That was good to know. My contract was up at the center I worked at and I was going to talk to my dad, uncles, Nick, Jason, Carter, and Brady about taking over the gym. I already knew what they’d say. In part, it was built for me. The guys did work out in here but no way they needed all the room, and most of the equipment they didn’t touch.
“You only have two more appointments,” I reminded her.
“Well…” She trailed off then gave me a huge broad smile and asked, “I was hoping when I’m done with PT you’d still work with me. You know, so I don’t get injured again. Like a personal trainer. Call it preventative measures. I’m too old for another surgery.”
Chelsea was not old, she was twenty-six. She was also only one step down from Liberty in the coolest-job-ever category.
“That sounds like a good plan. We’ll set something up.”
“Awesome.” She pumped her fist into the air. “And please tell me you’ll finally come see me ride.”
“I don’t know if I can handle watching you get thrown off a bull, Chels.”
“Come on, please,” she pleaded and smiled.
It was hard to believe Chelsea was a real life cowboy, or maybe she was a cowgirl, or maybe rodeo queen would be more apt.
“When’s your next…I don’t know what to call it. Your next rodeo?”
“Not for a few months. Once I’m cleared to train, it should only take me a few weeks before I’m ready for the circuit, but nothing will be in the area for a few months. If I get you and your man tickets, will you please come?”
I found I couldn’t deny Chelsea’s sweet smile so I agreed.
“Absolutely.”
“And just to say, if tall hottie is free, I’ll leave three tickets at the gate.”
It was hard to imagine after the night I’d had that I was joking and smiling. The truth had come out and Trey had made sure I was still standing. My heart swelled until it was a miracle the organ didn’t burst from my chest.
“Which hottie are you referring to?”
“The one that was wearing the baseball cap on backward, with the amazing ass.”
No shame in her game.
“That’s Matt. As far as I know, he’s unattached.”
“Well, bring him along.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” I laughed.
“Awesome. I’ll see you later this week.” Chelsea waved and headed for the door.
She’d barely left the building when I saw my brother stomping across the gym.
Crap.
“Jason,” I warned.
He didn’t stop prowling, not even when he got close. He just pulled me into a bear hug and squeezed the breath out of me until I muttered, “Can’t…breathe.”
He loosened his arms a fraction, then in a deep guttural voice that knifed me through the heart he said, “I’m so fucking sorry I’m such a dumbass.”
“Jay—”
“Please forgive me.”
“Already forgiven, big brother.”
“I fucking love you so much.”
“I know you do.”
“You’re the best baby sister in the whole world. And before you give me shit, you’ll always be my baby sister. I rocked you to sleep. I fed you bottles. I even changed your diapers.”
“God. Can we not talk about diaper-changing?”
“Girl, you could drop a load—”
“If you don’t shut up, I’m gonna knee you in the balls. Mercy might be pissed because I heard through the Walker Family Gossip Tree that she wants another after this but I’ll take my chances.”
“I fucking love you,” he repeated, this time shaking me with every word.
“I fucking love you, too. Sheesh.”
“Language,” he snapped and I rolled my eyes.
Then I prayed to the Almighty for patience.
“Whatever.”
Jason let me go but didn’t move far when he said, “Mercy wants a word when you have time.”
“Jay.”
“Not about that. She wants to plan a baby shower for Delaney.”
“Laney doesn’t want one. She said you only have a shower for your first kid.”
“Right. I’ll let you break my wife’s heart and tell her Laney doesn’t want one. Plus, she figures you women should get a jump start planning Hadley’s.”
So it seemed Laney was having a second shower because I was not breaking my pregnant sister-in-law’s heart. No way, no how. I loved Mercy to bits. She brought my beloved brother back to life and I would be forever grateful, therefore, I’d give her anything she wanted.
“Hadley’s not pregnant.”
“Not yet. But you missed it the other day when she happily announced to Brady she stopped taking the pill. Dad was right behind her when she spilled the beans. Brady busted a gut. Hadley went white. And Dad looked like he