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Drake shrugs, but he’s by no means making light of it. He’s always bothered by a loss but he never wants to talk about it, so I leave it be. Besides, comforting him is more Brienne’s job than mine these days.
She does it at this moment, moving to his side and sliding an arm around his waist. She doesn’t tell him he did good, or he’ll do better next time, or even shit happens. Merely gives him a squeeze and that’s all he needs. She knows him probably better than I do—she’s perfect for my brother.
“I’m going to head up to bed,” Brienne says, and Drake bends to kiss her. “Don’t you dare fall asleep. I’ve got things planned for you.”
I dip my head and smirk. Brienne doesn’t even blush, nor should she. She’s a powerful, independent and confident woman. “Damn right, you do,” she quips, then her gaze comes to me. “You’ll stay, right?”
“I think I’m going to head home but thank you.” I know I’m always welcome to stay, but this has become their home and Drake’s former home has become mine. While I love my brother, his girlfriend and the boys, I enjoy my space.
Brienne moves to me, giving me a hug. “Want to have lunch this week? Or a drink?”
“Absolutely,” I exclaim, always happy to hang out with her.
“I’m not going to the away game on Wednesday.”
“Drinks and dinner?” I suggest.
“I’ll text you details and we’ll get Chrissy to watch the boys.”
Chrissy lives next door, or rather on the next estate over. Her parents are plastic surgeons and she’s a great babysitter in a pinch.
“I’ll walk you out,” Drake says, moving to my side and slinging an arm over my shoulders. We head toward the front door.
Drake hugs me and then opens it, but before I can step onto the porch, he says in a low voice filled with secrecy, “Listen… need your help.”
“Sure,” I reply.
“I want to propose to Brienne—”
I yip with excitement and Drake places his huge hand over my mouth, glaring at me. “Sorry,” I mumble against it and it falls away.
Dropping his voice to a whisper, he says, “Got some time in the next week or so you can come look at rings with me?”
I must look like I’m about to squeal with excitement as his hand claps back over my mouth, which irritates me, so I lick his palm. He jerks away, rubbing his hand on his pants. “That’s so gross.”
“Keep your hand off my face,” I snipe, but then I let the excitement take over. Making sure I’m as quiet as can be, I say, “Yes… I am here for ring shopping.”
Drake grins. “Excellent. And we can talk about ideas.”
“Listen,” I say as I fish my keys from my purse, “this is good timing as the boys were asking me about you and Brienne tonight.”
It’s not worry in his eyes but deep interest with a resolution to fixing something if need be. “What about?”
“Nothing bad. Just wondering if you two were getting married, if Brienne would be their mom. Stuff like that. But I think they’re also wondering what will happen if Crystal comes back.”
Drake nods. “Yeah… okay. I’ll talk to them, but only in general terms about asking Brienne to marry me. They’ll never keep that secret.”
I laugh and reach for another hug. “Smart man.”
“Good night, sis. Drive safe.”
“I will.”
“Love you,” he says as I step onto the porch.
“Love you more,” I say. I catch one more smile, then he shuts and locks the door. He has Brienne upstairs waiting for him.
I’m wide awake now. The exciting news that Drake is going to propose to Brienne has me practically bouncing as I walk to my car.
