Page 28 of Silver Linings
“You aren’t sleeping on the couch. Jesus, Lil.” Gunner ran his hand over his face.
“No, of course I don’t,” Gia soothed. “I just figured you two would want to spend your wedding night together.”
“I need to call my team and get an update on some things.”
“And Sprout makes me take up almost all of the space in bed. It wouldn’t be comfortable for either of us. We can just keep things how they’ve been. I’m okay with that.”
“Works for me. Goodnight, Gia. Lily.” Gunner turned, and this time he did actually walk away from the two of them.
“I am so fucking sorry, Lily.”
“It’s fine. I knew going into it that things were going to be this way. I’m happy. Are you sure you’re still okay staying in with your mom?”
“Of course. And please don’t get up for her medicine tonight, or worry about checking in on her. I’ve got it covered. At least one Brooks can make sure you have a satisfying wedding night, even if it’s just with getting enough sleep.”
Lily hugged Gia. “You are the best, G. Thanks for today.”
“Anytime.”
“Nash, give me an update.”
Gunner had been itching all day to hear something from anyone on his team. He’d gotten a text from his teammate Hawk when he was at the diner with Lily, but it was just to say they still hadn’t heard an update. Lily and all the wedding stuff had occupied him for the rest of the day, and he hated how he was just now sitting down to talk to Nash.
“It’s not good, but it’s not hopeless either, Reaper. She made it through surgery, but the next twenty-four hours are critical.”
Hearing his team’s nickname for him made the unsettled feeling grow stronger. He should be back in Texas, helping with what had happened. Being in Connecticut was too much to handle. He needed structure, procedure, clear communications and a plan that included the adrenaline rush of unknown danger.
“So where are you on finding Marco? Does the FBI have anything from the Santoros? Anyone from the organization that they can flip for information?”
“We’re working with Agent Wilson, but honestly, the whole thing is a shit show. No one has any clue who Marco is. They’re working on the sketch that Emma helped the forensic artist with, but so far, nothing.”
“Fuck, man. I wish I was there to help.”
“How is everything going with your mom?”
Gunner paused. He didn’t want to think about home. He wanted to think about Texas.
“Not good. She had a really great day today, but her home aide thinks that it’s just one last surge before she passes.”
“I’m so sorry, man. Is there anything you need? Anything we can do for you?”
“I’m good here. I want you to focus on Sebastian and Emma. If you guys need me to come back, I will.”
“No. Stay there. There are more agencies and people in play here trying to get Marco than we need, honestly. Seb is falling apart, but his brothers flew in tonight, so he’s got them to lean on.”
“Good.”
“Don’t disappear on us, Gunner. You take as much time as you need, but you let us know when she passes, okay? Don’t go AWOL on the team like Gage did when he lost Mel and Mikey.”
Fuck. How in the hell had he not thought about how one of his best friends would react to him having a wife and child after he’d lost his so senselessly?
“Reap, did you hear me?”
“Yeah, of course, Nash. I’ll let you guys know.”
“Good. And I’ll let you know when there’s an update on Emma.”
They exchanged their goodbyes and Gunner ended the call, resting his head in his hands. He heard the toilet flush in the bathroom and stared at the door.