Brady sensed a little resentment and bitterness when she’d told him that.
“They headed out to a place near Whitefish and…”
She stopped again. “The police came to my door and…”
Brady turned to face her and flicked away her tears.
“Something happened to your brother on the trip?” asked Brady.
“He was attacked by a bear, a grizzly bear.”
Brady went cold, his heart almost stopped beating. He swallowed.
“My dad went over to help to try and lure the bear away and…”
Brady didn’t know what to do or say at this point. His hand hovered above her shoulder wanted to comfort her, but he couldn’t.
“The bear turned on my father and killed him. David, my brother was airlifted to the hospital in Missoula. He was in a coma for two weeks and they didn’t think he’d live. The bear tore his scalp up pretty badly and even dug into his brain. Lucky for the client he wasn’t attacked.”
Brady froze. A bear had killed her father and left her brother for almost dead.
“He had to learn to walk and talk again, and sometimes it’s like he’s a little boy again.”
“I’m so sorry to hear this story,” said Brady. He knew first-hand what bears could do. Humans and bears were not a good mix.
“So you’ll have to understand when you meet him that he sometimes doesn’t understand things. Oftentimes he forgets what you just told him and well, just be patient with him.”
“Of course I will.”
“And whatever you do, never mention bears to him. He hates them. I guess I do, too.”
****
Jenna sorted through the files on her desk. She hoped work would take her mind off things, but it hadn’t. All she could think about was David’s attack and her father’s death. She thought it best to tell Brady so he was prepared for the worst when he met her brother for the first time.
Yesterday when she’d gone to visit David, he’d seemed confused. He’d forgotten he was coming to stay with her for Christmas. He’d thought their father was still alive and asked what he should buy him as a gift for the holidays.
She wiped her brow, suddenly feeling hot. She’d felt a little achy most of the day and hoped she wasn’t coming down with any of the bugs that were going around. She had too much work ahead, including a court appearance on Wednesday. She also had last minute things to buy for Christmas. In fact, she had no idea what to buy Brady. What did you get the man who seemed to have everything? Gift certificate from a bookstore maybe?
She also wanted to get something for baby Sophie. And while she was shopping she might as well buy a wedding gift for Ash and Chloe.
Jenna rubbed her temples with both hands. She was getting a headache, too. Maybe she’d take her work home with her. Yes, that sounded like a sensible plan.
She gathered up her files and notes and put them into her tote. She stood, suddenly feeling giddy. She sat down again. Jenna took a sip from the soda she’d opened at lunchtime, but hadn’t finished. It was flat, but the sweetness hit the spot. She stood again, this time feeling somewhat better. She closed her office door.
“I’m going home for the day. I think I’m coming down with a bug and I want to try and shake it off.”
Kym looked up from her desk. “Lots of flu going around, so take it easy.”
“If anyone needs me they can reach me on my cell phone.”
“Okay, and have a warm brandy. My father swears by it when he’s getting a bug.”
“I’ll try that.”
Jenna got into her car and was just about to head out of the parking lot when her phone rang. Not one to drive and talk at the same time. She pulled over, looked at the screen and saw that it was Ash.
“Hi Ash, how are you?”
“I’m great. I just wanted to check that the adoption papers are filed at the courthouse.”
“They sure are, and Sophie is officially your daughter. Well, yours and Chloe’s.”
“We just wanted to check because we’re so busy with making all the last minute wedding arrangements. And Chloe’s parents are arriving tomorrow.”
“I’ll have to visit with them. They were so great to me when I was in Austin.”
“Sure. We’ll all get together for a meal. I’ll let you go. Oh, and you’re coming to the wedding, right? We haven’t received your RSVP, but Brady sent his and wrote that you’re coming with him.”
“Then I guess I’m Brady’s guest and he’s mine.”
“Okay, as long as we know because we need to give a head count to The Lodge by tomorrow at noon.”
“I bet you’re getting excited.”
“Yeah, nervous too. Chloe’s putting so much into this event. I want it to be perfect for her. She’s picked the cutest dress for Sophie.”
Jenna smiled. She was going to make a sweet bridesmaid, even if she’d need to be carried down the aisle.
“I can’t wait to see her in it.”
“I think she knows something special’s happening.”
“I’m sure she does.”
Jenna felt hot again and didn’t want to cut Ash off, but she had to.
“Ash, I have to go now, but I’ll speak with you soon. Call me if you or Chloe need anything.”
Jenna ended the call and headed out of the parking lot again. She hated not feeling well around the holidays. Perfect time to overindulge with less guilt because everyone was. And if she didn’t feel one hundred percent, she’d missed her opportunity. She was planning on making cookies, and some of the brownie bars that David had always liked. Did he still like them? She wasn’t sure.
She rubbed her stomach, but wasn’t sure why. She wondered if Brady had gotten her pregnant the other night. She hadn’t given much thought to looking after a baby and taking care of David. Not that she had him living with her, but still he was her responsibility. The day would come when she might not be able to afford his care and he’d have to come live with her. She arrived at her townhouse and sat looking at it. She hadn’t given any of this much thought without diving in head first. Something her father would certainly raise his eyebrows over.
****
“She hates bears,” said Brady.
Ash and Liam exchanged glances, Bear and Christopher both bit their lips, and Dane, Trent, and Aiden leaned back on their chairs. Nick had a smile on his face. As a wolf shifter, he had reason to look smug. Brady sensed he was boring all the guys with his rant. For the last fifteen minutes, he’d been going on about Jenna and the story about her father and brother.
“She hates real bears,” said Christopher. “She didn’t say she hated shifters. Huge difference.”
“That’s simply because she doesn’t know about shifters,” said Brady.
“You said this is just a sex thing between the two of you. I don’t know what you’re getting so upset about,” said Trent.
“I hate it when people are so judgmental,” said Brady.
All the guys looked at him. They knew that wasn’t the reason. He was more involved with Jenna that he wanted to admit, and they knew it.
“Humans have a funny way of winning you over,” said Liam. He pointed to the gold wedding band on his finger. “Who would have thought I’d now be married to a human? I hated humans. Well, I guess I still don’t like them much, but Lucy’s shown me they’re not half bad.”
“Bridgit took her first step yesterday,” said Aiden.
“That’s great,” said Trent. “All three of our babies are sleeping all through the night now.”
Brady looked at each man. It was clear they wanted to change the subject. He was the odd one out here. He didn’t have a wife, didn’t have children, and he didn’t have a wife who was pregnant.
“Lilly’s shifter circle is half way around her belly button now,” said Christopher.
“Ava’s is too. We weren’t sure if she was going to get one like the bear mamas, but sure enough, she’s got one. It’s just a little over half way around her navel. Oh,
and she has a slight wolf-like mask over her nose and cheeks,” said Nick.
“So when are you and Lucy going to make a bear baby?” Bear asked Liam.
“We thought we’d like it to be just the two of us for a while, so probably not until after our first anniversary.”
Brady tapped his fingers on the table. When did these guys turn into such boring old bear farts?
“I know Melanie wants to get pregnant again next year,” said Dane.
“Yeah, Charlotte does too,” said Aiden.
“Looks like I’m going to have to hire more doctors,” said Bear.
Yeah, boring old farts.
****
Jenna woke up the next morning with what she knew was a temperature and cramps. Her period wasn’t due until after Christmas. The thought that it was early didn’t upset her, but the fact that she’d not gotten pregnant, did.
They’d had sex six times and maybe they’d never do the wild thing again. She hadn’t heard from Brady since that night. Maybe he thought they were getting too involved. Maybe what she’d told him about David was making him avoid her.
She grimaced again when another cramp gripped her. She’d so wanted Brady to father her child, but it looked like she might have to go with plan A and find a sperm donor.
Jenna got up and headed to the kitchen, doubling over with pain. This was a hell of a lot worse than period pain. Maybe her ovaries were bursting or something awful that would leave her infertile.
She rushed back to the bed and took some deep breaths. That seemed to help. She looked up at the ceiling and then at the phone. If she could will it to ring, and for it to be Brady, she would.
****
Brady hadn’t laughed so much in forever, but it was Sophie’s little giggle that made him smile as he danced the bear from side to side in front of her as Chloe held her on Christmas Day.
“I have to get a photo of this,” said Ash.
“Grandma has to as well,” said Chloe’s mother, grabbing her camera.
“I thought she might be scared of it, but she loves it,” said Chloe.
“That should keep her entertained when you look after her,” said Hannah.
Brady hadn’t realized she was talking to him.
“Look after her?” he asked.
“Sure, we’re all taking turns to babysit while Ash and Chloe go on their honeymoon,” said Bear. “You are on the list for Tuesday, Tuesday evening and Wednesday until noon.”
Panic suddenly washed over him. He didn’t know the first thing about babies, apart from dancing bears in front of them. Feeding and changing diapers wasn’t his thing.
“I haven’t got a crib for her,” he said, sensing that might get him out of duty. Not that he didn’t love his Spirit Child. She was welcome at his home whenever she wanted, provided she had an I know how to look after babies adult with her.
“We’ll bring one from the hospital for you,” said Bear.
“Did you hear that Sophie? Your Spirit Guardian’s going to be taking care of you. Oh, what fun the two of you will have,” said Ash, tickling her toes until she giggled.
Brady looked at his watch. He hadn’t realized the time, and he was supposed to be at Jenna’s place in fifteen minutes. Bear haters central.
“I should get going, but thanks for the meal and company,” he said standing.
Ash stood too.
“Thank you for the bear, the doll, and the very generous check,” said Chloe.
“Make sure you invest it in a good savings plan for her,” said Brady. “If you need help with it, my financial advisor is one of the best.”
Chloe stood and kissed him on the cheek. “We’ll see you at the wedding.”
Brady nodded and said his goodbyes, and then Ash walked him out to his car.
“Don’t worry about Jenna. She only hates bears because of what happened, which is understandable. That doesn’t mean she hates you. You didn’t attack her father and brother, a shifter didn’t do that to them.”
“I know but…”
Ash slapped him on the back. “Do not overthink this Brady Walsh.”
Chapter Eleven
Brady had called about five minutes ago. He was just leaving Ash and Chloe’s place and was on his way.
“The man who I told you about will be here very soon,” Jenna told her brother as he sat, putting together one of the puzzles she bought for him.
“Okay.”
“We’ll have dessert once he arrives.”
David did his blinking rapidly thing. Jenna turned on the coffee machine while she waited. She’d never been so nervous in all her life. Other than the time when she’d gotten the call about her father, and David being air lifted to the hospital.
She heard the doorbell ring and rushed into the living room to see David looking at her.
“Him,” he said.
“Yeah, it’s Brady.”
She fluffed up her hair and headed to the door. She opened it to see him standing with two carrier bags with red and green tissue paper sticking out from both of them.
“Hi, Merry Christmas,” he said.
“Merry Christmas to you, too. Come in.”
“Sorry I’m late, but I got sidetracked at Ash’s place.”
“No problem.”
She led him through to the living room where David was about to put another piece of the puzzle down on the table.
“David, can you say hello to Brady Walsh? Brady, this is my brother David.”
“I’m pleased to meet you,” said Brady, walking over to him. He offered David his hand. David looked at Jenna and then at Brady, finally slipping his hand into his.
“It’s Christmas all day,” said David.
“It sure is and I have a gift for you.”
“For me?” asked David, pointing to himself.
“Yes, here you go. Jenna gave me some clues about what to buy you.”
David took one of the bags from Brady and placed it on the table. He threw off the paper, letting it glide to the carpet, and then dug inside to pull out another puzzle and a book.
“What do you say, David?” asked Jenna.
“They’re nice.”
“Glad you like them. And this one’s for you,” he said. He handed Jenna the other bag.
“Thank you. We have yours under the tree here.”
Jenna pulled out the box and handed it to him. She hoped he found it as amusing as she had when she’d stumbled upon it on the Internet.
Brady took it as she lifted off the tissue from the bag and saw two of the most beautiful floral scarves she’d ever seen. Pure silk, if she wasn’t mistaken. And at the bottom of the bag was a book, Emma by Jane Austen, first edition.
“They’re so pretty. Thank you. And the book. It’s also beautiful.”
“Thought I’d get you started on first edition collections.”
She didn’t think she’d be able to afford any more, but this would always be treasured.
Brady ripped off the paper on the box, lifted the lid and burst out laughing.
David looked over at him.
“Star of the tango,” said Brady.
She’d found a site that put someone’s image on the front of a magazine with any headline you wanted. She’d downloaded a photo of Brady from his company Web site, and thought he’d appreciate his dancing talent being rewarded. She also decided to frame it for him.
“I love it,” he said. “I’ll put this on my desk.
“So I’m still the only one who knows about you being lord of the dance?”
He laughed again. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be that quick on my feet.”
“Will you be dancing the tango at the wedding?”
“I did at Liam and Lucy’s wedding. I took along my dance instructor.”
Jenna suddenly felt jealous. She’d seen the daggers the woman had thrown her way when she’d taken Brady away from his lesson.
“And you’re not inviting her this time around?”
“No, thought
I’d go with you instead.”
“I’m being a terrible host. What can I get you to drink? And we have some pie with whipped cream if you want any.” asked Jenna.
“I’ve always got room for that. And a coffee would be fine. That’s what I smell brewing, right?”
Jenna nodded. “Sit down and make yourself at home. Visit with David while I get the coffee and pie.”
Jenna went into the kitchen and reached up on the shelf for the plates. As she poured the coffee she heard David shouting.
“Get away from me.”
She rushed in to see him biting Brady’s hand.
“David, what are you doing?”
Brady quickly moved away. Blood was streaming from the back of his hand.
“He’s a bear,” shouted David.
Jenna was partly embarrassed, partly felt bad that her brother had bitten Brady, so she lost her cool and grabbed David’s shoulders.
“Stop it, stop it this minute.”
“He smells like a stinking bear,” David cried out. He worked his way free of Jenna’s grip and rushed out of the room sending all the pieces of the puzzle spilling onto the floor.
“I’m so sorry. Let’s get your hand washed and checked out,” said Jenna.
“It’s nothing, really.”
“Let me decide that.”
She made Brady follow her into the kitchen where she ran the tap. He finally gave in and let her wash away all the blood from the bite.
“Just a flesh wound and we… I mean I heal super-fast.”
It wasn’t as bad as she’d thought. Clearly Brady had managed to get his hand away before David could chump down on it.
“I was helping him with the puzzle and he got upset,” said Brady.
Jenna tore off some paper toweling and wrapped it around Brady’s hand.
“He’s been a little tense lately. Maybe something set him off with the stupid idea that you were a bear. I know he got upset last month when a nature show featured bears. He smashed the TV at care center. I’m still paying for the cost of that. Maybe I should think about getting him different sort of help.”
She swallowed the lump forming in her throat. What if he needed to be placed in a mental facility? She couldn’t do that to him. Maybe medication would help before she had to take that drastic of a measure.
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