Page 80 of Embraced in Ink

“Bristol told the cops everything when they got there. That’s how we know what we do.”

“And she was awake then?” Marcus asked.

“Yeah, and then she passed out because of blood loss or shock or something,” Arden said. “I don’t know. I’ve been in hospitals enough, you’d think I’d know everything, but I don’t.”

“Are your brothers coming?” Marcus asked suddenly, remembering that Arden’s brothers were constantly in the hospital with her, the protective Brady brothers who were always there.

“I had to warn them off. But they may take turns if somebody needs a rest.”

She was looking at her future in-laws, and Marcus understood.

Her siblings would ensure that Bristol’s parents got to rest, probably the same as his family.

Bristol’s siblings would be there, as would Marcus. Because he needed to make sure she was okay.

“Can I talk to you for a second?” Liam asked, his voice low. Everyone quieted, and Marcus’s shoulders tightened.

“Yeah. You can.”

After all, he deserved the fist to his face if that’s how this ended up.

“Liam,” his father said, his voice a barked order.

“It’s fine. Only talking. Promise.”

Aaron and Ethan both stood up, but Liam raised his hand.

“Just me for now.”

Marcus’s parents looked at him, and he shook his head.

“I’ll be right back.” And then he followed Liam out the door, leaving the others behind.

“I’m not going to hit you,” Liam said.

“I deserve it.”

“I don’t know what happened between you and my sister, but Arden said that it’s a communication issue. So, I’m going to believe that. Believe you’re going to fix this. I don’t care what you fucking need to do. But you will fix this.” He held out a fisted hand, and Marcus flinched. “I said I wasn’t going to hit you. Take it.” Marcus held out his palm, and then Liam dropped Bristol’s engagement ring in it.

“Fuck.”

“Yeah. Arden did tell me a little bit. About the promise. About how you two were trying to figure things out. I don’t care. I really don’t. But you can and will fix this because no one’s blaming you for what happened. So, you don’t get to do that either.”

“If I had been there, this wouldn’t have happened.”

“Bullshit. If any of us had been there, this wouldn’t have happened. But we can’t be there in each other’s lives twenty-four hours a day. Colin is the one to blame for this. No matter what happens, this was Colin’s fault. But when she wakes up and when she’s better? You need to be her best friend again. Because you are the best thing that’s ever happened to her, so don’t fuck this up.”

“I don’t know. I just need her to be healthy first.”

“Damn straight. But that ring in your hand? That’s a promise that means something. You gave it to her, figure out what exactly that means, and remember that you’re part of this family, too. Don’t fuck it up.”

And then Liam left him alone, and Marcus stood there, wondering what the hell he was going to do.

“Come on inside,” Aaron said from the door.

“Is she okay?” Marcus asked, turning on his heel.

“I think the doctor’s going to come out soon. They’re all moving around out there. I don’t want you to miss anything.”