Nerds on Fire

by Grady, D. R.

  “Did you let Bernadette know?”

  “Yes. She’s aware of what happened and has sent breakfast with us.” Rylan held up a basket she hadn’t even noticed.

  He led her back down the hall and through the kitchen to the garage. Settling her and the basket in his car, Rylan didn’t waste even a second heading toward his daughter’s house.

  Nina knew Trixi had her own place, but she wasn’t prepared for the spectacular estate Rylan turned into. He didn’t stop the car to give her time to enjoy the view but barreled up the driveway to halt in front of the garage.

  He helped her alight from the vehicle. She caught up the basket with her free hand since he retained possession of her other. Nina didn’t mind. He unlocked the outside garage door and then the inner before sending her through. “Trixi,” he bellowed as they entered a sort of mudroom.

  An attractive older woman she identified as Rylan’s mother burst through the door across from them. “Rylan.” She didn’t stop until she was in his arms.

  “Mom,” he murmured, holding her close. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, I’m fine.”

  “And Trixi?”

  “She’s had a bad scare, so she spent the night in Mark’s room. He overrode me because he said he knew the signs of trauma.” She didn’t sound happy about this decree, but Nina had brushed up against Mark’s will before.

  His mother’s eyes lit on her, standing off to the side as unobtrusively as possible. “Mom, this is Nina McCormick. Nina this is my mother, Clarice Duvall.”

  His mother, gracious even in a robe and curlers, shook her hand. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you, Nina.”

  “Thank you,” Nina murmured. “Likewise.”

  Rylan took both their arms and tugged them into the kitchen before he headed down a hallway. His mother offered her a seat at the table. “He’s going to check on his little girl. Between him and Mark, she’s going to be coddled to the point of smothering.”

  Nina couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll try to get him out of here before even Trixi’s long patience is tried.”

  “Good idea. Now, what did you bring?”

  “You know, I didn’t look. Rylan’s amazing housekeeper packed this.” She set the basket on the table and together they dug into it.

  “Bernadette is a gem,” his mother stated as she tugged several containers of mouthwatering pastries from the basket. “No one makes muffins like hers. Not even the cook.” There were also scones, a couple loaves of sweet breads, and a casserole that looked like it was made from eggs and cheese and several breakfast meats.

  Clarice tucked the casserole into the huge range set against one wall. Nina took a moment to admire it but before she could ask for details, Rylan appeared with his arm tight around Trixi. Mark followed close on their heels.

  Trixi sported cuts on her face, and she was far too pale, but she seemed to have it together, nonetheless. Before Nina could comment, Leo and Katy padded down the stairs together. No one looked like they had slept much.

  Katy hurried into Rylan’s arms and Nina was heartened to see the small group together, especially when the girls pulled their grandmother close. Nina stood with Mark and Leo and somehow still felt like a part of this dear little family. Is this what love did?

  She didn’t know and didn’t take time to figure it out because Rylan made certain his girls were all okay before he looked around and found her. With one large hand, he wrapped it around her wrist and tugged her into the little group. Both girls seemed happy to see her. At least based on the tight squeezes she received from them.

  “What happened?” he asked.

  Katy told him, succinctly. When she finished speaking he turned to Mark. Who added what happened afterward.

  Trixi stiffened. Mark curled an arm around her. “They caught who did this?” Her voice sounded tight, like it was stretched too taut.

  “Yes,” Mark said. “Ben, Janine, Greg, and Sam don’t mess around. They nabbed him.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me this?” Trixi stared between him and Leo.

  Leo shrugged. “Because the police want to make certain he’s our man.”

  Nina could tell Trixi was in a bad way just looking at her, but Mark hauled her closer and whispered something to her. She nodded and settled against him, her hand stroking his chest. Whatever he said soothed her. Her grandmother also stroked up her spine and the gesture further composed her.

  The three of them all lived here together, and it was wonderful to see how they had formed a little family unit. It was a beautiful picture.

  Rylan turned back to Leo. His eyes were every bit as hard as the other two men in the room. “Did they find out why he did this?”

  “Not yet. He isn’t saying anything at the moment.” Leo’s mouth firmed, his voice sharp. Katy nestled close to him, circling her arms around his waist. His tightened around her. Some of the cold melted in his eyes.

  “He tried to burn my house down. With people I love in it.” Trixi’s voice strengthened as she spoke. Nina watched with interest as Trixi shifted from a victim to a woman with fire in her eyes.

  Mark’s phone beeped. “The police are well aware of his intentions now. From what Ben just sent, he and his team found all the evidence the police needed,” Mark assured after reading something on his phone.

  “How did Ben and team know to be here last night?” Katy suddenly asked.

  Leo shrugged. “Janine and Greg are both creepy. They decided they needed to come last night, so they did. Ben and Welby tagged along.”

  “Do they do this type of thing often?” Katy ventured. She gnawed on her lower lip and Leo must not have heard the question because Mark answered it.

  “Yes. Like Leo said, they’re both creepy.”

  Clarice Duvall stepped away from Rylan and her girls and announced, “Coffee and breakfast.”

  No one argued.

  No one was particularly animated, but Mark was pleased when Trixi showed more life. She wasn’t her usual self, but the victim mode had shut off. No one would fault her for being afraid, but he was pleased to see she wasn’t about to wallow in it. Instead, her eyes burned as she viewed the night from a different perspective.

  If he hadn’t been in love with her before, he was now.

  The random thought made him pause in the middle of the best meaty breakfast casserole he had ever eaten. Perhaps love wasn’t the correct word. Admired or respected might be more suitable.

  Leo snagged his attention because he kept trying to steal back his muffin from Katy’s greedy grasp and losing. It was far more interesting to watch his brother’s interaction with his future wife than consider his own present.

  Darting a look at Nina, he was happy to see her enjoying the interactions around the table as well. Rylan Duvall couldn’t have chosen better if he’d advertised for the perfect girlfriend.

  “Are you settled into your estate?” he asked the man.

  “Yes, although I’m thinking of making a few changes.”

  Leo managed to grab the rest of his muffin. He wolfed it down and grinned in triumph at an unimpressed Katy. She flicked his nose and stole his coffee instead.

  “What kind of changes?” Trixi exchanged a knowing look with Gran.

  Who snorted. Even Katy grinned into Leo’s coffee as she slurped some of the brew before Leo managed to steal it back. He made a big show of pouring her a fresh cup from the nearly full carafe on the table. She wrinkled her nose at him but after doctoring it up, did drink her own.

  Mark exchanged amused looks with Trixi; thankful she was nestled up against him, as though pleased he was there. Actually, there was no doubt in his mind she was pleased he was there. Yet another lure of this amazing woman. Trixi liked him and she wanted him, and she didn’t use artifice, guile, or coyness. This woman was a keeper.

  “I explained to Nina Friday night that the formal dining room is too formal.”

  Trixi stirred. “What are you thinking of doing?”

  “That’s Nina�
�s job to figure out.” Rylan sent a smile to the lady in question.

  “Wait, you said you needed ideas.” She leveled a censorious look on him.

  His grin widened. “I do need ideas. And then we can implement them.”

  “I’ve been thinking that room needs changing for a while.” Gran tapped a finger on the table.

  Trixi turned to Nina. “Do you have any ideas?” Mark loved how encouraging she sounded.

  “No, I barely remember the room. I have to actually be in it to get a feel for the space before I come up with anything.”

  All the women around the table nodded. He glanced at Leo who didn’t appear to be listening. Instead, he leaned over Katy, crowding her, and selected a scone from the plate sitting in front of her.

  “I think what makes it seem so formal is all the extra fancy molding.” Katy spoke around Leo’s shoulder, as though this was perfectly normal.

  Trixi nodded, pursing her lips. “Yes, I think you’re right.”

  “It seems a shame to remove it though,” Nina said.

  “I’ve been tossing the idea around of simply painting it all one color. All those different ones are too busy.” Gran broke off a bite of her muffin. “The paint is starting to peel anyway, something needs done.”

  “Paint it all the same color.” Nina nodded. “It would make the ornateness a lot less obtrusive.”

  “Yes. If you choose a mellow color for the walls, the detailing will still be there but make a lot less of a formal impact.” Gran popped the muffin morsel into her mouth.

  “The chandelier has been there how long?” Trixi asked Gran.

  She waved that aside. “Your grandfather and I chose it long ago. It could be stored away for another generation. A new, less formal light fixture would perk up the room.”

  By then Mark was bored, and zoned out, thinking about the past week and then his thoughts drifted to the next week. He had a busy schedule, as always. It was good. After he thought about the week, his mind went empty for the space it took his eyes to drift to Trixi and then his full attention slammed to her.

  The conversation eventually wound down to mere ebbing, mostly because someone noticed the time and mentioned they were all going to be late if they didn’t hurry. The room cleared and he and Leo were left staring at each other.

  “I do seem to have this effect on women,” Leo murmured, but he didn’t appear to mind because he had managed to come into possession of the rest of Katy’s coffee. He also finished off her muffin.

  “You’re a scavenger.”

  Leo laughed. “Yeah, I’ve gained weight since Katy came into my life.” He patted his flat stomach.

  This was good for Leo. He normally had trouble gaining weight and then keeping it on. Mark had never had trouble with either. But it had been a struggle of Leo’s since they could both remember. He was long and lean by nature so his muscles took a lot of work. Mark didn’t have to work very hard to see results. He worked out, but not like Leo had to. Then again, no one could eat like Leo did, either.

  There were compensations to everything, he supposed.

  He rose and started to clear the table. Once the dishwasher was loaded, he started it and then wrapped up the remaining treats from Rylan. The casserole hadn’t lasted, so the dish was already in the dishwasher.

  Leo stretched and then he wandered away. “Do you have clothes for church?” Mark asked his retreating back.

  Pausing in the doorway, Leo pointed outside. “In my SUV. It’ll take me five minutes to get ready.”

  Since this was very close to the truth, Mark nodded before he aimed for his closet. Rylan and Nina had left so they could change, while Katy, Gran, and Trixi must have disappeared to their rooms to finish up.

  They all met in the front hall with a minute to spare.

  “Whoever did the dishes, thanks.” Trixi sounded breathless as she hurried down the hall toward him.

  “I want a kiss,” he decided.

  She gave him the sweetest one he’d ever known, and then a gorgeous smile. “Thank you.”

  “I’ll do them every night for kisses like that.”

  Her grin was infectious and he curled an arm around her, thankful she was a part of his life. His heart seemed to grow every time she did so.

  “Are we ready?” Gran asked once everyone was gathered in the mudroom.

  “Yes, we’d better go,” Trixi said. A flurry of coats and they were climbing into the huge SUV.

  “Is Dad coming back here?” she asked.

  Gran shook her head. “No, it’s faster for them to head there from his place.”

  “I like Nina,” Leo commented from the middle seat where he sat between Trixi and Katy. Both women huddled against him. Mark cranked up the heat before he adjusted the seat. Gran turned the vents for maximum warmth. She was sitting beside him again, since everyone had insisted.

  They seemed to be making a habit of all heading off together like this. He enjoyed it.

  Chapter 36

  Her dad invited everyone back for lunch at his place afterward. It was nice to see him here, in his own domain and while he had fitted her house very nicely, this was now his. The deed was officially in his name. In the event something happened to her father, and a sharp, nasty pain jabbed Trixi at the thought, the trust ensured the house would become Reed’s.

  He had balked, until Gran explained the trust to him. In the event her father remarried, his wife would be permitted to live there until her death, but could not sell or give the house away. According to the ironclad estate agreement, it would always revert to a Wintermyer heir. It was similar to the trust for her house. There was a feeling of continuity about both homes and she was grateful her brother would one day inherit Wintermyer.

  They were all seated around the table now, the one that had been in the family for generations. Her father gave thanks before they dug in. She reflected on the people seated here. Gran, Reed, Shawna, Leo, Katy, Miriam, Johnny, Rylan, Nina, and Mark gathered with her for the meal. A grouping of the people Trixi loved the most.

  Passing her the mashed potatoes, Mark must have caught sight of her face because he leaned down and whispered, “What’s wrong?”

  She shook her head. “Nothing. I’m just thankful to be here, with everyone present.”

  He nodded and glanced around the table. “A nice family.”

  “I agree.” With an affectionate smile, she added some potatoes to her plate before passing them on to Leo who sat beside her. Katy was between Nina and Leo with Reed directly across from her. Reed enjoyed harassing Katy. She didn’t have a problem reciprocating.

  Her father noticed Reed and Katy’s seating arrangements. “Why are Katy and Reed sitting across from each other?”

  “Because they snuck into their seats before we adults noticed,” Shawna replied in a resigned tone that fooled no one.

  Her remark set a lighthearted, fun tone for the meal. They even discussed the room and Nina and Gran both liked the idea of repainting the ornate plasterwork the same color and changing out the light fixture.

  Leo and Reed, who took to each other immediately, had a great time offering up unhelpful suggestions. Shawna and Katy both tried their best to moderate the foolishness, but their efforts only made it worse.

  A small fear was that Reed wouldn’t like the de Vosse brothers. Her big brother was a great judge of character and she wanted him to approve of her choice. There was no doubt he and Leo were going to be good friends. He also warmed to Mark so she relaxed. Mark was the quieter of the two brothers.

  Trixi understood because she wasn’t comfortable being the center of attention either, not unless she was among family like this. Reed had always been more outgoing than her. She wasn’t completely introverted as she didn’t live in her own head, but she preferred to listen, like Mark. Her mother had explained to her that she was gifted with a quiet nature.

  For the first time since losing her mother, thoughts of her didn’t stab nearly as deep or hard as they had even three weeks ag
o. Perhaps expunging said emotion finally helped the wound to heal. Fifteen years of sorrow, and one man entered her life, a skilled doctor, and now she could embark on the difficult journey of recovery. The prospect wasn’t so bad because it looked like he intended to accompany her.

  A huge swelling of love? Peace? Joy? Contentment? Maybe a delightful combination of all of those emotions spiraled through her. It was an incredible balm after so many years of sorrow and pain. This felt like the real Trixi. Or at least the promise of who she was could now emerge.

  “You look happy.” Mark’s warm breath whispered across her ear.

  She turned to him, thankful for him all over again. His thumb traced across her lips and she kissed it, because she could. “I am.”

  The truth rang through her statement and his expression held a lot of promise and a little heat. She wanted to see a lot more of both.

  “We’re in your father’s dining room with your entire family,” he reminded her.

  Trixi smiled. “I’ll be good.” She made the promise, but then wondered if she could keep it.

  Fortunately, Gran asked about Johnny’s job.

  “I’m enjoying it. I leave soon to treat a top-secret patient in foreign parts.” Satisfaction infused his voice.

  “We don’t get to leave on top-secret trips in neonatal,” Trixi said sadly.

  Katy perked up. “I might get to.”

  “I’ve never been called on a secret patient visit before.” Leo scowled.

  Reed stared at him. “You’re a doctor?”

  “He’s a pediatrician,” Katy answered and it looked like she was patting his knee.

  “At least she didn’t pat my head,” Leo muttered loud enough for them to hear.

  Katy poked him as everyone laughed.

  Shawna asked Mark, “What do you do?”

  “He operates on brains,” Leo answered for him.

  “You’re a neurosurgeon?” Reed’s eyes widened.

  “Yes, he’s a big geek.” Katy sent a saucy grin in Mark’s direction.

  Reed looked impressed. Beside him, Shawna’s mouth opened and closed but she couldn’t seem to manage actual words. “I would have no idea where to even start.” Her voice was faint when she did finally speak.