Oliver nods, then one thick finger raises to almost jab Brent in the nose. “Be nice,” he grunts.
Brent’s shoulders deflate as he glances between us. “Seriously?”
“I thought you hated him?” Brent’s thumb gestures to his imposing older brother.
“I did.” Brandishing a wide smile, I turn the slices of bacon over in the pan. “But now I don’t.”
“What the hell happened?” he mutters, rubbing his head.
“I gave her the best dick she’s ever had,” Oliver chuckles, slapping Brent’s arm.
“Ollie! Oh my god,” I gasp in feigned shock. But then I grin at Brent. “He’s right though.”
“For fuck’s sake,” Brent grumbles. “I don’t want to hear any of this. I just want to know why you’re dropping out of the circuit.”
That makes me freeze. “What does he mean?”
Oliver shrugs. “I don’t need to compete in the rodeo, baby. I’ve already won.”
Heat rushes through me, lacing hot tendrils up my neck, and dripping down my thighs.
“But what about me? Team roping takestwopeople, Oliver!” Brent follows Oliver down the hall.
Then I can hear him yell in surprise. “Is that a crib?”
That makes me giggle and run my palm over my belly.
It won’t be long until this baggy shirt doesn’t cover the growing bump.
Oliver reappears carrying one of the heavy batteries from his DeWalt tools, with Brent on his heels.
“We have two more events, Brent,” he says with a sigh. “Plenty of time for you to find a backup for fall events. The plan was we’d finish the spring circuit. Sophia’s due November fourth, so end of June is even pushing it.”
Brent shoves the heels of his hands into his eyes, then runs his fingers erratically through his hair. “Who can I find as a back up?”
Oliver squints at him, his hand clenching at his thigh. “Congratulations on becoming an uncle, Brent. That’s what is important.”
Brent shakes his head, flashing me a scowl. “How do you know she’s not like Paige? That bitch did it to manipulate you—”
I’ve never seen Oliver move that fast.
His fist raises to meet Brent’s cheek in a swift blow, knocking his younger brother backwards against the wall.
“They arenotthe same,” he growls.
Well. Now I’m soaking wet seeing him stand up for me.
Brent rubs his jaw. “Sorry. Jesus, Ollie. My bad for wanting to look out for you.”
“I told you in Pendleton I was gonna marry her.” Oliver steps into Brent’s space. “Whether or not she got pregnant.”
“You did?” I squeak. That was our first night together and he knew then?
It was me that took forever to see it.
Brent groans. “Fuck. I remember. I thought you were just talking shit.” He tenderly touches the red mark that’s swelling below his eye. “I feel like an ass.”
“You should. Out of everyone who’s found out about Sophia and I, you realize you’re the only one who was an idiot about it? Even her dad was fine.” Oliver tilts his chin, glaring down at Brent. “I didn’t expect you to be the thorn.”
