Page 30 of Give Me Forever Love

“Well, it’s done now,” Lee says. “Let’s just be glad he got off so easy.”

“How did he get off so easy?” Mary asks, pouring herself a cup.

I look over at her as I put two slices of pizza on my plate along with cheesy bread.

“Luck. I guess.”

She eyeballs me as she takes of sip of hot black coffee. Bryce’s family doesn’t need to know about Bones and the deal he presented Bryce with. All they need to know is our guy is coming home and all of this is over.

“Here’s to luck,” Mary says, lifting her cup. I smile and walk over to the fridge to grab myself a beer. Monnie and Lee converse, and Mary makes uncomfortable small talk with Lou. Jace eats with his eyes glued to the TV, and I take my seat back on the sofa, looking down at my phone after I place my plate on the table. I know it hasn’t been long, but I can’t help but look.

I sigh and twist the cap off my beer before taking a sip. Cool liquid fills my empty stomach, and I grab a slice of pizza and groan at how delicious it is after I take a bite.

“Good, huh?” Jace says, grinning.

“For sure,” I reply. My eyes dart around the apartment. I chew my food, thinking the only thing missing is Emily, who’s having to take care of a sick horse, and Bryce. But he’ll be home soon, and I can’t fucking wait.

A warmness spreads through my chest. How simple all of this is. Sitting here in the living room with my boyfriend’s brother chopping down on pizza and drinking beer. Bryce’s dad and uncle catch up on things at Grant Ranch, and Aunt Lou asks Mary how she’s doing with recovery.

This is family. This is what life is about.

It makes me think of my dad and I lift my phone, taking a photo of my pizza and the cold beer beside it.

Wish you were here.

His reply is immediate.

Same, kid.

Moments later, I get a photo of his riding buddy, Benny. He’s an old hound dog with floppy ears.

Benny says hello. We’re taking a load up the West Coast.

I smile at the text.

Be safe. Hope to see you soon.

He replies with a winky emoji. I put my phone down and enjoy the rest of my pizza and beer. Putting my feet on the coffee table and crossing them, I take in the moment of calmness and peace.

_____________

I hear my phone ringing, and I jump awake at the sound.

I quickly grab it. “Hello?” I say.

“Hey. baby. Wanna come pick up your guy?” Bryce’s voice is raspy and sexy, like he’s tired but also relieved.

I grin and wipe under my eyes “Be there soon.”

“Okay. I’ll be waiting,” he replies. I hang up and sit up, stretching and looking around. Butterflies wake from a deep sleep, soaring happily inside my belly. The grin on my face gets locked down by my teeth. Monnie, Lee, and Jace sit outside on the balcony, smoking. I notice the TV has been turned down and now playingTerminator 2.

“Hey,” Lou says from the table, looking up from her paperback.

“Hey.” I place my feet on the floor and wiggle my toes. “I’ve got to go get Bryce.” I stand up. “Where’s Mary?”

She clears her throat. “She had to go to a meeting.”

“Oh,” I reply. “Good for her.”

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