Chapter 79: CHAPTER SEVENTY-NINE.

"But both of you will be at work. What do you want her to do in your absence?" Lucy Broody glared at Julian and Brianna. "I don't have to go to the hospital every day. And even when I have to, I can go with her. She will enjoy seeing all those babies. Please think about it." She pouted.

​"Aw come on, mum." Julian groaned. "No one pouts these days."

​"Julian Esau."

​"I didn't name him Esau, Lulu." Michael Broody said as he entered the garden with two tall, chilled glasses of cocktail.

​"Aw thank you, dad." Julian threw up his hands in a wide arc. "Esau..." He muttered, not missing his mother's smile.

​"There you go, Brianna." Michael handed one of the glasses to Brianna and relaxed into a seat and sipped at the second glass."

​"You brought it for only her?" Julian spluttered.

​"Go get your own drink, boy. Brianna keeps the country safe." Michael then turned to Brianna, who was trying very hard not to laugh. "Frankie is bringing you some Bacon-wrapped scallops and mini crab cakes, my dear." He told Brianna. "They go very well with that cocktail."

​"Thank you, Michael." Brianna beamed, but as soon as her gaze fell on Julian's facial expression, she burst into laughter. "Here, drink some of my cocktail, baby." She thrust her glass at Julian, ignoring Michael's snort.

​"Thanks, darling." Julian took the glass from Brianna as he threw his scowling father a smug look.

​As Lucy and Brianna laughed, Michael turned to Brianna. "Now listen, dear. Monkeys play by sizes. What kind of fun do you expect someone your mother's age to have with you?"

​"Oh, I get what Lucy is saying, Michael." Brianna said. "I just don't want my mother to impose..."

​"What do you mean impose?" Michael snorted. "Look at this huge house. There are people to cater to her every need. How can she be imposing if she stays here? The two old bones will have a good time together."

​"Speak for yourself, Michael." Lucy laughed. "I'm not old."

​"Anyway, my dear, it's settled. Your mother stays here." Michael said with finality.

​"Thank you." Brianna said softly.

​Julian watched Brianna and then looked at his father. He knew that Michael was trying to bridge the gap between him and Brianna. And he was doing a good job of it. But Julian also noticed the flicker of worry in his father's eyes when Brianna mentioned her team. He knew his father was thinking of the danger she faced every day. The memory of Julian's brother was never far from Michael's mind. But for now, they were a happy family.