"You know we're all just concerned about your safety. If you come home until the person after you has been caught, then none of us will complain when you want your independence," Trenton said.
"Do you run home each time you receive a threat?" Bree asked. Trenton laughed as if what she said was funny, until she raised her eyebrow, letting him know she was waiting for an answer.
"That's different, Bree," Trenton said.
"How so?"
"Well … um … you know," he hedged.
"No. Obviously, I don't know. So please explain it to me," she said, not backing down.
"It's just that, well, I'm a guy," he said, and her eyes fired at him. If looks could kill, Trenton would be dead where he sat.
"That is completely chauvinistic and you know it. Just because I'm a girl, doesn't mean I'm less than any of you. I've obviously managed to stay alive this long. I'll admit, getting shot and losing my memory is not the funnest experience I've had, not that I can remember my funnest times right now, but still. You can't treat me like a five year old child. You're acting like pigs," she said as she looked into the eye of each man in the room.
They looked down uncomfortably, then Chad squeezed her hand. She turned on him.
"I may be choosing to stay with you, but the same goes for you. I'm only staying because I think it's important for me to know the father of my child. I won't be treated like an invalid, though," she said, causing the smile to drop from his lips.
"I don't … " he began.
"Yes, you do, and it needs to stop. I don't mind you wanting to protect me, but you won't keep information from me anymore, and you'll treat me as an equal. My son or daughter won't think their father is the all-mighty, while their mother is a weakling," she said. Chad grinned before leaning down and kissing her square on the mouth, taking the rest of her words away.
"Very well said," he agreed, but she could see the twinkle in his eyes. They'd talk more once they were in private.
"I'm proud of what a strong woman you've become, Bree. I won't ever stop worrying about you, but rest assured that I worry just as much about your insufferable brothers. I'm a father, and that's what we do. You'll soon understand how I feel," George said as he pointedly glanced at her stomach. He was visibly upset – but trying to hide it.
Bree hated knowing she'd upset her father, but she couldn't back down or she'd never regain the ground she'd managed to forge for herself. She had to stay firm – but that didn't mean she had to be cruel.
"You all trusted Chad enough to appoint him as my personal babysitter, so you should trust him enough to continue the job," Bree said, glaring at Trenton, who squirmed in his seat.
"You're pregnant?" Charlie asked in stunned disbelief, causing all eyes to turn to him.
"I can't believe I didn't tell you," Trenton said. "With everything else going on, I forgot. Sorry, man."
"And you're the father," Charlie practically spit at Chad. "Maybe if you were more concerned about her safety, instead of getting her into bed, she might not have been shot."
Chad's eyes widened at Charlie's words, and Bree felt him tense next to her. She knew he was about ready to jump up and pound the guy.
"Listen, you son of a … " Chad started to say.
"Come on guys. Let's not let this get out of hand," Trenton interrupted, standing up so he could play referee if things escalated.
"Are you seriously going to let this piece of work be alone with her?" Charlie practically yelled.
"Are you kidding me? I don't know you, but you're way out of line. I'd back down if I were you." Chad spoke with so much authority, Bree expected Charlie to back off, but the man was either an idiot or had a death wish.
"Bree, this guy's taking advantage of you. He obviously can't keep you safe. He seems more concerned with taking your innocence than doing his job," Charlie said and made a move to take her hand.
Chad jumped between Charlie and Bree so quickly Trenton didn't have time to blink, let alone stop him. Chad slammed his fist into Charlie's chest, sending him flying back and pinned him against the wall.
"I don't care if you are Trenton's best friend. If you try to touch her again, you won't walk for a month. Do I make myself clear?"
"Okay, this is ridiculous. Chad, let him go. He's just worried about Bree. He's known her since she was a toddler," Trenton said, tugging on Chad's immovable shoulder.
"Can we please leave now," Bree whispered, wanting them to leave before the situation got worse than it already was. Chad immediately responded to her and dropped Charlie as if he were nothing more than a sack of potatoes.