“Layla,” Gavin scolds, but Brooke holds a hand up and grins.
Everyone is looking at us.
I’m sure they all want to know the answer to that question.
I’d be lying if I said I didn't want to know, too.
“Well, for starters, your dad stayed with me and kept me safe until Dutton could be there for me. After that, Dutton has been there for me at every moment I need him, and these people,” Brooke says, her eyes starting to gloss over, “every single one ofthem changed their day around to be right here right now for me. I’m loved, and I have a support system that will protect me.” She looks at me. “I’ve never felt safer.”
Grace rushes over and hugs her as some of the other women wipe at their tears or hug their husbands. After a moment, Gavin pulls our sister off my girl.
Chatter picks back up as they organize who is going to which lanes.
“You sure are something else, Brooke Sloan,” I lean in to whisper in her ear. “And I think I’m starting to become a little obsessed with you.”
She grins, blushing as she slowly turns to look at me.
“Good,” she whispers too.
Fuck, I’d do anything to kiss her right now, but eyes are on us and I just want this night to be relaxing for her. I don’t want her to have to answer questions about us that we don’t have the answers to ourselves.
“One player from each team gets to bowl once in a round. It doesn't matter who goes first or second as long as you switch off,” Luca says loudly enough for all of us to hear. “Since we have nine teams.”
“Eight and a half.” Linc glares at him, and all the girls hold back a laugh.
“Since we have nine teams,” Luca repeats, “we will track who wins over the next nine weeks and then have a championship.”
“You announce it as if this is about to become a thing,” Gavin says.
“Oh, it is.” Luca winks at Gavin.
“Don’t wink at me.” My brother cringes, causing everyone to laugh.
“Why? Are you afraid it’s going to throw you off?” Luca taunts Gavin.
One thing people always forget about Gavin: he loves a challenge.
“You’re on,” my brother says. “But let’s up the stakes.”
“Yesss.” Linc’s eyes go wide as he nods continuously.
“Winner gets to pick out the losers’ Halloween costume,” Hudson says before my brother has a chance.
“Deal,” Linc and Luca say at the same time.
“Oh, dear.” Shay shakes her head.
Linc declares that he’s on his own team, and the guys allow it.
With the terms settled, we all start bowling.
Brooke and I don’t win tonight, but we don’t get last place either. Technically, that spot is reserved for Ruby and Declan’s kids, but since we aren’t counting them, the losing team for week one goes to Gavin and Layla.
I’d bet anything that he brings his daughter back this week to practice.
I’d love to stay and tease him about it, but there is a stunning blonde standing next to me who I can’t wait to take home.
We switch out our shoes and stop by the front counter to turn them in.
