Free Overcome by Emily Camp

height.
    “Bree,” his voice was raspy and constrained. “You’re choking me.”
    She giggled and pulled away but kept her hands on his arms. “I can’t believe it’s really you.” Her eyes were still watery and she reached up and ran her hand over his cheek and pinched his nose. She looked at Carly, “Where did you find him?” she said like she was talking about a lost puppy.
    “Oh, you know he just happened to walk into the hotel like all the other strays.” Carly leaned against the kitchen counter, causing Parker to chuckle.
    Bree’s attention went back to Parker. “Is this real?”
    “Uh…I think so,” he smirked and glanced Carly’s way again.
    With one hand wrapped around his, Bree stood on the tips of her toes and stared intently into his eyes.
    The front door shut and Parker tried to turn his attention to the new person in the room, but Bree had a hold of his chin like he was her child, holding his gaze on her.
    A throat cleared and a snicker came from Carly.
    “Hey Gare,” Nate’s voice called out.
    “Nate,” Gare clipped.
    It was as if his voice was enough to pull Bree out of her trance. She turned to him, with her hand holding Parker’s like they were still kids.
    “Garrett,” she gushed.
    When Parker was able to turn and look, he immediately recognized him as the baby’s daddy. Earlier, Parker had the time to take in his surroundings and the mess of photos posted to the fridge. There were a few of Garrett and Bree and one of Garrett and the baby in the hospital.
    “This is my brother, Parker.” Bree’s voice cracked as she spoke and her hand tightened around his like he was going to pull away.
    Garrett’s lips went from a stiff line, to a curved smile. “Really?”
    “No, I just thought Bree needed a new guy so I picked him up off the street,” Carly chimed.
    Garrett glared at her.
    “Well, seriously who else would he be?” Carly rolled her eyes.
    Garrett offered a hand to Parker, and Parker obliged though he wasn’t sure what to think of Garrett right off. He seemed like a nice guy, sticking around for the baby and all, but he did get Bree pregnant.
    As soon as their hands parted, cries came from the baby again, grabbing Garrett’s attention.
    A woman in her early twenties, who he guessed to be Nate’s wife, bounced with the baby against her chest.
    “What’s wrong, Bailers?” Garrett strode toward his baby.
    Bree looked back and giggled. “She’s probably hungry.”
    Garrett cradled Bailey in his arms when he removed her from Nate’s wife.
    “Parker, meet Bailey.” Bree pulled Parker’s hand and tugged him toward Garrett.
    Bailey squalled with her little fists were under her chin and her mouth open wide as she let out a cry that sounded like a baby goat.
    “I’m sorry, I …” Bree’s cheeks turned pink, “I’m going to have to feed her … but hang out for a little bit. I’ll be back.”
    Garrett talked soothingly to Bailey and kissed her on the side of the head before handing her over to Bree. Bree slipped out of the room and Carly followed.
    Parker found himself looking at three strangers and not having a clue what to say.
    “You sure you don’t want anything to drink?” Nate asked.
    “Nah, I’m good.”
    Nate looked at Garrett, “You?”
    “No thanks.” Garrett turned toward Parker, propping his elbow on the kitchen counter.  “How … when?” Garrett shook his head.
    “I stayed at the hotel where Carly works. She figured it out.” Parker glanced down the hall, suddenly wanting Carly back in the room like she would make this easier.
    “Cool.”
    Nate rose and made his way toward the coffee pot.
    “I know Bree’s always wondered what happened to you.” Garrett said.
    “She’s mentioned me?”
    “Not much, only a few times, but don’t think it’s because she doesn’t care. I just … I can tell it hurt her to talk about. She looked up to you, you know?”
    Parker suddenly found the hardwood floor interesting as he felt warmth on his