Page 78 of Choosing Skyler

“That’s what I told him. I offered to call you a couple of weeks ago, but Brady said his lawyer has it handled,” Devon speaks up.

Timothy smiles. “I’m sure she does. Sable and I went to law school together. She’s a shark. She could have made a fortune as a criminal defense attorney, but she preferred to help families instead.”

“She’s been great, but I’ll mention it to her if you’re sure it’s not a problem. An extra set of eyes couldn’t hurt,” Brady tells him.

“Absolutely.” Timothy turns back to Devon. “Where is Tracey tonight? I thought she would be here.”

I perk up at the mention of Tracey since I’m wondering the same thing. I’m not talking more than I have to. My throat is still sore from overuse the past two days.

“She’s closing the coffee shop with Jenny tonight. She should be here later to say goodnight to Skyler before we head back upstairs to her apartment,” Devon tells us.

I smile, but I feel guilt grip me. She’s working my schedule until I can return to work.If I can ever return to the coffee shop at all.

Brady’s hand lands on my thigh at the same time Devon points at me with his fork. “Stop. You know Tracey loves you, Sky. She’s helping Chelsea train Jenny for more shifts.Ifyou decide to go back, you’ll have to fight Jenny for your hours back. Plus, you would have been cutting your hours back in a few weeks for school anyways. At least this way, Chelsea will have more help, then.”

I nod, realizing that he’s right. I also realize that school starts in just over three weeks. I’ve already arranged to take all my classes online except for my core programming classes. I have to attend the physical classes for those. Brady has the same classes since programming is his minor and hopefully, we can arrange it so that we have class at the same time.

Brady’s hand squeezes my thigh, bringing my attention to him. “I’ve got you, Beautiful. Breathe. We’ll figure it out. One step at a time, remember?” he says, winking at me.

I take a deep breath to calm myself and nod. The pride that flashes in his eyes is as powerful as if he spoke the words.Good girl.I clinch my thighs under the table, trapping his hand between them and he chuckles.

We finish eating and Timothy thanks us all for having him over for dinner. Before he leaves, he turns to me. “Skyler, I’m going to stay in town until the grand jury hearing and trial are complete. The DA has agreed to let me take second chair in the case. I’ll be travelling back and forth to my Virginia and New York offices in between, but I’m making this my primary base for the time being.”

“Y-you don’t have to do that,” I choke out.

He puts his hand up. “It’s already done. You mean a great deal to my son and Brady. And whether or not Devon realizes it, those important to him are also important to me.”

Devon’s eyes well with tears. He puts his hand on Timothy’s shoulder, drawing his attention and then shocks us all when he wraps his dad in one of his famous bear hugs. Timothy wraps his arms around his son and squeezes him back. Brady takes my hand and pulls me down the hall to give them a minute. This is huge for Devon, and I find myself smiling through my own tears for him.

Brady

I pull Skyler into our room and close the door to give Devon and Timothy a minute. This is the first time I’ve ever seen them show any kind of affection toward each other. Skyler looks up at me with tears in her eyes and I know they are for Devon. She knows how huge this is for him, even if she’s never witnessed their lack of relationship in person. I pull her into my arms and kiss her forehead.

“I’m so happy for him,” she whispers.

“I know. Me too,” I say, looking at her. “How are you feeling? Do you need more medicine?”

She shakes her head and grins. “I’m okay, but I wouldn’t say no to a bubble bath after Tracey stops by in a little while.”

“I think that can be arranged,” I tell her, pulling her into my arms.

The thought of our bubble bath from last night and what followed gives me wicked ideas. But before I can mention any of them Devon comes down the hall and knocks on the door as he opens it. We look at him to see his eyes are red with unshed tears. We pull him into our hug because he obviously needs one. As soon as our arms go around him the dam breaks. We just hold on and let him cry.

After a minute or two he straightens and wipes his face on his shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

“No,” Skyler and I say at the same time.

Skyler reaches up to wipe the rest of his tears away. “You don’t need to be sorry for feeling what you feel. Isn’t that what you always tell me?”

“Yeah, but I’m not usually all emotional and shit. It’s just… My dad has never… been there like that before,” he says through hiccups.

“Well, he’s herenow,” I tell him. “Take the time to get to know each other while he’s in town. I get the feeling that’s why he’s sticking around. I know you two have never gotten along, but he’s trying, man. Give him a chance,” I plead.

He nods. “Yeah, you’re right. If he’s willing to do all this just because I asked for help… I can try.”

Skyler wraps her arms around his waist. “I’m so proud of you, Dev.”

He squeezes her before stepping back. “I’m gonna go pick Tracey up from work. We’ll be back here in a few before heading upstairs.”

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