Page 56 of Silver Linings
“Leave it to Tracker to get all emotional.”
“Fuck off, Hawk. You guys are the only family I have left. Sorry for liking when we’re all together.”
The room fell silent.
“I’m going to go find Mae and figure out when she wants to start that class up,” Stone cleared his throat and stood. “And for the record, I’m glad we have each other too, Gage.” He clasped his hand on Gage’s shoulder and squeezed before leaving the room.
“I think I’m going to get more coffee,” Hawk said. “Nash, you want to join me?”
“Yep, yep. I’m coming.”
“Okay, now that I’ve made things weird, are we all done here?” Gage asked.
“You didn’t make things weird. We shouldn’t forget what you’ve been through. I’m sorry, man.”
“Wow, an apology. Marriage and fatherhood are really changing you, Gunner.” He shook his head. “I’m just in my head a lot lately.”
“Is it Lily and Sage?” Gunner asked.
“No.” Gage sighed, running his hands through his hair. “Maybe. I’m so fucking happy for you, Reap. It just brings up a lot of memories for me.”
“I’m sorry. If you want us to step back, if it’s easier if we don’t do things together for a while, I understand.”
“Don’t you dare. Just because I don’t have them anymore doesn’t mean I won’t be the best uncle to Sage. I’m going to spoil her so much that you’ll be begging me to stay away.”
“Okay, but if it becomes too much, promise to let me know. I gave Mel my word I’d keep an eye on you. I didn’t do a good job of that those first few months while you were grieving.”
“You did?”
He nodded. “At the funeral. I knew she wouldn’t be able to rest unless she knew someone had your back.”
“Thanks, Gunner.” A message flashed on Gage’s phone and he groaned. “Shit. I completely forgot I’m meeting with Sloane in a few minutes to go over her new office system.”
“Sloane?” Gunner asked.
“She’s the shrink next door,” Hawk answered as he walked back into the conference room with Nash. “You’d think she’d be full of sass and just a real spitfire with her blazing red hair, but she’s just about the quietest woman I’ve ever met.”
“I didn’t realize there was a business next door. I guess I assumed Cap owned the entire building.”
“Oh, he does. But she was the only business in the building when he bought it, and he let her stay. Our apartments go over her office, so she’s just on the first floor,” Nash said. “Gage, invite her to our cookout this weekend.”
“We’re having a cookout?” Gunner looked around the room.
“Oops, guess we forgot to extend the invite to the guests of honor. Sorry man,” Nash laughed. “Figured we’d head to the park on the other side of Silver Springs and hang out for the day. There’s a really nice pavilion over there and a place for us to grill. That way, no one has to host and we can just chill.”
“You guys don’t have plans, do you?” Gage asked.
“No. We’re free. Someone text me the details and we’ll be there.”
Nineteen
“I’m having such a good time.”
“Me too.” Gunner leaned over and tickled Sage’s belly. “Seems like our little one is enjoying being passed around by everyone.”
“I was so nervous about that part of it, but she’s done really well, and all the guys hold her so gently, like she’s a ticking time bomb. It’s adorable.”
“I’ll let them all know you think they are adorable. It’ll be good for some of their egos to get a reality check like that.”