Free Riptide Love ( by Melissa Lopez Page B

eyes and turned his face up to the heavens. His mum had a good heart. That hadn’t been an easy task but at least it was done. And had gone better than even he’d expected.
    At the slam of the screen door, he jumped up. “Wait, Mum.” He followed her in to catch up to her. “We’ve not told Nate I’m his dad yet.”
    “Humph, well then, you’ve got about a minute to break the news because he’s going to know I’m his grandmum.” The set of her mouth meant she was serious.
    “De.” He called to get her attention.
    Green eyes lifted to meet his, but it was too late to tell her of his mum’s intentions.
    His mum got down onto the floor to sit across the coffee table from their son. “Nate, do you know what a grandmum is?”
    The little boy shook his head.
    De’s eyes widened. He willed her not to get angry with his mum. Surely, Nate wasn’t old enough to make all the connections.
    “Grandmums give presents and let their grandsons take a puppy home with them.”
    Nate’s grin was quick to spread from ear to ear. “I like grandmums.”
    They all laughed.
     
     
    Dinner had been quiet at his mum’s. Ethan kept checking his watch. If Miller followed his routine he’d be home any moment. Ten minutes passed before they heard the sound of a vehicle pulling up.
    De stood with him, but he encouraged her to stay put. This one, like the last, he had to handle alone. “I’ll be back in a few.” Impulsively, he leaned over and kissed her temple. “Thanks, luv. You’ve been great.”
    Mum’s watchful eyes followed him out.
    Big M climbed out of the truck as he approached. “Mate, good to see you.” A rare smile greeted Ethan along with a quick hug. Damn, his brother’s response to seeing him shook him up. He hated to steal that smile. Hated even more to give him the news.
    “Brother.” His hand clasped M’s shoulder. “It’s been too long.”
    “That’s a fact.” Miller took his hat off and wiped his brow. “Let me clean up, and we can get a beer.” His brother slapped him on the back as he passed by.
    “Wait.”
    “Eh?” M came to a standstill to wait for Ethan. “What can’t wait ten minutes?”
    Tightness settled in his chest. His heart thundered painfully. Christ. His brother was his best mate. “I’ve got something I need to say.” He forced a breath out.
    “I’m listening.”
    Where in bloody hell did he start? With Nate? In Sydney?
    “Little brother, it appears what’s eating you is going to take some time to get out.” M patted his back and headed off. “Come on. I need a pint. There’s plenty in the house. Talking always goes better with beer.”
    Oh, Christ. “Wait, M. Listen, first, you gotta know I’m sorry before I tell you…”
    M stopped once more. “Tell me what?”
    He shuddered on a breath. “You remember all those times you told me to think before I acted?”
    “Been telling you that since you were about four.” Miller nodded. “Think I took more than one licking for your dumb arse.”
    In his mind’s eye, Ethan reviewed the last licking his father had given Miller over him. Ethan had taken better care after that one. He’d climbed up into a tree. Christ, he’d done some stupid things as a kid. They’d gone fishing, and on the way back, he’d climbed an old tree to show off for Co.
    Miller had pleaded with him to come down before he got hurt. He hadn’t listened, only climbed higher instead. He’d fallen and broken his right leg. Miller had carried him home. Their father had beaten the living shit out of Miller for not taking better care of him. M hadn’t been able to walk right for four days.
    His stomach knotted.
    Oh fuck. If only he’d listened… No. Because if he had, he’d not have Nate.
    Nate was a fine little mate.
    “E, I’m still waiting.” Miller now stood by his truck. His arm folded over the side of the truck bed.
    “I’m sorry to do this to you. But I have to tell you something.”
    “So you’ve said.” M yanked his hat off and