Page 77 of Choosing Skyler

“NO!” Skyler and I say at the same time, and we all laugh.

Chapter 28

Skyler

I’m curled up in Brady’s lap on the couch when Devon and Tracey come in. I start to get up, but Brady puts a hand on my thigh, stopping me. My throat is hurting from all the talking I’ve done the past two days. Not to mention being sore from last night and walking around the mall all morning. I’ve taken an Ativan and a pain pill and I’m losing my fight with consciousness. Brady pulls the afghan from the back of the couch and covers me.

“You okay, Sweets?” Devon says, sounding worried.

I nod as my eyes close again.

“The last couple of days are catching up with her. She took both medications, so she’s a little out of it,” Brady tells them. “I tried to get her to lay down in the bed, but she insisted on being up when you got here.”

Tracey laughs. “She’s hardlyup. She’s out cold.”

I shake my head.

“She’s awake... Sort of.” Brady chuckles and I smile.

Devon laughs. “There’s your prize, Tray. Skyler is in Brady’s lap.”

We all laugh. Well, they laugh. I smile and shake with a silent laugh.

“Not as hot as I’d pictured, Sky. But it sure is sweet,” Tracey says as I feel her brush my hair from my forehead.

I smile and nod. I do the ASL signs for “hot” and “later” and smile when it makes her giggle.

Devon leans over the arm of the couch and kisses my cheek. “We’re gonna go back to Tracey’s so you’ll rest. I know you won’t if we’re here.”

I shake my head and try to sit up again but Brady tightens his hold on me. “I’ll call you when she gets up,” he tells Devon.

Devon laughs when I frown. “It’s okay, Sweets. We’ll be back this evening sometime. If you’re up for it, my dad might come over for dinner. I told him it depended on how you feel.”

I smile and nod.His dad.I’ve only ever heard him call him Timothy before now. It sounds like things are getting better between them and it makes me happy that I may have been part of that.

“Okay. We’re out, man. Give me a buzz when sleeping beauty wakes up,” Devon says before I hear the front door close.

Brady stands and carries me to bed. I don’t argue this time.

We sit around our dining table, eating chicken marsala, mashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus from the restaurant at Timothy’s hotel.This chef really is amazing.

“Timothy, you didn’t have to do all this. I could have cooked,” Brady says.

“Nonsense. I already invited myself to dinner. The least I could do was provide the meal,” Timothy says with a smile. “Though I wouldn’t turn down an invitation for some of Jillian’s lasagna.” He chuckles.

Brady stiffens slightly beside me before smiling. “I can make her lasagna. We’ll have to make plans next time you’re in town.”

“Oh, man. Skyler, you’re in for a treat,” Devon says. “Brady’s mom’s lasagna recipe is the best on the planet, I swear.”

Timothy agrees, turning back to Brady. “Speaking of Jillian, Devon tells me you’ve had some drama regarding her estate.”

Brady rolls his eyes. “Yeah, you could say that. Eric is contesting her will and life insurance.”

“He can’t touch the life insurance if he’s not listed. The estate may be another matter,” Timothy replies.

“Sable Simmons is still the attorney for the estate. She’s working on it. I didn’t know, but my mom filed for divorce twice. Once when we left and again last year,” Brady explains.

“Well, that will go a long way convincing a judge that his claims aren’t warranted, but you never know. I’d be happy to help Sable with the case if that’s not overstepping. I wouldn’t be the attorney I am today without Jillian looking after Devon. It’s the least I can do to make sure her estate stays with you,” Timothy says, his voice thick with emotion.

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