Page 124 of The Doctor's Irreplaceable Love

"He’s my big brother—he’s my hero."

Trip waited while she shut down the computer, then held the door for her before locking it behind them.He rested his hand on her shoulder.

"He loves you, you know."

"I do know.He’s just not very good at showing it.But that’s okay."She tilted her head to the side."Do you mind if I ask you something?"

"You can ask me anything."

"Do you think there’s any chance that those guys will ever come home?I’d love to think he might move back here."

Trip took a breath.He didn’t want to raise her hopes—but at the same time, he didn’t want her to feel like there was no hope.

"I don’t know for sure," he said eventually."But I have a feeling they might be considering it."

Brooke’s eyes shone with tears as she nodded rapidly."That’s what Ace said too, when I talked to him.I’m going to take that to mean there’s something in the air—but I shouldn’t hold my breath."

He walked her to her car and held the door as she got in.

"I think you’re right not to hold your breath—but I wouldn’t give up hope yet, Brookie.And, you know, even though Blane’s not around, you still have the rest of us.We’re here for you."He smiled."And even if I or the other guys aren’t what you need—there’s Shelley now, too."

She smiled back at that."Thanks, Trip.I know.I don’t like to bother any of you, but I’ve always known you guys have my back if I need it.And I love that you have Shelley now.She’s awesome.You guys are great together."

He nodded happily.

"Okay, well, since we’re finishing so early, I might just stop by the grocery store and splurge on something good for dinner for Blane.I’ll see you tomorrow night."

"Yeah.See you tomorrow night, Brookie.I hope you get some time with him this weekend."

As he watched her drive away, he decided that he was going to have a word with Blane while he was here.While Trip understood why he stayed away, he had a feeling that Blane didn’t understand just how much his little sister missed him.

When he realized that he was standing there staring after her car, wondering what it would have been like to have a little sister, he pulled himself together and got into his SUV.It was time to go pick Tanya up.

As soon as he pulled up outside Tanya’s friend’s house, the front door flew open.Tanya and her friend Mia came running out to greet him.

“Uncle Trip!Uncle Trip!”Tanya called.“You really came!”

He laughed.“Of course I did; I said I would.”

“I know, but Brooke said she might come if she finished work early.Is she okay?I can’t believe she’s going to be the doctor’s receptionist.Yourreceptionist!”

“She’s not going to be—she already is.And she’s doing a great job.”He hesitated, wondering if the girls would rather Brooke had come for them.“She offered to come.I hope it’s okay that it’s me instead.”

Tanya grinned.“It’s not just okay—it’s amazing!I haven’t hung out with you for years and years.”She turned to her friend.“Trip’s one of my dad’s best friends, you know?There are like ten of them, and they all used to be Navy SEALs together.Isn’t that cool?”

“That’s way cool,” Mia said, nodding as she gave Trip a shy smile.“Maybe next time I can come with you guys too?”

“Sure—we’ll have to talk to your mom,” said Trip.

He wouldn’t mind, but he didn’t know how Mia’s parents would feel.She turned and went racing back toward the house, where her mom had just appeared in the doorway.Trip gave her a wave, and she came out to join them.

“Mom, can I go next time too?”

Her mom, Rebecca, smiled at Trip.“I don’t know about that.Dr.Harvey’s doing Tanya’s dad a favor.I’m sure he doesn’t—”

Seeing the disappointed looks on both girls’ faces, Trip interrupted.“It’s okay by me if it’s okay by you.I’m not sure when it’ll be my turn to pick the girls up again, but we can probably set something up.”

Rebecca smiled.“Well, if you really don’t mind, then maybe Shelley should give me a call once you figure out when it is.”She rested a hand on Mia’s shoulder.“These two just love hanging out together.”