“You’re family,” Brantley said firmly. “There’s no other waytodo it.”
It was because of those things right there, Brantley’s generosity and his compassion, that Reese had fallen in love with this man. And why he was now going to spend the rest of his life with him.
Brantley put a hand on Magnus’s shoulder, squeezed. “We’ll get goin’, but if you need anything at all, just holler.”
Before he could drop his hand, Trey grabbed it. “What’s this?” he asked, tapping the ring on Brantley’s finger.
Reese felt a smile pull at his mouth when he noticed the bashful way Brantley pulled his hand away.
Trey looked at Reese. “Did you…?” His gaze shot to Brantley. “Are y’all…?”
“He did, and we are,” Brantley said firmly. “And that’s all we’re gonna say about it.” Brantley narrowed his gaze on his brother. “And don’t you dare tell Mom and Dad.”
This time, Reese couldn’t hold back the laugh.
It was nice not to be the one turning crimson for a change.
*
“WHAT’RE YOU LAUGHING AT?”BRANTLEY ASKEDREESEas they walked toward the exit after talking to the head of security regarding the stationing of his agents at the hospital.
“Just thinkin’ about your reaction to Trey.” Reese’s tone turned mocking when he added, “Don’t you dare tell Mom and Dad.”
Brantley scowled. “You found that amusing, did ya?”
“I did, yeah.”
Brantley grunted. “Just for that, I’m gonna make you tell my family the story of how it all went down.”
He looked at Reese, expecting a grimace, but instead, he found the man smiling.
“It couldn’t be any harder than when I got your father’s permission,” Reese said, deadpan.
Brantley came to a grinding halt right there in the busy hallway. “You did not?”
Reese barked a laugh. “Of coursenot. Hell, I never would’ve been able to stand in front of Frank and ask for your hand.” He laughed again. “I should’ve, though. It would serve you right. Your brothers and sisters would’ve given you shit for the rest of your days.”
They would’ve, that was for sure.
“Speakin’ of.” Brantley continued walking now that the shock had worn off. “You know we’ve gotta tell JJ. If she hears it from Trey, she’ll have my head.”
“You wanna tell her before your folks?”
That was a good question. “What about your mom and Z?”
“Already told ’em,” he answered with a smile. “Via text message. That’s how the kids do it now.”
Brantley barked a laugh, drawing the attention of a couple walking into the hospital.
“Well, I can’t text JJ. She’ll kick my ass, but maybe I tell her, then we’ll swing by my parents’ later, give them the good news.”
“What’re we waitin’ for? Call JJ. See if they’re home. We can stop by before we head back.”
“I’ve already beat you to it,” he told Reese. “This ol’ boy knows how to text, too. JJ sent me back this cryptic message, said something about big news. I figure she wants to tell us they’re buyin’ Bristol’s house.”
“And you’ll rain on her parade and tell her we’re gettin’ married. Smart.”
Brantley laughed. “I already know how to make it up to her.”
