Chapter 8

Michael

he next night, I park my car in the drive at Brooke and Dylan's house, the one I ran away from three years ago. I live about ten miles away in a rented condo.

Brooke wanted me to move back home when she found out I was back. I declined, politely of course. I stayed in the trailer for about a month, and after that I had to get my own place.

Although I’m happy to have my family back in my life, I need my space. Though, I did make her a deal that I would make it to family dinner at least once a week.

When I walk inside the large home, I smile as I’m greeted by Hunter and Cass as she whirls through the foyer in her formal attire, heading toward the master bedroom. She waves a quick hello to me and then hollers to the room she's speeding toward holding up a pair of heels. “Brooke, I found them!”

Hunter shakes my hand before he joins Luke and Cam in the living room, both wearing tuxes, their eyes glued to the TV.

Brooke comes out of the bedroom, dressed in a pretty green formal dress. Her hair and makeup done and donning her beautiful smile. “Michael, hi! We’re almost ready.” She walks into the kitchen, and I follow her as she gestures to the garage. “Jax, Shriller, and Dylan are ready, but looking at some new toy in the garage. Hannah and Alex are staying here with the kiddos, but everyone else is ready.” She snaps her fingers. “Oh, and Gabby will be a little late, but she’ll be there.”

My body tenses as I try not to show my fear. “Where’s Gabs?”

She opens the fridge, pulling out a prepared snack tray. “Work. She started working at that little diner Cass worked at in high school.”

Holy shit, Gabby has a job. Better than her being with Brandon, which was my initial thought.

“Oh, okay.”

Brooke stops what she is doing and looks across the kitchen counter that divides us. “I’m really proud of you, Michael.”

My Adam's apple dances in my throat at her kind words, words I don't deserve. I put them through hell for years. I’ve done terrible things. “Thanks.”

Her eyes lock with mine, her head cocked to my head. “I mean it. The things you’ve accomplished this year are astounding.”

“I just want to do some good.”

She smiles sweetly. “You are. You need to take it easy on yourself.”

I’ll never forget walking into the hospital room the day after she gave birth to the twins. Dylan had already told her everything, but I was still nervous as hell to face her.

She didn’t scream at me. She didn’t lecture. Instead, her eyes filled with tears and she grabbed my hand and said, “I knew you'd come back.”

And that was pretty much it. She asked if I was okay. Because that's who Brooke is.

Selfless.

I hate that I let her down, even if she won't admit it.

“Believe me, my life is pretty easy, Brooke.”

She smiles again, shaking her head as she pours milk into sippy cups. “I know you have a lot of guilt and maybe some demons deep inside, but you have a lot of good in you, too. Don't forget it.” I can't seem to come up with any words to say to her as she screws the lids on the cups. Her heels click on the wood floor as she reaches me, placing her hands on the sides of my head. “Are you going to be all right tonight? I know it has to bring up a lot of stuff.”

She means the fact that I’m still alive after the accident that killed Anna. But she’s being kind. Anna’s name and face are all over this charity, and that’s the way I wanted it.

Her mother was afraid no one knew her name.

They do now.

“I’m just happy I can do a little good.”

“You're doing a lot of good. This charity is going to help so many people that have no one, that feel alone. Because of you, they won’t be.” She looks whimsical, and her voice is a little softer now. “I’m so glad you came back to us.”

“Me too.” I feel like a ten-year-old boy around Brooke, looking up to her with absolute awe.

“Don’t ever leave again. No matter what.”

I hate that I see the fear in this otherwise confident woman. “I will never do that to you again. I swear.”

Her hands are still on my face in an affectionate embrace when Dylan walks in. “Jax is bitching about wearing a tux again.” I feel him pause behind us, worry settling in his previously light tone. “What's wrong?”

Brooke releases me and turns to Dylan grinning. “Absolutely nothing. I’ll deal with Jax.” She pats me on the shoulder and heads into the garage.

Dylan strides to where I’m standing, still looking concerned. “You okay?”

Fuck. Everyone around here worries about me so damn much. Because I gave them reason to.

“I’m fine.” I lift my lips in a smile. “You guys about ready? I can’t exactly be late to my own event, can I?”

His hands move to my bow tie. He adjusts it and grins. “Nah, that wouldn't be good. People are shelling out some serious money.”

I nod my head as he seems satisfied and drops his hands. “This is true.”

He smacks me firmly on the back. “You did good, kid.”

I laugh. He reminds me of our father in that moment. Feelings aren’t really any of our strong suit.

“Thanks. Let’s get the hell out of here.”

He agrees, and we all pile into our cars to drive to the country club event for part two of the fundraiser in Anna Morrison’s name. As I drive, I wonder if she can see me, if she knows I’m trying to make it right.

Not that it matters. It can't bring her back.

Still, I hope she knows.