Back then, I was just as protective as he was, but it had been different from the rage I’d had to hold back with Deacon. That had been more possessive than protective, and I didn’t want to get into how it had all changed with Stella’s mother or brother today.
“Gary,” Stella gasped before racing toward her brother.
“Baby sister,” he said, lifting her up by the waist. “What’s been going on?” he asked, his smile shrinking when he set her down. “I heard you got hurt yesterday.” He dipped his head, scrutinizing her face.
“Freak thing. A foul ball hit me in the head, and two guys trying to go for it knocked me to the floor.No stitches, scan was clear. But Lee wants me to take it slow for the next couple of days.”
“Yeah, I heard you were living here to take care of Bennie. That’s quite the career shift, sis.”
“I was burned out and needed a change.” She shrugged. “Lee needed help. No big deal.”
“Burned out after that son of a bitch hit you? You left that out when you told me you broke up.”
She exhaled a long breath, her head falling back.
“Keep your voice down.” She motioned to my daughter, too into her pancakes to care about the company we had or what we were saying.
“Where is he?”
“Like you don’t know?” She scoffed.
“Does he know you’re here?”
“No,” I said. “And I have an alarm and neighbors who watch them both when I’m away. She’s safe here.”
“I know she is. I’m just…” His jaw clenched while he breathed through his nostrils. “I never liked that asshole. I said it, didn’t I?”
“You did, and I agreed.” I pressed my hand to the small of Stella’s back but dropped it when I spotted Gary narrow his eyes. “There’s a whole mountain of pancakes on my table, and I’ll make you some real coffee. I made your sister decaf while she’s healing.”
“That sounds good to me,” Mrs. Parker said while Stella led her to the table.
“Bennie, you remember Stella’s mom. This is her brother, Gary. He’s one of my best friends.”
“Hey there, kiddo.” Gary crouched by her chair. “You are definitely a lot more grown up since I last saw you. You probably don’tremember me.”
“Stella talks about you. She said that you guys and my daddy were good friends.”
“Still are.” Gary settled into the seat next to his mother. “Time and missions don’t matter between us.”
No, but falling in love with sisters might. We were all adults and I hoped Gary would trust me with Stella, but regardless of whether we were teens or in our thirties, he wouldn’t like it.
“How long are you in Brooklyn?” Stella asked Gary as she set two extra places for them at the table.
“A couple of weeks. I rented a hotel room not too far from where the Bats play. They told me the teams stay there.”
“Why didn’t you stay with me?” Mrs. Parker asked, glowering at her son.
“Because Stella squatting for so long probably has you on a watch list there.” He chuckled and kissed her cheek. “Plus, I don’t think I can fit on that bed and not kill my back in the morning. I’m checking out a few houses around the base in New Jersey.”
“Wait, if you’re looking at houses…” Stella said, flicking her eyes to her mother.
“I’m moving here. Well, probably New Jersey, but close enough.”
Mrs. Parker reached for her napkin and held it to her face, her shoulders shaking with sudden sobs.
“Mom, stop. I thought you’d be happy about it, not cry.” Gary laughed and rubbed his mother’s back.
“I am happy. I finally have both my kids home, and I never thought that would happen. I could see my grandson.” She sniffed and draped her hand over Gary’s. “I’m not trying to make you feel bad. I’d never hold either of you back. It’s just…good.”
