn’s jaw tightened, and Wilder was almost sure he noticed a glint of tears in his brother’s eyes… but it was gone before he was sure.
“Aww, that’s sweet, Wilder.” Vaughn tapped a palm on his shoulder. “Never figured you for one of those sappy alphas.”
Vaughn was clearly troubled by the show of affection, but he needed to hear the words and feel the bond. Wilder sensed it deep down in his heart.
“I want to give the ten shares Father just gave me to you. You deserve a seat on the board. You have good instincts and have proven you’re here to ensure this company, and our family, prospers.”
Vaughn’s face was blank.
“Do you not want it?”
Vaughn eyed him, dead serious. “No. I do. I want it.”
Wilder drew his brother in for a hug. At first, Vaughn tensed, and Wilder had to admit it seemed weird. Hugging wasn’t an act he was accustomed to sharing with his little brother. After a few seconds, he sensed his brother clasped him tight. He smiled, squeezing harder.
When they drew apart, he clapped Vaughn on the shoulder. “Let me go make my call.”
“Sure. I think I’ll hit the head, as well. Meet you back in your office in a few.”
Wilder moved toward his office, a smile on his face. He never could’ve expected the turn of events or the actual support from his family. As he moved toward his desk, a thought occurred. With the new, massive projects from the Green Trust, perhaps they needed to add a COO position to their ranks, someone to work hand-in-hand with him. Vaughn was the obvious choice. He would have to run it past them at lunch.
Frey was behind his desk. The minute he noticed Wilder, he jumped up. “Well?”
