“This isn’t up for debate, Derrick.” Spence stared at him. “Got it? No more secrets or arguing.”
That loyalty meant more to Derrick than he ever thought possible. “Yes.”
“And the business is yours.” Spence smiled over his mug. “Just do a good job once Dad steps fully out so I can keep collecting the checks for my minority interest.”
Derrick lifted his mug in a fake toast. “Happy to.”
“And we’ll be here for you and for Ellie.” He made a groaning sound. “Even for Noah.”
Noah was one more thing Derrick needed to deal with. But not today. For the next week, Ellie was his only priority. He was stepping aside and letting Jackson do what Jackson did best—run things.
He had a party to plan and a wedding to set. There were about a billion doctor’s appointments they needed to go to. A bunch of specialists. He vowed that Ellie would not go through any of it alone.
“I appreciate that.” Derrick let his mind wander to the one place he didn’t want to go. “With this pregnancy—”
“She needs you. We’ll take up the slack and do Dad’s bidding.”
Derrick had no idea how to thank Spence for that. He tried anyway. “I truly appreciate that.”
Spence put down the mug and moved to the other side of the kitchen island, across from Derrick. “Stop doing that.”
“What?”
“Being grateful.” He snorted. “It’s annoying.”
“Only you would think so.”
“We’re going to get through this. She’s going to be fine—so is the baby.”
Derrick needed to hear the words. They might be empty, but he could tell Spence believed them. That was enough for now. “I believe I remember something about a bet?”
“Hell, no. You weren’t in on it.”
Derrick held out his hand. “Two hundred or I tell Ellie.”
“Unbelievable.” Spence slipped his wallet out of his pocket. “You only get this if I have a chance to win it back.”
That sounded ominous but Derrick took the cash anyway. “How?”
“Give me the baby’s due date so I have the inside scoop and can take a bunch of Carter’s money.”
“Sold.” The sound of their laughter filled the kitchen.
For the first time ever, Derrick finally felt like he was home.
* * * * *