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“Yes. I didn’t know, Brett. Had I known, I would’ve done it years ago.”
“They’ll probably want you to talk to a psychologist,” Harper chimes in. “It’ll help to collaborate on your story. Do you want me to find someone?”
“Fuck.” I blow out, shaking my head. I hadn’t thought about any of that. But I’m committed.
“It’s not a bad idea.” Chosen slips her hand into mine.
The second her skin meets mine, all the anxiety slips from me.
I turn to Harper. “Yeah, I guess that’s probably a good idea.”
Harper touches her chest. “Personally, I think all of you guys could use a few sessions, but”—she lifts her hand—“that’s just my opinion.”
“Bullshit,” Cole says with a back jolt of his head.
“Like that’s ever going to happen.” Cassie chuckles, grinning at Brett as if the conversation has come up during some pillow talk.
Chosen leans in close to my ear. “I’ll be with you every step of the way, promise.” She kisses me on the cheek, convincing me to get through all this. That’s all I need.
Her.
Chapter 31
It’s been a few weeks, and things have been great. Lix has proven to be a gentleman when he needs to be and a reckoning where it counts. I’ve spent a lot of time with his family. Brett is stoic, but he’s warmed up to me. Cole is so easy to talk to. No reservations there. Cassie and Harper, they’re like being with old friends. They’ve all welcomed me into their circle.
The court date is in two months. Lix has been anxious but intense. He’s seen the psychologist three times. It seems to be helping him deal with his past. The part he forgot and the parts he doesn’t talk about.
His brothers have been supportive. There’s a special bond between the three. It makes me wish I had siblings. Not that I’d want to endure what they had, but I would’ve liked to have someone to share my childhood with.
Cassie holds the wine bottle over my glass. “Want me to top you off?”
“Please.” I nod.
Cole put some steaks on the grill. Brett made asparagus. And Lix supplied the baked potatoes with all the fixings, sour cream, chives, and butter. Harper brought the wine. We pulled out a folding table and chairs in the backyard. The sun is just starting to set.
As I look around, listening to the conversations and laughter, my eyes find Lix. He’s watching me watch his family. He lifts his beer and tilts it my way.
I smile, lifting my glass.
All things considered, I’m happy.
“Okay,” Brett says in a raised voice. “Now that I have you all here, I want to say something.” He glances at Cassie.
She smiles at him with a sort of approval.
The chatter stifles. Lix and Cole rest their arms on the table and study their older brother.
Something is about to happen. I perk up in the chair, glad to be a part of whatever it is.
“I’ve decided.” He clears his throat and looks at Cassie. “We’ve decided.” Brett places his hand over Cassie’s. “It’s time for me to retire from the escort service.”
Cole and Lix sit with their mouths partly open. Obviously, this is news to them.
Cassie’s eyes skirt past everyone.
Harper’s head tilts as she looks down at Cassie’s setting. Her eyebrows draw together, and then they pop open wide. “Oh! My! God!” Harper jumps up from her chair and runs over to Cassie. “Congratulations!” She throws her arms around her.
Cassie’s eyes freeze open as she pats Harper on the back.
