Brooke had never been so happy. Her feelings for Robert grew deeper every day, and pretty soon she knew that if he asked her to be his wife again she’d say yes.

They had visited Liam’s grave together and she’d helped Robert commission some large photos of them both for his walls. She was so proud of how he was dealing with his grief and he no longer avoided children or babies.

The day that all the McIntyre triplets were discharged, the sweetest, most poignant homecoming party was thrown by their family and friends. Anna’s parents were staying with them for at least a month to help and they’d been instrumental in planning the surprise party.

As soon as Chase and Anna had left for the hospital that July morning, Anna’s father, Evan had sent out a mass text giving everyone the all-clear. People had begun arriving shortly afterward. Three brand-new bassinets were lined up in the large living room, complete with baby quilts embroidered with each of the babies’ names.

Anna’s mother, Sarah, had begun baking as soon as Anna and Chase had gotten in their car. The triplets’ medical staff was in on the surprise and would do their best to delay the babies’ release so that the final preparations could be put into place. All kinds of food dishes were brought by the participants and hilarity ensued as decorations were hung.

Brooke watched Robert as he hung streamers from the dining room ceiling. She was glad that he was making so much progress regarding Liam’s loss. Being around babies and kids made him remember the happy times he and Liam shared. Plus he’d accepted the role of godfather to Kate and Ric’s baby.

She loved hearing his stories about Liam and looking at the pictures of him and Robert together. It made her feel as though she knew the wonderful little boy she would’ve been proud to be a mother to.

Robert would never be as boisterous as Chase or as assertive as Tyler and Ric. However, there was a new, quiet confidence about him that appealed to Brooke much more than those other traits ever would. She’d once had a Flash Gordon, but he’d lacked the substance that Brooke needed in her life.

Seeing Robert laugh when Tucker dropped a whole roll of white crepe paper, Brooke thought that she much preferred superheroes like Superman. The ones who possessed humility and a genuine concern for their fellow man.

The kind of man she could always count on to cheer her up by talking in a foreign accent after a bad day. The kind of guy who’d talked her into learning how to ride a horse and encouraged her to stick with climbing. And the sort of lover who gave her almost more excitement and passion than she could handle.

She swore that Robert must’ve memorized the whole Kama Sutra with the way he sometimes twisted her up like a pretzel. Other times, their lovemaking was simple and sweet. Either way, the act of love was always thrilling with Robert, the most heroic man she knew.

He just happened to wear rock-climbing gear instead of a tights and a cape. That suited Brooke just fine since she loved Robert’s glasses so much. Maybe it was because they framed the warmest, most beautiful eyes she’d ever seen on a man. Or maybe it was because they made him look like a hot professor.

They’d discussed marriage and babies a few times, but they were both happy with the progression of their relationship. It was a lot like rock climbing, Brooke thought. Rushing might make them miss the strong handholds along the way to the summit.

If they didn’t take their time and make sure that their footing was firm, they could slip and fall. No, trying to hurry would only bring disaster. It was much better to take it one step at a time and enjoy the view along the journey. Only by doing that would they achieve their goals and capture true happiness. In the meantime, she was perfectly happy to be patient and let things happen when the time was right.

* * *

It was the quietest homecoming party Robert had ever attended, but the most beautiful. He stood in front of the bassinets, watching the three babies sleep while low conversation filled the house. He smiled as he heard Chase and his sister, Brenda, whisper-yelling at each other about something.

A few weeks ago, she’d moved from LA to Cooper’s Creek to breathe life back into their grandparents’ empty farm. Unlike Chase, Brenda was abrasive, short-tempered, and fierce. Yet, Robert liked her, even sensed a kindred spirit with her in a way. There was pain lying beneath the surface.

Underneath that tough exterior, he sensed a vulnerable woman who needed the same things that most people did. He suspected that the most important thing she craved was love, but she didn’t know how to articulate that need.

Apparently, she and Chase’s argument had concluded because she appeared at Robert’s side. Robert hid a smile at the way she stared pensively at the babies.

“Everyone goes crazy over babies, but I just don’t see why,” she whispered.

Robert’s eyebrows climbed high on his forehead. “Oh?”

“Yeah. They’re noisy, smelly, and need to be fed constantly. They just suck the life out of people.” She shrugged and tucked a lock of dark brown hair behind her ear. “Still, if anyone ever hurts one of them, I’ll kill them and enjoy doing it.” Her almost black eyes, so like Chase’s sparkled with dark humor when she looked at Robert.

Robert laughed silently while she grinned and moved away. Brooke stepped into the space that Brenda had just vacated and he put his arm around her shoulders. “Aren’t they adorable?”

“Yes, they are.”

He noticed that she glanced at the gauge on Twinkle’s oxygen monitor. Super Nurse was always on the alert. When the time came, Robert knew that Brooke would be just as vigilant and loving with their children. Not that he was in a hurry, but he definitely saw things heading in that direction.

Embracing Brooke, Robert felt a contentment he’d never known before. The woman in his arms was the cause of it and he thanked whatever higher power existed for her. She was everything he could want in a woman and she was exactly what he needed. She constantly inspired, encouraged, and supported him, and he made sure he provided her with all those things in return.

“I can’t believe that Chase invited Simon to the party,” Brooke said. “Or that Tyler has been so calm about Simon moving back here unannounced.”

Robert nodded. “Maybe they’re starting to see that people can atone for the wrong they’ve done in their lives. We all make mistakes, but it’s how we face up to them that count. I admire him for wanting to know his daughter.

Simon just wants to be more involved in Hayley’s life and he can’t do that out on a ship in the middle of the ocean. He was smart to sneak in under the radar, so to speak. If Ty had gotten wind of Simon’s plans, he would’ve tried to prevent Simon from returning. That wouldn’t have been a good situation.”

“You’re right. Simon’s a good father and he deserves a second chance,” Brooke said. “We all do. Even Brenda.”

Robert chuckled at her sarcastic tone. “Now, now. Put your claws away, Kitty.”

“I’m sorry, but I can hardly stand being in the same room with her. The only thing I like about her is the way she torments Tyler.”

It seemed like Ty had a new nemesis in Chase’s sister, which made for some hilarious moments as Chase tried to calm the turbulent waters between them. Forgetting that, Robert said, “Well, Super Nurse, are you ready to go home?”

“I am. To which home are we going?”

“Well, I have to feed all the animals…”

“And I have to feed Buster.”

“Any further thoughts on moving in with me?”

They’d already exchanged keys, but it seemed ridiculous to continue living in separate homes when they were together almost every night.

She nodded sagely. “I’ve had some further thoughts on the matter.”

“Did these thoughts lead to any conclusions?”

“Well, I’ve consulted with Sir Buster on the matter, and we’ve concluded that he’d have plenty of company when we’re at work and some wide-open spaces to roam, so moving to your little farm would be acceptable,” Brooke replied.

Robert fought back a triumphant yell. “You don’t say? I’m glad he approves of my humble abode.”

As they said their goodbyes and headed off, they were excited about the prospect of moving to the next phase of their relationship. Living together seemed like a good, solid step up from the foothold they already rested on.

They wanted their love to be the kind built on a strong foundation, the kind that would endure and see them through both good and bad times. It might not be exciting enough for some people, but for Brooke and Robert, it was just what they wanted and needed.

Simon tried to relax at the party for the triplet’s homecoming. He’d only been invited because it was his day with Hayley. His muscles pulled tight and his stomach knotted. It wasn’t Tyler or the cold reception he was getting, what hurt was it reminded him he’d not been there when Hayley was born.

He’d not been there for most of her life.

He sipped from his beer bottle and tried to ignore the pain of guilt lodged deep in his chest.

He needed a distraction and soon he found one. He couldn’t keep his eyes off Brenda. She was a Pit-bull in the disguise of a beautiful, sleek Husky. She bristled, and he was pretty sure she would bite, but he had wanted to run his hands over her, soothing the pain and anger that radiated from her, the minute she’d walked into Chase’s house. He understood the signs of a woman in the throes of self-hatred. He’d been there, done that, and survived the fall out—just.

The fact Brenda was Chase’s sister made his instant attraction, and driving need to ease her pain, a very bad idea. His daughter, Hayley’s uncle and current guardian, was Chase’s best friend and Tyler would use and do anything to keep Simon away from his daughter.

Fooling around with Chase’s sister would not be a smart move.

And he’d do nothing to jeopardize his plan to get Hayley back in his life. She was his daughter and he had a lot of time and mistakes to make up for.

So why were his feet making a beeline toward the sexy and gut wrenchingly desirable Brenda?

The End