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“I like them.” Nixon cut him off.
“Well that’s good, then, because they like you too.” Luke reached over and put his hand on Quinn’s, trapping hers and Nixon’s beneath his bigger one.
“What happens when it all goes?” The words were whispered, but both Quinn and Luke heard them. Nixon was looking at their hands now.
“Nixon, you need to look at me.” Luke waited for him to raise his head. “If for any reason you need to leave here, which you won’t because we are not letting that happen, but if you do, then you won’t be leaving alone. In fact, you’ll never be alone again. You’re ours now whether you like it or not. That comes with for better or worse. We will be there for you no matter what. Okay?”
His brother nodded. Luke watched his shoulders lower slightly.
“There is nothing you can’t talk to me about, little brother.”
“And if you need someone else to talk to and I’m not in town, I’ll give you my number. You can call me anytime,” Quinn said.
“You’re not alone anymore,” Luke said.
Nixon eased his hand free and got to his feet.
“Okay?” Luke rose with him and held out his hand. When his brother took it, he pulled him in for a hug. Nixon was stiff, but he accepted it.
“Okay.”
“Tell the others about your cooking. They’ll think it’s cool.”
“Really?”
“Really. Those pastries were so good, bud.”
It was the biggest smile Luke had seen on his face yet.
“See you, Nixon,” Quinn said, rising too as Luke let his little brother go.
“Bye, Quinn. I’m going to help Albert. He’s busy.”
“Sure, no worries. You got your phone?” Luke asked.
Nixon nodded, and Luke pulled out some money and handed it to him. “You call if you need me, or a ride home.”
“What’s the money for?”
“You. Use if for whatever you want.”
Nixon looked at the notes, and then stuffed them into his pocket. “Thanks.”
Luke followed Quinn out the door. He then took her hand and crossed the street.
“Where are we going?”
“For a drive,” Luke said.
“Where? Are you taking me home?”
“No.” He kept walking until he reached his pickup. Opening the passenger door, he nudged her in.
“Luke, I’m really tired.”
“I know, but I want to get you alone.”
