Tethered (A BirthRight Novel) Read Online Free

circles.
    My little brother no longer smells of fresh-cut grass and bubblegum—he now smells like a man with his sporty, powder-fresh cologne. My heart that had been aching only moments ago, swells with so much joy to be with my brother again. Not a day went by where I didn’t miss his sweet smile and disarming attitude. Dru’s the kind of brother all girls dream of having. He’s funny, understanding, protective, in touch with his feelings, and has the biggest heart I’ve ever seen. It still baffles me he’s Dhelia’s twin. Can you say “polar opposites”?
    While pride for my brother makes me giddy, it occurs to me he’s just now coming through the door. “Just getting home, are we ?” I give Dru a sideways grin, wondering if he’s been up to no good. I take a big whiff of his shirt to see if I missed a hint of beer—or pot.
    Both Dhelia and Aunt Morgan turn from the stove to look at his face.
    Dru squirms, tugging at the collar of his powder blue button-down. “Ah...I guess I’m just getting home. I stayed at Peyton’s.” A tiny blush spreads across his round cheeks.
    “Peyton?” Huh? Sounds like someone’s got some ‘splaining to do.
    Even though we haven’t seen each other in years, we stay in constant contact with e-mails, calls, texts, Facebook, and tons of pictures. Yet this is the first time I’m hearing Peyton’s name.
    “She’s the girl I told you about.” He tilts his head to the side, grabbing my arm. “You know...the one I’ve gone out with a few times over the years. I haven’t said much because I’m not sure where it’s going. She goes to Florida State, so I don’t know about the whole long distance thing. But summer just started, so we’ll see.” He smiles. “You’ll like her, Chloe. She’s pretty great. Sorta reminds me of my big sister.”
    Awe, how sweet is he? “Oh really? Then she must be the coolest chick ever.” We both laugh at my less than modest comparison.
    Dhelia sticks her finger in her mouth pretending to gag, but I ignore her. “So when do I meet the lucky girl?”
    “Soon. Let’s see how things go with Pap tomorrow. Maybe we can make a plan for later in the week? Unless....” He pauses. “Unless you plan to leave before the weekend?” His cheeks droop like a moping Bassett Hound.
    I reach up, pushing his frown into a smile with my fingertips. “Looks like you’re stuck with me.” I gently punch him in the arm. “I’m back for good.”
    His face lights up like a tanning bed. “Seriously? That’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time. Awesome !” Dru hugs me so tight he just might sever me at the ribcage.
    He lowers me to the ground, sniffing the air again. “So is breakfast ready or what?”
    “Sure is.” I look to Dhelia and Aunt Morgan. “Should we eat now...or wait for Gram and Pap?”
    “You’d better not start without us!” Pap shouts from the other room. “Heads will roll if I have to eat cold bacon.” He tries to sound tough, but we know better.
    We laugh as he and Gram walk in. He still has his wits about him, which has to be a good sign.
    As I assault my grandparents with hugs, I can’t help realizing how much Gram hasn’t changed, but how much Pap has . It tickles me to see him, but my heart breaks to feel his frail shoulders beneath my hands. This once strong man now seems more breakable than bone china.
    He has to be okay—he has to!
    “Now this is the way it’s supposed to be. Well, almost.” Gram purses her lips, eyes shooting daggers at Aunt Morgan. “So how are the boys, dear?”
    “Ash and Aidan are just fine, Mother. Anyway …” Aunt Morgan changes the subject, “who wants scrambled eggs and bacon?” Everyone raises a hand. “Well what are you waiting for? Dig in!”
    We eat breakfast, reminiscing over childhood stories and making plans for the future. Tension drains from my body the longer we talk. I never imagined it would feel so natural to be with my family again—as if we’d never skipped a