A Valentine Destiny [Holidays in Destiny 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Read online

  “You always have such insight, Sam. How do you do it?”

  “Years of experience, son.”

  Alice stuck her head out from the kitchen door. “Oh Sam. I need fifteen minutes more to finish Ethel’s baked potato.”

  “No problem, Alice. I wouldn’t dare come back without one for her. You and I both know how much Ethel likes to have a baked potato with your meatloaf.” Sam laughed. “My sweet bride is a little crazy about that, even though everyone knows that mashed potatoes are the correct side.”

  He and Sam moved to a booth.

  Alice brought another bottle of beer. “For you, Sam, while you wait.”

  “Thank you. Don’t mind if I do.”

  “What about you, Brock?”

  “Still working on this one.”

  “Just holler if you need me.” Alice checked on the other customers who were sitting on the other side of the diner, then she returned to the kitchen.

  Sam took a drink of beer. “Do you feel like talking about what’s bothering you?”

  There were two people in the world he trusted completely. Coop and Sam. “I’m in love, Sam. Have been for a long time. But there’s not a damn thing I can do about it. I have no doubt that Coop’s in love with her, too, although he hasn’t said so yet. He wants to move forward and I just can’t.”

  “Dr. Grace Summers, right?”

  “Damn, you are a mind reader.”

  Sam grinned. “Nope. Everyone in town knows how you two boys feel about her. What’s the holdup? Is there something about Grace you don’t care for?”

  “Not at all.” He brought his bottle of beer to his lips and drank down half of it. “Grace is perfect, Sam. Smart. Beautiful. Warm. Funny. But most importantly, she’s kind. She’s a woman that any man would be lucky to be with.”

  “Then what’s the problem?”

  “Me. I’m not good enough for her.”

  “I’ve a heard a lot of things in my life, Brock, but that’s the biggest pile of shit I’ve ever heard. What in the hell are you talking about?”

  He raised his shirt and revealed his scars. “Look at me, Sam. What woman would want this?”

  Sam’s eyebrows shot up and then he took a drink of his beer. “So I take it you’ve already asked Grace what she thinks about that?”

  “Of course not.”

  “So you’ve decided for her. You have made the choice without her having a chance to tell you how she feels.”

  “How can I tell her something like that?”

  “Easy, Brock. Just like you told me right now.” Sam leaned back and fixed his stare on him. “Listen to me, young man. You’re one helluva man. She would be lucky to have you, too. Don’t underestimate Grace Summers.”

  “That’s what Coop said.”

  “I always knew he was the smarter of the two of you.”

  Chapter Nine

  As the morning sun peeked over the horizon, Cooper got the coffee started for him and Grace. Like always, he had risen early. Not wanting to disturb her, he’d pulled on his briefs, leaving the rest of his clothes on the floor. It had worked. She was still asleep.

  He was flying out to Langley with Black in a few hours. He hated to leave her so soon.

  He discovered bacon and eggs in Grace’s refrigerator and pancake mix in her pantry. He wanted to surprise her with a big breakfast. What a fantastic night they’d enjoyed together. She was the woman he’d been searching for his whole life. Now that he’d found her, he was never letting her go.

  When the bacon began to sizzle, he thought about how much Brock enjoyed breakfast. In fact, Brock always said it was his favorite meal.

  Cooper shared Grace’s concern about Brock but didn’t want to worry her. She’d admitted to loving Brock, and Cooper had no doubt that Brock loved her, too. But was that going to be enough? It had to be. He and Grace just needed to be patient with Brock. He would come around. In time. But how much time? He wasn’t sure, but he was never going to give up on Brock.

  Cooper had thought that by asking Grace on a date that Brock would stop hesitating and would get on board. But that hadn’t happened. Had it actually backfired and pushed Brock further away? From the conversation they’d had in Phase Four’s parking lot, he thought that might actually be the case. Even so, he wouldn’t go back and change a thing. He was glad he’d asked Grace out. Glad that they’d made love. The genie was out of the bottle now. No going back. Just forward.

  Come on, Brock. This is the life we always dreamed of. You’ve got to see that. You’re more than your scars.

  A knock on the door startled him.

  “I got it,” Grace said, coming out of her bedroom in a robe. “I’m sure it’s Amber this early. No one else ever knocks on my door at this hour.”

  “Breakfast should be ready shortly, sweetheart. Would you like some coffee?”

  “Definitely.” She opened the door and the person standing on her doorstep wasn’t Amber Stone. It was Brock.

  “Brock?” She opened the door wider. “Come in. Cooper and I are about to have breakfast.”

  Hope sprung up inside him. Could it be that Brock was ready to give this a chance? He stepped next to Grace and looked his best friend in the eyes. “Join us. It’s your favorite meal.”

  “I don’t want to crash your party.” Jealousy was all over Brock’s face. “Besides, I didn’t come here for breakfast. I only have a minute before I ride out. I’m glad you found happiness with Cooper, Grace, and I’m fully aware you both want me to be a part of it. I came here to let you know why that’s not possible.” He lifted his shirt, revealing his scars. “Grace, you deserve better than this.” Without another word, Brock turned and walked away.

  Grace looked shocked. Was it about his scars or about his abrupt departure? After a split second, she ran after him. Cooper wasn’t about to let her face Brock alone, so he followed her.

  “Brock,” she yelled. “Come back. Brock, please come back.”

  Brock didn’t turn around but just kept on going.

  She burst into tears.

  “I’m here, sweetheart.” Cooper lifted her up into his arms and carried her back to the house.

  He placed her in a chair at her kitchen table, handing her the cup of coffee he’d already poured for her. “I want you to drink this while I finish breakfast.”

  “Oh Cooper. What are we going to do? I already knew Brock had scars. I’ve seen them before.”

  He was surprised to hear that. “When?”

  “The very first day I arrived in Destiny. He was teaching the boys how to swim. I saw the scars, but most importantly I saw a caring person spending time with young children who had no parents. I thought he was the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen. I immediately wanted to get to know him better. Scars? Does he really think that they matter to me? They don’t. Actually, they make him more attractive. Whatever tragedy he’s suffered, I know it’s only made him stronger.”

  “You’re so right about that, sweetheart. You can’t imagine the hell he’s been through. Most people wouldn’t have survived. But he did.”

  “Can’t you just tell me what happened to him, Cooper? I’m a psychologist. I know I can help him through this.”

  “You’re not his psychologist, sweetheart. You’re the woman he’s meant to be with.” He placed a plate of food in front of her and then kissed her tenderly, hoping to calm her fears. “He just simply needs to feel your love.”

  “How can I show him how I feel if he won’t even talk to me?”

  “Grace, him knocking on your door to show you his scars is a big step in the right direction. I know. I’ve seen him through so much. Now, you and I will be there for him the rest of the way.”

  She took a sip of coffee and stared at the front door as if wishing Brock would reappear. “You really believe everything is going to work out between him and me?”

  “Between all of us. Yes, sweetheart. I do.” He sat down next to her and grabbed her hand. “Like I said before, we must be patient with him. What
we are waiting for is worth everything. A future together. We will be a family, I promise. Now, eat your breakfast, sub. It’s getting cold.”

  Chapter Ten

  Brock rode at the back of the pack. He wasn’t in any mood to be good company at the moment after what had just happened with Grace. Still, he understood he would have to find a way to change his attitude around these boys. They expected the fun-loving guy that always knew how to make them laugh and enjoyed being with them. Actually, he believed the boys could cheer him up. They always did. He just had to get his mind in a better place.

  Emmett came riding up beside him. “Thanks again for helping us out on this campout, Brock. We really appreciate it.”

  “Glad to be here, even if it doesn’t show. I’ve just got a lot on my mind.”

  “Yeah, I know. Grace.” Emmett was like most in Destiny. There were no secrets here. “Not going to pry, buddy. Just know I’m here for you if you need a friendly ear.”

  “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “We should be at the campsite in about an hour. Plenty of time for a man to work through his thoughts in the great outdoors, don’t you agree?”

  “I sure do.”

  Emmett nodded and rode ahead.

  The boys were laughing and very excited. They’d been looking forward to the campout for weeks. Emmett was right. He needed to get his head on straight and he had an hour to do it in.

  Why had he been filled with jealousy when Grace had opened the door wearing only a robe and Cooper had come up next to her in his skivvies? It was obvious they’d spent the night together, probably having hot, passionate sex.

  I’ve got to stop this. They belong together. Without me.

  His talk with Sam at the diner had spurred him on to show her the reason that it would never work out between them. She needed to see it for herself. So, he’d lifted his shirt and showed her his scars. She had to know that she deserved better. She deserved Cooper. Cooper deserved her.

  But she’d run after him. Why? Why had she bothered? Was it out of pity? That was the last thing he needed from her.

  Everything was about to change. There was no way he would be able to stay in Destiny now. How could he? Seeing Cooper and Grace together would destroy him, bit by bit. He hated to leave. For the first time in his life he really felt like he’d found a place he could settle down in and make his home. The people here were kind, caring, and welcoming. Being part of Black’s team on Shannon’s Elite had been the best job he’d ever had. But that assignment had to come to an end. Leaving would be for the best.

  God, how he wished it could be different, wished he could be completely whole for her.

  A scream jerked him from his thoughts. He rode to the sound and found little Joey on the ground. Michael, having been riding next to the boy, had already dismounted and was by Joey’s side.

  Emmett, Cody, and Bryant arrived a second later.

  Brock left his horse and stepped next to the two boys.

  “Joey’s fine,” the teenager said. “Aren’t you, big guy?”

  The boy sat up and nodded, wiping his eyes. “Shadow threw me, Mr. Brock.”

  “A snake came out on the trail and spooked his horse,” Michael added. “Can you move your arms and legs?”

  Joey raised his hands over his head and bent his legs. “I’m okay, Michael.”

  “Of course you are, bro. You’re tough like me.” Michael stood and offered the young boy his hand. “Let me help you on your feet.”

  “I want to take a look at your eyes, Joey.” He checked the boy’s pupils, which looked normal. “Yeah, you still have two of them.”

  Joey and Michael laughed.

  “I’ll go get Shadow,” Cody said. “Which direction did he take off?”

  Joey and Michael pointed to their left.

  “You want to ride with me the rest of the way to the campsite, Joey?” Michael asked.

  “No way. I want to ride Shadow and show him I’m the boss. That’s what you would do.”

  “Just remember, Joey, Shadow was only scared. Sometimes we all get scared.” Michael might be dressed like a hoodlum but he definitely had a brother’s heart for the boy.

  A brother’s heart. How the hell am I going to leave Cooper? And Grace? Am I scared?

  “You got this, Brock?” Emmett asked.

  “You bet.”

  Emmett and Bryant returned to the other boys, reassuring them everything was fine.

  When Cody returned with Shadow, Michael walked up to the horse with Joey.

  Joey patted the horse. “You okay, boy? That mean old snake is gone.”

  Brock smiled, realizing that the boy had taken Michael’s words to heart about Shadow being scared.

  The ride the rest of the way to the campsite was uneventful. Michael stayed right beside Joey the entire way.

  After dinner, they sang songs around the fire. The little boys started yawning. It had been a very big day riding here and setting up the campsite.

  Emmett turned to the younger boys. “It’s time to get to bed, boys. We’ve got a big day planned for tomorrow. We’re having a scavenger hunt.”

  The boys cheered as Emmett and Bryant led them to their tents.

  “Michael, you help Mr. Brock get the horses fed and watered,” Cody said.

  “Yes, sir.”

  Hearing how respectful the boy had answered made Brock smile. The kid had come a long way since he’d arrived at the Boys Ranch. Now, if I can just get him out of that hoodie and torn jeans.

  Cody turned to the other teenagers. “The rest of you are on clean-up duty with me.”

  He put his hand on Michael’s shoulder as they walked to where the horses were tied. “You handled that situation with Shadow and the snake quite well. You put Joey at ease and made sure he was okay.”

  “I did?”

  “You sure did. I thought you kept your cool and took charge. That’s exactly what was needed at the time. Quite impressive, if you ask me.”

  Michael grinned and puffed out his chest. “I guess I was pretty amazing, wasn’t I? I’m just glad Joey wasn’t hurt.”

  “Me, too. You two remind me a lot of how Mr. Cooper and I are. Brothers.”

  He nodded. “Joey needs me.”

  “And you need him, too. Trust me. It’s a two-way street. You know Joey looks up to you, Michael. Don’t you think it’s time that you trusted us and changed your clothes? You’re not going anywhere, kid. This is your home. The Stones care deeply for you. And so do I. The past is the past. It’s time for you to embrace the present and look to the bright future ahead.”

  Michael laughed. “You sound a lot like Dr. Summers.”

  “Grace is a very smart woman.” Talking about her with Michael brought an image of her to his mind. Her long, silky red hair. Her devastatingly beautiful green eyes. She had the biggest heart he’d ever known. How will I survive without her in my life? “She cares for you, too.”

  “Actually, I decided on the ride out here that I was going to get rid of these clothes, Brock. I can’t wait to try on my new clothes when we get back Friday.”

  “That’s great to hear, buddy. I’m proud of you.”

  “But what about you?”

  “What about me?”

  “I saw how you and Dr. Summers looked at each other after my session with her the other day. It’s very obvious how you feel about her and how she feels about you.”

  “It’s clear that you have a lot more than street smarts, Michael. But Dr. Summers and I aren’t going to work out.”

  “Why? It’s certainly not about your clothes.”

  “No, it isn’t. I just have too much baggage from my past for it to work out between us.”

  Michael shook his head. “Your past? A wise man just told me that the past is the past.”

  He grinned. “No fair using my own words on me.”

  Michael laughed. “Seriously, Dr. Summers is the best. I was such a jerk to her at first. But she didn’t give up on me. You’re right,
Brock. She cares about me. And I care for her. She deserves to be happy and so do you. She cares for you. You care for her. Isn’t that all that matters? The rest you can work out together. Isn’t it time for you, like me, to embrace the present and look to the future?”

  The truth of Michael’s words hit Brock right in the heart. “Are you sure you’re just thirteen? Maybe your records from all the foster homes you were in got mixed up. You have to be at least thirty.”

  “Just thirteen, but everything I went through made me smarter and stronger.”

  “And wise.” Out of the mouths of babes.

  “Tell you one more thing, Brock. If I were old enough I would go after Dr. Summers and nothing would stop me. Nothing. I’m not old enough, but you are. I’ve got years ahead of me. But you don’t.”

  He grinned. “Hey, how old do you think am I?”

  “Thirty?”

  “Thirty-two, but that’s not old.”

  “Maybe you don’t think so but it sounds ancient to me.” Michael laughed.

  They finished taking care of the horses and walked back to the camp.

  “Nice talk, Brock. These clothes are history.”

  “Good to hear. And I promise that I will think about what you told me.”

  “Good to hear,” he repeated. “Good night.”

  Michael crawled into the tent he and Joey were sharing.

  Everyone was down for the night except Brock.

  He sat down by the fire, remembering what Emmett had told him. Plenty of time for a man to work through his thoughts in the great outdoors, don’t you agree?

  He sure did, and he had a lot to think about. One thing he knew for certain was that he was in love with Grace.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Sure is quiet with all the boys away on the campout.” Grace sat in the Stone’s house with Amber and Belle. The two women had their babies in high chairs and were feeding them breakfast.

  “Except for this little cowboy.” Amber kissed her seven-month-old son on the cheek. The littlest Stone, Richard Trevor, was so cute.