Page 69 of Finding Redemption

“I’m not running, Ry.”

“Maybe you should.” I kiss her cheek before my brother can claim her.

“Get the hell off.” He jabs at me as I trot away. I flip him off and head to the bar.

We celebrate the night away; my baby brother has never been happier. It’s moments like this I miss Sallie the most. She would’ve been over the moon for Ava and thrilled for the both of them. I can’t begin to count the times I’ve let her down.

I’m gonna do my best to rectify the situation.

Monday morning, I walk into my office with a new determination. “Good morning, Walker. Chord Hamilton is waiting for you.” Donna points toward the door.

“Okay, good. Once we’re finished, I need Lachlan Daly.”

“On it. Here’s your mail.” Donna is amazing. She needs a raise.

I open the door to reveal a distraught plaintiff. Chord Hamilton is a close friend and at one time, my future brother-in-law. “Chord, good morning.” I reach for his hand, shaking it vigorously.

“Man, I don’t know about any of this.” His hands fist his hair.

“Have a seat and tell me what’s going on.”

“I love her,” he says with a deep sigh.

“And…” I settle in with a smug smile.

“You knew? How?” He falls back into his chair. His face is scrunched as though he’s in pain.

“You told me, man.” I toss my mail on the desk. “Do you want to move forward?”

“I don’t know. I’m thinking of asking her to move in.” He leans forward, dropping his head in his hands.

“I think it’s time to talk to your brother.”

His head pops up. He blinks in shock. “Why in the hell would I do that?”

“First,” I stand, walking around my desk to lean against it, “your family will eventually find out she’s there. Second, One is more than capable of helping you with this and you know it.”

“I know. Really, I do but he’s gonna be all judgmental.” His brows knit together.

I sit on the desk, shaking my head. “I don’t know of a better man than One. Your brother is better suited for this than me or you. Men like our brothers are few and far between, but they come equipped for things like this, while the rest of us stumble through every aspect of life.”

He leans back, pursing his mouth. “You’re right. Should I put this on hold?”

“What’s your heart tell you, Chord?”

He stares at me for a minute. “That I need to put this on hold but my head says no, she might run again. At least this way, I have a little leverage.”

I know in my gut this is wrong. “We’ll sit on it. Call your brother or as your friend, I will.”

“You can’t do that.” He glares at me.

“I know, but I was hoping it would scare you into doing it.” I shrug.

“Yeah, you made me nervous as hell. That’s for sure.” He stands, combing his hair back. “I’ll go see him.”

“Good because we’re outta our league here.”

“Thanks, man.” He shakes my hand before turning to the door.