Broken Dreams Stories

Shattered Girl

Chapter 23

When the alarm went off the following day, I groaned. Jake’s eyes still closed, felt around until he found his phone and muted the alarm. After two more rounds of hitting snooze, I sat up, climbed over Josh, and headed to the bathroom. By the time I came out, Jake was gone, Josh sat on the edge of the bed, still trying to wake up. He held a hand out for me, and I went to him, nudging his legs apart and stepping between them. He wrapped his arms around my waist, hugging me

“How are you this morning, baby girl?” He murmured, rubbing his face against my stomach.

“Still tired, but I feel ok otherwise.” I was running my fingers through his hair as he hugged me. He groaned, planting a kiss on my stomach before standing up.

“I’m going to get dressed; I will be out in a minute.” Josh kissed the top of my head, going back to his room. I could smell fresh coffee, and I quickly threw on some clothes and tracked it down.

Making a beeline for the coffee pot. I poured some coffee and asked Jake if he wanted some. He said he was good, and I wandered over, giving lake a quick kiss and standing by the window that faced the backyard. It was a beautiful day; Robim hopped around the lawn, searching for worms. A butterfly flew by, looking for just the right flower

“Breakfast is ready,” Jake called; I turned and helped him bring everything to the table. Josh came out dressed and went to make himself coffee, then joined us at the table. We ate quietly, the guys watching me out of the corner of their eyes; after several minates, I put my

fork down.

“Guys, I promise I’m good.” I stood, clearing my stuff from the table and rinsing them in the sink. I was loading the dishwasher when I heard Josh’s phone ring. I quickly finished the breakfast dishes and left the room, looking for Josh. I was sitting on the couch, still talking. I stopped next to him, raised an eyebrow at him, and he lifted his arm, letting me know he was okay with me being there while on the phone. I curled up under his arm, resting my head on his shoulder.

Josh ended the call and pulled me onto his lap, Got some good news, baby girl.” he said, calling Jake to come here. Jake walked in, still pulling a shirt over his head. I took a moment to appreciate his toned abs, much to Jake’s entertainment.

“Anyway, Patrick thinks he will be back in town tomorrow; Drew and Mike are on their flight, and so far, it’s on time. We need to leave for the airport in about an hour,” Josh said, giving me a side hug

“In that case, I had better go finish getting ready.” I got up, gave both gitys kisses, and went to look for something nice to wear in my closet. I had several outfits spread out on the bed, trying to decide which one to wear, when Jake stuck his head in.

me by the bed. “Which one do you like better?” I asked,

look

his eyes made me sigh. “Josh, can you come in here for a minute?” Josh appeared

decide on an outfit, please?” I

“Oh, um, baby girl..”

for the first time. You guys met me at my worst. So tell me which you like the most.” I was glaring at both of them now.

at the clothes again before painting to a light blue

one.” Smiling, I kissed him, picking up

1/3

Chapter 23

half an hour later; I had left my hair down, hoping the long hair would draw some attention away from the bruises on my face. My ribs felt pretty good, so I removed the thicker bandage for a lighter wrap. It was hardly noticeable with the way

came into the living room, the twins both looked up from their phones with big grins

“You look beautiful, sweetheart”

at the compliments. Gathering my things,

asked, excitedly bouncing on

Josh led the way to the SUV, with Jake and I

an hour to spare. A coffee shop was by the passenger exit, so we decided to get coffee and wait there. I was so nervous that I couldn’t sit still. After

next to his.

you, I promise He took my hands in his and gave them a gentle squeeze. Standing up, he pulled me with him, and 1 followed him over to the arrivals board to see if the flight had landed yet. When we saw that their flight had just landed, I began fidgeting again. Josh turned and wrapped me in his arms, reminding me to breathe and that it

be ok.

putting an arm around my waist. It took about fifteen minutes, but I spotted two tall men dressed in army fatigues walking toward us. I froze; damn, they both looked so good in uniform. I suddenly felt shy, and as the twins stepped forward to greet