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I turn my back on him and walk to the house.
* * *
Brighton
The Thanksgiving tableerupts in conversation as the front door opens and Eli and Brax return to the house. The heavy, awkward silence that was here mere moments ago is broken by banal conversation and the rush of everyone trying to speak at once. Willa, Exton, and Emberleigh quickly find their seats. If it wasn’t completely obvious that they were watching the goings on outside, it is with the crescendo of fake conversation.
I grab Eli’s hand, smile at his mom, Deborah, to calm her, and escort him to the hall bathroom. I point to the closed toilet seat for him to sit before rummaging in the closet for a washcloth and first aid kit.
“Well, that went over like a fart in church.”
“Yeah, and if I know Brax, it’s not over yet.”
I let the comment hang in the air as I run cold water over the cloth and use it to wipe the dried blood from Eli’s face. His left eye is swollen shut. His cheek split and double its normal size.
“This won’t feel good, but I’ll be gentle.”
“For the record, the punch didn’t feel good either,” he mutters as he flinches.
I manage to get the wound clean and, much to his chagrin, give him two stitches. Having a vet in the family comes in handy during brotherly brawls.
When I finish, he pulls me between his open legs, hands bracketing my hips. “Is this going to be our life? You providing me with medical care that you’re licensed to do on large animals?”
“Only if you keep meeting the working end of someone’s fist.” I touch the last of the antibiotic cream to the closed gash.
“Touché.”
I lean down, wrapping my hands around his neck and shoulders, and place a kiss on his lips.
“You were right.” I hold his gaze. “We should’ve told him earlier.”
“No shit,” he deadpans.
I step back, swipe what’s left of my used medical supplies into the trash, and offer my hand. He stands and accepts.
“Ready to face the firing squad?”
He points to his cheek. “I’ve had enough for one holiday. But I would like some pie.”
We walk out to the long table filled with family and friends, hand in hand, finally out publicly with our relationship.
A fresh pack of frozen black-eyed peas sits next to his plate when we return to the table.
Before we can sit, Willa accosts me with a hug. “I’m so happy for you.” Her gaze slides to Elias and offers him a dazzling smile. “And for you. Make each other happy.”
Exton meets us in the huddle, extending a hand to Eli. “Congratulations, Elias. I knew there was more than met the eye.” A sly smile crawls across his face. “And good luck. She’s a hell of a woman, but Lord, you’re brave.”
“Hey.” I smack him on his shoulder.
He bats my hand away and wraps me in a big hug. “Love you, Bright. You deserve all the happiness in the world,” he whispers in my ear, before grabbing Willa’s hand and leading her back to their seats.
“Well, that was eventful.” Layton leans back, threading his fingers together and cradling his head in his hands.
If looks could kill, my leveling stare would obliterate him.
TWENTY-TWO
TO KEEP YOU SAFE AND TO KEEP ME SANE
