Page 108 of Forgotten Desires

Rowan scoffs, his eyes finally meeting mine.

“I know I’m asking a lot, but I would really love it if my brothers were at the hospital during the surgery with Crew. I’d like to see the people I love most when I wake up.”

I look to Asher first who nods once. “I’ll be there, holding your hand, like I always have.”

My lips tremble and I look over at the other two. Grady, who is a lot like me in many ways, winks. “Of course. I may not understand your desire to be a good humanallthe damn time, but I wouldn’t let you think I don’t love you for it. I’ll be there, just like you would be if it was any of us.”

Rowan doesn’t speak or move. Charlotte nudges him and he glances at her. The two of them share a silent conversation before she tilts her head. He looks back down at the ground and sighs. “I won’t be there for him.”

“Rowan,” Asher says his name with a bite to it.

He looks up. “Don’t pretend that you don’t feel the same way I do. I get why Brynn is doing it. I get that she’s literally a freaking saint. But don’t ask me to go there and pretend I care about his outcome. Once again, Howie asks for something that will hurt someone else. What about Brynn, huh? What about her life?” Rowan asks, anger building with each question. “What about the fact that she just got married, is starting a fucking company, and is a new stepmom? What about her life? Why does she have to be the one to hurt too?” Then Rowan looks at Crew. “Tell me you’re okay with this.”

My husband shifts. “I’m not happy that her life will be on the line. I’d prefer to give him my liver than put her through any pain, but you let me know how you can control Charlotte and I’ll try it on my wife.”

Charlotte smiles at me and winks.

I stand before my brother. Under all the anger is fear, and it’s so heavy in his eyes. “He didn’t ask me, Rowan,” I say steadily. “He didn’t want me to even get tested.”

My brother clenches his fists. “Finally he wasn’t a selfish bastard.”

“I know you hate him. I’m still angry for the things he’s done. I’m not doing this just for him, a part of it is for me too.”

“What the hell do you have to atone for?” he asks.

“It’s not that,” I assure him. “I just can’t let someone die knowing I could help. I couldn’t live with myself, Row. Please understand, I’d do it for anyone.”

He laughs once. “Why are you such a damn good person?”

“Because I had the three best brothers, who allowed me to see the good in people.”

At that he scoffs. “Nice try, Brynn. You knew that no matter what, the three of us would be there, that’s not even a question. I’ll be at the hospital, ensuring that no bright lights get anywhere near you, and if I do see one, don’t get mad if I send it Howie’s way.”

I roll my eyes and smile. “I love you, you know that?”

“I wish you didn’t wait until now to tell us.”

“It would’ve given you more time to try to talk me out of it.”

He nods. “Damn fucking straight.” Then he looks to Crew. “You should’ve told us before today.”

I feel Crew’s hand snake up my back, resting on my shoulder. “It was her decision to tell you when she could.”

“And you think this is a good idea?” Rowan asks him.

“No. Not even a little, but it’s her decision.”

I glance up at him, confused because he’s never even expressed any feelings about it. He knew it was part of why I married him. I needed the insurance as a backup. Every time I’ve come home from an appointment, he’s seemed supportive.

“Since when are you not on board?”

“Since the day you told me about it. I don’t think he deserves it after the hell he put you through, but like everyone has said, you aren’t us. You aren’t petty and vengeful. It’s why every person here loves you.”

Does that include him?

He leans in and kisses me softly. “It’s why every person here will be at the hospital as well.”

I look around at my family and burst out sobbing. Crew pulls me to his chest, and I soak his shirt, feeling so loved and so damn lucky.

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