Piper Dreams: Make It Happen (Dream Series Book 2)

by Amélie S. Duncan

  I pushed him back enough to grip his hair. “You could use a cut too.”

  “No. Please don’t cut it. I love it,” Seren protested.

  “I’ll leave it for you, baby,” he said quirking the side of his mouth. He squeezed my shoulder. “Good to be back. You alright? How are the shops?”

  “Good. I’m good. I need to get a trip down to LA soon to check in,” I replied.

  “Maybe we can all make a trip of it.” He tried to grab all the luggage at once to carry in.

  I chuckled and took a couple off of him. “Stop showing off.”

  He relented enough to use his free hand to tug Seren into his side as we grouped through the front door.

  “How’s our girl?” Cole asked.

  “Hey! I’m standing right here,” Seren scolded.

  “Okay. How are you, baby?” Cole said pulling her close and kissing her pouting lips.

  Her eyes shifted over to me, but I ignored her pleading look. “The Chicago doctor recommended a specialist he wants us to get her in to see here.”

  “Stop exaggerating, Broderick. He gave a recommendation because you asked for one. He released me and said I was healthy,” Seren argued.

  “Now who’s exaggerating?! I’m a lot of things, but I’m not a liar. The doctor said you would need to get help so you can maintain health. That was what he said,” I responded with annoyance. I took a deep breath.

  Cole frowned and started checking her over like he could find the source of her illness.

  Seren glared over at me. “You couldn’t give us some time to enjoy his homecoming. Thanks a lot.”

  “Brody is just trying to help, pumpkin, but I agree with you. You know how you’re feeling, and if you say you’re fine, then I believe you,” Cole said.

  Seren calmed down. Good for her. Now I was pissed.

  She closed the door and the second she stepped away from it, Cole was on her again, kissing over her face and neck. His hands were cupping her ass and pulling her hard against the front of his body.

  “You look so sexy, baby,” he purred. “You ready for me?”

  She laughed a little and squirmed out of his embrace. “Wait, baby. I mean we are right at the door.”

  “So? You always love it when I fuck you whenever and wherever. We’ll fuck in every room before the night is over,” Cole declared. His hands slipped under her skirt and around her panties. I wasn’t surprised. I’d seen them have sex, not that I was a voyeur. We both had a high sex drive, and sex happened around us often.

  Cole and I had shared women before but not Seren. Cole even gave his permission on that too; we hadn’t though. Our relationship changed when she was sick. Now, she brought out the protective gene in me. Seeing Cole’s large, muscular body all over her made me want to tell him to go easy. I wouldn’t, and honestly I didn’t need too. Cole would never hurt Seren. He was crazy about her. And I would have moved on and given them privacy if it wasn’t for the shocked expression on his face now.

  “We can get lube or something….” he said in a hushed tone. He removed his hand.

  Seren’s face turned bright red. “I wanted to tell you, but….” She glimpsed over at me. “I’m turned on by you; it’s just … I’m tired. I just need a nap. I mean we had the long flight, and I couldn’t sleep in the hospital. I have barely got any rest with all the stops. I think we all forgot I was still in recovery from the surgeries—” she stammered.

  I bit the inside of my cheek hard. Fuck me.

  Cole’s eyes widened, and she molded into his side. His pale gaze frosted over as it set on me. “Brody. What the fuck?!”

  My brows lowered. “If I had known she was getting sick I would have—”

  “Well, there was that time I almost passed out during the group skinny-dip in the ocean in Maine,” Seren said cutting me off and dropping me in the doghouse further.

  “Wait, you almost passed out?!” Cole grated. “Why didn’t either one of you tell me?” he said. His voice, elevating. Seren snuggled in, and he cuddled her closer.

  “Because our doctor, Doc, was with us, and he checked her out. She insisted she was fine. I kept her on the caravan for two days after and she kicked up a fuss.…” I cursed and closed my mouth. Now I sounded like a little kid.

  “I did, but I felt better,” Seren stuttered.

  “Okay. It’ll be okay. Brody can only take you by your word. You need to always tell him and me if you feel bad. It would crush us if anything happened to you,” Cole said.

  She nodded into his chest. “I will.”

  He turned to me, and I knew from his expression he was all about making the peace. He made this clear by saying. “It’s alright. We’re good. Seren and I will take a nap together.”

  Seren let out a sob. He guided her over to the couch and held her on his lap.

  When I saw her relaxing into Cole, the tension that was attacking my neck eased some. She glanced back at me. Her eyes, big. I could see the apology in her gaze though she wasn’t going to say anything right now. I wanted to be mad at her, but like her, I wouldn’t hold on to anger. I gave her a small smile, and she smiled back. Yeah. I forgave her.

  Picking up the suitcases, I looked around the room. The Realtor had some furniture in here for staging. The living room was an open plan with rustic decor. A massively large fireplace took up a piece of the wall and was surrounded by custom horseshoe-shaped leather couches. Exposed wood and brick, with a few metal and copper sculptures and nature theme photos decorated the walls.

  I went up the stairs to the second floor where the bedrooms were. I placed their suitcase in the master suite, which I didn’t linger in. I chose one the largest of the three bedrooms for myself. I’d had them all repainted, but I had mistakenly taken the one I had set aside for my child.

  The room no longer had the crib I had prematurely bought. It had been replaced by a queen-sized bed. The rocking chair was still by the large floor-to-ceiling bay window. Mia had wanted to cover the window, saying it cast off too much sun. It was a selling feature for me. A scenic view of the mountains and trees. It was right out of a dream. I wanted to rock my child there. I wanted to watch him (or her) dream.

  I sat my suitcase down and rocked in the chair for a bit. I must have dozed off because I had Cole’s face two inches in front of me when my eyes opened next. I startled and ended up hitting his chin. He cursed, and I laughed. A flash of Sprite, falling into me, crossed my mind and concern appeared on Cole’s as he took a few moments to study me. I pushed those thoughts right back down. I wasn’t going there with him. Of course, that didn’t stop him from asking. “What’s up with you?”

  “Nothing. Tired,” I answered, and he leaned next to the window. He was only in his briefs now. With the trees around and the incline, there weren’t too many nosy neighbors. I had wanted to get a fence. In fact, there were many things I had wanted to fix on this property.

  Cole was miles away now. It was my turn to bring his attention back. “Are you alright?”

  “I am. Seren….she’s emotional today, but you know how she is. She behaves like that every time I come back,” he said. “You know I don’t blame you. You don’t know her physical clues yet. She’s tired today and tomorrow she’ll be running circles around us.”

  He paused, waiting for me to reassure him, but I didn’t say anything. A part of me wanted to ease his worry, but we had all promised from the start to tell the truth. Especially when he was home from active duty.

  He wiped his hand over his face. “If not, she’ll get a specialist. If she has to, she’ll get more chemotherapy or surgery.”

  I ground my teeth. “I doubt they will let her go through another round of either.”

  “Then we’ll search for the doctor that will. She will do whatever it takes to get better,” Cole said.

  I rubbed my jaw. Would she? Cole had gone back wherever they sent him when she was really sick. I couldn’t fault him because I knew he had many horrors crowding his mind. Still, he hadn’t seen her sick
and suffering. If he had, he wouldn’t be so quick to say she’d do it again.

  “She just needs to stay still a while and get a routine,” Cole said forming his fix-it formula. “We’ll settle down in the house.”

  “This house?” I asked.

  “Why not? You and that bitch Mia didn’t stay here that long. We’ll gut and renovate this place. I’ll help while I’m here,” Cole said.

  I blew out a breath. I wasn’t sure, but I still liked the place. “How long are you here?”

  “You know how it is. They call, I go. End of,” he answered. “I’m using my built up holiday, but that could end tomorrow.”

  “I know. But does Seren realize that? Does she know that you’re planning to stay in the Special Forces for another six years?” I asked.

  “Of course she does. I leave when I age out, or I’m pushed out. That was always the plan,” he said.

  “That was the plan before cancer,” I pointed out.

  He frowned. “What is this? I can’t leave my job. If I did, how would she pay for her new medical treatments if she needs them? My going is my way of helping too, you staying here with her, being the other half of our family. We need you. I need you, brother. Can I still count on you to be here?”

  “I’m here. I’m not leaving, especially not now. What I need you to be is honest with Seren and tell her your plan so she can stop asking you over and again,” I replied.

  “She knows. She only asks because she wants me to know how much she misses me. Trust me. Once we get into work on the house, settle in, she will be fine. She has you here and me when I’m back. I’ll come back as much as I can, or she’ll come to meet me halfway sometimes,” he said.

  The chair was the only thing making noise now. His plan was black and white, but our lives were gray as fuck. He needed to tell her his plans and his plans for the two of them too. I sighed. On the other hand, I didn’t want to think what she would do if she lost hope on him staying home one day. After what had happened on our trip, she sure couldn’t travel after him.

  Before I could say anything else, Cole said, “Fine. I’ll remind her before I leave.”

  “Good,” I said, and we dropped it. My stomach growled. I hadn’t eaten much on the plane. “Let’s go and make something to eat.”

  “I bought groceries,” Cole said in a high-pitched voice. And we chuckled.

  The kitchen was brick and pine with modern appliances and rustic pine cabinets intermixed. Along a row of windows was a large oak table and chairs. I was pleased to find Cole had gone out and bought a set of dishes, silverware, pots, and pans. Cole cooked up eggs and bacon for us. I made a bean and tomato breakfast burrito for Seren with fruit. I then found a cup and put in all her supplements, and pills. I gripped the bottle tightly. I fought the urge to throw them against the wall. She can’t go back there.

  “It’s going to be alright. You’ll see.” Cole took them out of my grip and set them by her plate. He next filled up our glasses with orange juice.

  Seren appeared in the archway wearing his t-shirt. It hung just above her knees.

  Cole whistled at her, and she gave him a bright smile that wilted when she spotted the pills.

  Before we could say anything, she spoke up. “I’m taking them.” She sat down and popped them in her mouth, then took a gulp of orange juice without fuss.

  “That’s our girl.” Cole sat down next to her and kissed her lips.

  She beamed at him.

  “You want to go shopping tomorrow? And maybe later this week we can go to Pikes Peak or dancing? I know you love dancing,” he said.

  She looked out the window and smiled a little. “We’ll….okay.”

  “Okay? Just okay? You usually beg me to take you,” he said. “Or what about the wedding. You still want to get married in Vegas?”

  “You want some more orange juice?” I asked her.

  “Yeah,” she said.

  I filled her glass then brought over our plates and sat down.

  “Yes, let’s talk about the wedding,” she said with a glance at me. “I know I said I wanted a big wedding before, but I was thinking maybe we could have a drive-through marriage there or maybe get married here?” she said and bit her lip.

  “Hell, no. I’m only doing this once, and I’m going to do it big. We’re having a big wedding.” Cole kissed her cheek. “What do you want to do, Brody? This has just as much to do with you.”

  I paused between bites of my eggs. “I believe it’s illegal in every state for three people to get married.”

  “You know damned well what I mean—” he complained.

  “Please let it go, Cole,” Seren interjected. She reached over and squeezed his hand. “We don’t have to decide everything today.”

  He groaned but conceded. “I’ll drop it for you.”

  “You know if we are having a big wedding, I want to have bridesmaids,” she proclaimed.

  “Then you will,” Cole declared.

  “Good. I’ll ask Fiona, Riley, and Piper,” Seren replied, then went back to eating like she didn’t drop a bomb on him. We both knew he wouldn’t blame her.

  “You put her up to this?” Cole asked glaring over at me.

  “No, he didn’t,” Seren answered for me. “It’s my idea. She’s my friend, and I love her too.”

  “Love? You love everyone. Brody, you love her too?” he asked.

  “Yes,” I said and left it at that and Cole dropped it. After all, there was no defense against feelings. So we ate the rest of our brunch.

  “I’d like to meet Piper. We didn’t end on speaking terms,” Cole finally said.

  “That’s why I want you to invite her for me,” Seren said. Her tone, sugary.

  “What? No way am I calling her. You do it,” he said and laughed.

  I raised the corner of my mouth. Why did he bother?

  Cole cracked his neck. “Fuck. I’ll call, but I’m not promising you anything.”

  Seren jumped up and kissed all over his face. “Thank you, baby.”

  He pushed his plate away and lifted her on the table. “Now the both of you ease up on me. I just fucking got here.” He moved between her thighs.

  “Cole,” Seren whined.

  “Well, how are we gonna get that sex drive back if you don’t put me to work?” he said grinning at her.

  She giggled as he widened her legs and buried his head in her pussy.

  I picked up my plate and put it in the sink. Breakfast was over. At least for me. And that was pretty much how things went the next few days. Me taking a backseat and giving Cole time to bond with Seren again, as it should be. Bottom line, she was his and I was happy being her good friend.

  I followed Cole’s advice and took the house off the market. We all went about re-furnishing it too; Seren helped as much as she could. She hadn’t bounced back yet. Still, she got excited by every new piece of furniture that came through the door. From what Cole and Seren had shared, she didn’t have much growing up—nothing new and even the used things weren’t worth scratch. But as Seren put it, it taught her to appreciate everything and everyone.

  It made Cole and I go overboard getting things we didn’t need just to see her excited, but it didn’t last long. Cole got their blood test and marriage license together too. Still, she remained low in energy and spirit. This had me calling every day to get an appointment with the specialist. All in preparation for what we’d stopped talking about: more treatment for cancer. Then again, she could be fine. After a brief, but productive visit to my garages and custom shop in Los Angeles, I made it back in time for her first appointment. I wouldn’t have missed it. They needed me. And though I still missed Piper; Seren and Cole were here. They were both good to me.

  Seren was in charge of the radio station from the backseat of Cole’s SUV. She brought out an Eric Clapton CD and “Promises” filled the car and the drive to the large hospital downtown. She hummed and sung along with it, and Cole broke into a broad smile. Seren had a beautiful singing voice. Wh
en the song ended, she turned it down.

  “Hey, Brody. Remember when I was singing at the bar? Did we get a video of it?” she asked.

  “Piper might still have it,” I replied.

  “Remember when she was singing, and we all laughed at her?” She giggled, and I chuckled. “She was a good sport about it….she was a good sport about everything. She jumped in and never complained. She was a sweetheart to us. I miss her.”

  “I miss her too,” I murmured.

  “I’ll call her today and invite her,” Cole said.

  Seren snorted. “That’s what you said last week.”

  “Let’s just handle one thing at a time. You still haven’t decided on the location. I can’t just tell her to come when we don’t know where we’re having the ceremony or what the doctor will say,” Cole pointed out.

  That had her quiet. I turned around to see her, and she was fidgeting in her seat.

  “It’s going to be fine,” I tried to assure her.

  “It will. I promise,” Cole said.

  I cut my eyes to him, but he kept his focus on the road. This wasn’t the time to call him out on his promises. We needed to support Seren at her appointment.

  We drove on for another couple of miles before he took the exit for the hospital. It was one of those big ones that you get lost in if you don’t know where you’re going. We followed the signs to get as close as we could to Oncology. Once we parked the car and all got out, Seren surprised us by taking my hand to walk inside the building. Her hand slightly trembled in mine.

  I was scared too.

  “Brody’s been through a lot of the hospital stuff,” she said as a way of explanation. And he relaxed a bit next to her.

  “Yeah. If that makes you feel better,” Cole told her. He swung her arm playfully and got her smiling for the rest of the walk inside the building. He held the door open for Seren and me to walk through. Once we rode the elevator to the fifth floor, we found it was a short distance to the reception desk for appointment check in.