Chapter 17

Michael

’m leaving tomorrow for the race in Florida, so as promised, I’m at Brooke and Dylan's for family dinner. Everyone's here—Shriller and Alex, Cam and Van (who recently moved to Kansas City), Jax and Charlotte, Chris and Amy. Hell, even Phillip Adamson is here tonight.

This family never stops growing, and I smile as I see Brooke clearing the table with Hannah and Gabby. She loves this. The big family dinners, inviting everyone in and holding them close.

And every single one of them loves her.

She's so much like my mother. I know if there is a Heaven, my mom is watching this with a big-ass, proud smile on her face.

“Hey, Michael. Can you hold Addison for a second?”

I grin as Cassie doesn’t wait for a reply and slips my sweet niece in my arms and heads for the kitchen. I look down at the beautiful baby with chubby, rosy cheeks who is smiling up at me, cooing happily. “Don't worry Addy, I think mommy went to get ya something.”

Cassie comes back with a bottle in hand and hands it to me. “She really loves you.”

I give her an over the top cocky smile and shrug. “I’m pretty loveable.”

I offer the bottle to my niece, and she takes it eagerly as Cass lovingly swipes her hand over Addison's soft hair. “Yes, you are.”

I get a little uncomfortable with the rush of feeling in Cassie's eyes and take a seat in the rocking chair in the living room, away from everyone in the dining room. Cass follows and sits next to me.

“I was kidding.” I look down at Addy, who is fighting to keep her eyes open. “She’s really cute though.”

“I’m so happy you were back in time to see her.”

“Me too.” I’m so fucking happy to have my family back.

“Luke told me about you and Dani.” Even if they are so fucking nosey.

Shit. “Can anyone in this family can keep their mouth shut?”

“Well, I think he was kinda happy about it.”

I stare at her in obvious confusion. “Luke hates Dani.”

“No, I don’t think he does. Just blames her for stupid shit that I think he's finally realizing is none of her fault.”

“Good.”

“Michael, please be careful.”

I groan. Another warning. Someone else who thinks I’m going to get hurt or I’m making a mistake. “I’m a grown man.”

“She's stubborn. And she's been torn apart for years. First, her awful mother that treats her lower than dirt; then, Tanner, who was a total prick; that whole mess with Cam; and then you last year. You all took a piece of her.” She hangs her head in a sad shame. “And so did I.”

“I’d give anything to put her back together, but I don’t know if I’m capable.”

“She doesn’t need a prince to swoop in and fix her. She's not broken Michael, she freely gave that piece to you because she sees something in you. Just please don't hurt her again. She's doing so well.”

She's worried about Dani, not me. “I’m glad you two are friends again.”

“I am too. Dani is unlike any other. She's so strong that people forget how incredibly kind she is. She cares about people but is terrified of anyone knowing that. She's been hurt time and time again.”

“I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

“I know that. You two are kind of perfect for each other.”

I hope she's right.