Survivor (First to Fight #2)(14)

“Sure,” I choke out.

The line clicks and I stare at the wine, then I go back to the cabinet and grab the remaining two bottles.

It’s going to be a long night.





A reasonable person would assume that getting three people dressed and out the door on time for dinner would be an easy task.

One would also be dead-ass wrong.

As I stand on the front porch steps shouting, for the third time, that I’m leaving in five seconds, I come to the conclusion that reasonable people also don’t have children.

Clearly you have to be crazy to reproduce. I’m surprised the rest of the world hasn’t caught on. I’ve only had these guys a couple of days and I’m ready to call mercy. From school and basketball practice to sibling rivalry and past resentments. I’ve had a crash-course in being a parent and I’m not sure if I’m cut out for it.

“All right,” I scream through the front door. “That’s it. If you’re not in the car, you’re getting left behind and I don’t want to hear any bitching when I don’t bring any leftovers—including dessert—back here to you ungrateful brats.”

What I can only assume is a stampede of obese elephants comes from the stairs and my brothers appear out of breath and red-faced in the doorway. “Did you say dessert?” Donnie asks, his face upturned and open for the first time since I picked them up this morning.

My rage softens marginally. “Well, Ben may have eaten it all now, but if you hurry, sometimes Livvie sneaks some before he can get it.”

Donnie beelines for my car and I sigh. Apparently, bribery is the only way to get a kid to do what you want. I make a mental note to write a book about it. I could make millions selling them to sleep-deprived parents.

Rafe isn’t as easily sold, but not wanting to be left alone, he reluctantly follows Donnie. I have a feeling he’s going to be a lot harder to win over than his brother.

He reminds me of…well, me. Which doesn’t bode well considering my track record and awards in stubbornness.

They settle in the backseat with the barest amount of grumbling. I count that as a win on my part. I’ve had a scant few of those since Jack and I broke the news about me becoming their guardian a couple days ago. It’s been an uphill battle ever since…one I’m clearly losing.

“How long until we get there?” Rafe asks. I look in the rearview and see him staring moodily out the window. His lips are pulled down and his arms are crossed over his chest. A pang shoots through me.

My voice softens. “We’re almost there.”

Livvie’s place comes into view and my hands unclench a little on the steering wheel. Livvie was a natural mother. When she had her son Cole, she took to it like second nature. She would know what to do with my brothers. If nothing else, her calming presence would help alleviate my anxiety for the time being.

I park next to Livvie’s car and I feel a smile spreading across my face. My mother’s house held too many memories, ones I’d rather leave dead and buried. Livvie’s place, however, feels like home.

“This is it?” Rafe asks incredulously.

I roll my eyes and head up to the front door. If they want to come, fine. If not, they can wait out in the cold.

Livvie answers my knock with a bright smile. She wraps me in a hug and squeals. “I know it’s a bad situation,” she says, “but I can’t hide that I’m happy you’re here.”

“Thanks for making dinner,” I tell her. I’m probably squeezing her too hard, but I have to admit, it’s good to see her, too. Good to see anyone who can look at me without a tinge of disappointment.

“Of course. I can’t wait to see your brothers. I haven’t seen them in ages. How are they doing with everything?”

“They’re outside,” I roll my eyes.

Livvie nods slowly. “I see. That good, huh?”

“They’re probably just waiting to see if you still have dessert.”

“I have plenty of dessert,” she says, raising her voice. “I made double fudge brownies.”

“Subtle.”

She winks at me and smiles when the herd of elephants bounds up the porch steps.

The boys pause, seemingly remembering their manners.

“Livvie, these are my brothers Donnie and Rafe. Guys, this is my best friend, Livvie.”

They start to speak, but a godawful sound grows louder and closer. We all turn to find Ben chasing a cackling Cole down the front hall. He’s naked except for a pair of training underwear.

Cole, that is, not Ben.

“Excuse us,” Livvie says. “We’re protesting pants this week.”

I smirk. “Don’t worry, I protest proper pants every week.”

“That’s called laziness, babe.”

I stick out my tongue at her.

I don’t know how she manages it, but I feel immediately at ease as Livvie ushers us inside while Ben reigns in his son. The cabin used to belong to her father. After his death, Ben bought the house for her. I avert my eyes as he kisses her softly on the lips, Cole still racing around them like a maniac. If anyone deserved warmth and love, it’s Livvie.

“Why don’t you guys come with us and let the ladies do their thing?” Ben throws a squealing Cole over his shoulder. “If you’re lucky, maybe we can sneak out and I’ll let you take a ride on my Harley.”