It takes us a little time to get dinner squared away, but then we head into the movie room, carting along a wide array of what Monroe insists are vital movie-watching snacks. She was incredibly put out that we didn’t have Milk Duds stashed in the kitchen, but we made do with popcorn, hot tea, cookies, and some licorice.

Monroe and I end up on either side of Broderick, the best position to reach the food we have placed in front of him, and it’s so…easy. So fucking easy. She and Broderick exchange good-natured barbs, and I can’t shake the feeling that they’re putting in a little extra effort to comfort me.

The movie is hot garbage, but it’s incredibly enjoyable, especially with Monroe’s ongoing commentary and Broderick’s commentary about her commentary.

I want this forever.

It’s really a shame that I’m about to drop a bomb on our happy time in the morning.

Chapter 29

Broderick

The next morning, Monroe pulls me aside while Shiloh is in the shower. She’s got a pinched look on her face that I’ve never seen before. She seems almost…worried.

Fucking fitting, because I’m worried, too.

She squeezes my arm. “I think we’re on the same page about Shiloh, but I want to make sure.”

It’s the most natural thing in the world to cover her hand with mine and give her a squeeze. “There isn’t a damn thing she can show us that will change how we feel about her.”

“Yes.” Monroe exhales. “Yes, that’s exactly it. I don’t know why she’s acting like a cat in a room full of rocking chairs, but I think it’s going to take both of us to anchor her through this. Has she gone home since she joined with you guys?”

“No.” She shared the broad strokes of her story with me, but never the details and never the location. I can admit that Monroe brought out a strange sort of safety net for Shiloh that I never could have managed on my own. When I get overprotective, it pisses her off. When Monroe does it, Shiloh finds her amusing and reacts indulgently. Maybe I should resent that, but I’m not one to ignore tools just because they aren’t in my toolbox.

Monroe still looks uncertain, so I pull her into a hug. “It will be okay, Bride. We make a good team, especially when it comes to giving Shiloh what she needs.” We make a good team when it comes to other things, too. For the last two weeks, things have been damn near seamless between us, even when we’re bickering.