“They insisted on it from when we were young. Something about how it collapses the artificial power structure of families. I think it just takes away their sense of responsibility.” She shrugged. Then she looked up at Brock through her lashes. “Someday I want to be called Mom.”
His heart skipped a beat. “By how many kids?”
Her cheeks flushed. “You’re saying that’s okay by you?”
Brock leaned forward and kissed her. “More than okay.”
“Three.”
“Three kids?”
“Yup. I want three. I liked the dynamic of three with me and my cousins.” She tilted her head. “Sounds good?”
“Sounds perfect.” He grabbed her hand. “Never really thought I’d get a chance to be a dad.” Brock kissed her fingers. “So, thank you.”
“And we’ll bring them here every year.” She looked around at the passing crowds. “No matter where we end up.” She looked back at him. “Would you be okay with moving?”
He looked up at the red cliffs over the treetops. “I like it here. I can’t understand why Sean ever wanted to leave. I didn’t think I’d feel that way, but I do.” He looked at her. “But, I’ll go wherever you want me to. Wherever your career takes you.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Let’s not get ahead. I haven’t gotten any nibbles like Amber and Twila have.”
“Doesn’t mean you won’t. Hey, whatever happens, I’m with you.”
She smiled and looked around again. “It’s funny. I’ve been trying all my life to get away from here and now that it’s a possibility, I’m feeling nostalgic. Like I don’t want to leave.”
“Lyons has a lot going for it. It’s beautiful.”
“And this week has taught me that maybe I’m not quite the outcast I once thought I was.”
“That, too.”
A volunteer came running up to them, her ponytail swinging back and forth. “Hi, sorry, but Brianna? It’s time to get ready. There’s a photoshoot and stuff backstage.”
They stood. “Take your burger,” Brock said. “You know what Anthony said.”
“Right. Thanks.” She started off, looking unsure and a little dazed.
“Hey, wait.” Brock reached for her arm and pulled her into his embrace. “Just want you to know I love you. I’m excited for you, and for the life we’re starting together.”
“I love you, too,” she said, her eyes shining. “Thank you for coming into my life.”
They kissed and Brianna went off with the volunteer. Brock finished eating and headed toward the stage. Sonny had texted him too, saying that Luna and Brian had agreed to stay bedside so that Sonny and his family could come and support Brianna. Brock wanted to find them and make sure they were able to get up close. The other guys on the security team communicated back and forth on the comm, and all was well. Only a few more hours to go before the last performer took to the stage and finished the show.
On his way up front, he spotted Alex in the crowd. He almost didn’t recognize his teammate outside of the kennels at Watchdog.
“Alex,” he called and the man turned around.
“Hey, Badger.” They shook hands.
“Decided to check out the festival, huh?”
Alex chuckled. “On the recommendation of someone who said I’d love it.” He looked around, trying to spot someone. “I’m just hoping I didn’t get, um, stood up.”
Brock raised his eyebrows. “Dog! You dating someone?”
“Um. Maybe. It’s…complicated. Maybe I’m just reading too much into things.”
“But you’re hopeful.”
