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“Right. Ricochet voted against me losing my patch and so did Lark.”

“Which means Nickel didn’t,” I said.

He didn’t say anything. Yet, that said everything.

I couldn’t understand why my brother would vote that way. He was angry about us hiding our relationship, and he had a temper that rivaled mine, but…this went deeper than that.

He leaned forward and cupped my cheek. “I hate to tell you this, but you can’t confront him about it.”

My eyebrows shot up. “You have to be joking.”

His face came closer. “Baby, some brothers hold firm to the belief that what’s said in that room, stays in that room, and ol’ ladies, kids, and anyone without a patch doesn’t get to know about it. Let alone have an opinion on it.”

I stared off into space. He was right, but I wasn’t good at keeping things to myself…not where my brothers were concerned. To think that I would have to work alongside him day-in and day-out once I got better…that pain would intensify.

“Tell me what’s goin’ through that beautiful head of yours.”

“It’s nothing compared to what you must—”

He kissed my forehead. “Don’t think about me, tell me where your head is at.”

I grabbed his bicep to keep him from backing away. “I feel so betrayed. I knew he wouldn’t take it well, and I knew my position at On a Lark would be in jeopardy after I reread the contract…but I hadn’t considered my brothers having to vote on it and that one of them would do us both dirty like this.”

He stared into my eyes. “Let him calm down…for that matter, I know women hate to hear these words, but let yourself calm down.”

I chuckled. “Just because you prefaced it doesn’t change the fact you told me to calm down.”

“If he meant it - where does that leave you?”

I shook my head. “What do you mean?”

Earnestness shone from his gorgeous brown eyes. “Nickel accused me of snatching your dream from you and I told him I’d fund any dream you had and it’d be even better than On a Lark. If you want out, I’ll help you start over.”

I tipped my head to the side. “I can’t ask you to do that.”

“You aren’t asking. I’m offering.”

I grinned. “Your financial adviser would tell you I’m a bad investment.”

“Bullshit. Think about it, babe. No snap decisions, and seriously…try to forgive him.”

I widened my eyes. “He’s got some explaining to do.”

He nodded. “You’re right. I’m going to hunt down a nurse. It’s high time you got out of here.”

Soon after Tundra left, the door opened and Aunt Heidi hurried into the room with Uncle Block on her heels. She appeared to be rather annoyed.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

She twisted her hands up at me. “Honey, you even have to ask? You’re in the hospital for starters.” She jerked her head in Block’s direction. “This guy wouldn’t even let me talk to your man - he’s a great choice, by the way.”

“Woman, I’m still pissed,” Block groused, sauntering to the other side of my bed.

Heidi looked at Block. “Why? Because she chose him or because I kept it from you?”

“How about both?”

I looked at him. “For goodness sake, who else could I turn to?”