After the Scrum by Dahlia Donovan Page B

make it worse; the two might not look the same, but their personalities were damn near identical.
    Having the prodigal brother, Graham, return had been an interesting turn of events. Francis seemed almost tense about it. Caddock had decided it wise to let the matter rest. They'd see tomorrow how things went.
    With an audience of grandmother and nephew, they'd left each other without the snog Caddock really wanted. Devlin had been so worn out from playing with Sherlock, the lad had passed out asleep in his arms on the way to the cottage.
    Once his nephew had been tucked into bed, Caddock sank into a chair by the fire in the den with a tumbler of Scotch in hand. He took a sip then lost himself in thought. It had been a good night; tomorrow might be slightly more difficult.
    He slouched further into the leather cushions with a sigh, lifting his glass to no one in particular. He said with a wry smile, "Here's to old whiskey, younger men, and good food."
    * * * *
    The following night, Caddock volunteered to drive them to the Hodson house. Francis surprised him when he left his canine shadow at home. He claimed to want one less mischievous bugger to deal with for once.
    A mate from his rugby days, Caddock knew Rupert could be a handful—age hadn't mellowed the man at all. He wasn't as familiar with his twin brother. Graham had already been overseas when they'd met. But from Francis's words, he would likely be exactly like his brother.
    The evening would require patience and beer, not necessarily in equal doses either. His nephew could provide at least a partial shield for the madness. He had a particular talent for drawing attention to himself without even trying.
    "Will Wupert let me play in the garden?" Devlin broke the silence in the vehicle. He swung his blue teddy around to hit the driver seat. "Hurry, Uncle Boo, Wupert might eat all the food."
    Caddock barely heard his nephew's chattering. He worried more about the silent man seated beside him. Reaching over the centre console, he took Francis's hand in his own, resting both on the man's thigh. "Don't worry, little Devil, Joanne won't let her husband eat all the supper before we arrive."
    Tension radiated off Francis. Caddock squeezed his hand gently. It wouldn't be wise to question him too deeply with little ears listening in on the conversation. Adult chats and issues would remain with the grown-ups. So Caddock offered support the only way possible in the enclosed vehicle: through touch. The tension eased slightly, but Francis still held himself like a goal-kicker about to make a match-winning attempt.
    Once they arrived at the house, Devlin immediately raced inside. He'd been there numerous times. Rupert and Joanne were favourites of his, even babysitting him on occasion.
    "What's got you so tightly wound?" Caddock caught Francis by the arms, stopping him on the front walk. He shifted his hands up to gently massage the man's shoulders. "Rupert's always sounded incredibly fond of you. I can't imagine him doing anything to cause this much anxiety."
    Francis brought a hand up to scratch the side of his head. He took a second to then fix his hair. "I am aware of his character."
    "So what's the issue?" He dragged his thumb along the side of Francis's neck. "They don't bite. I'm starting to worry about you. What is it?"
    "History," Francis answered enigmatically. He ducked under Caddock's arm. "Not all memories are enjoyable to revisit."
    "Don't worry your pretty head about it, cub. The Brute'll save you from the nasty idiots." He caught up to his lover only to be elbowed in the stomach. "What?"
    "Worry my pretty little head?" Francis parroted back to him with a frigid glare.
    "Sorry." Caddock grinned completely unapologetically, and then crowded him into the house. Raucous laughter could be heard inside. "Maybe I'll hide behind you."
    "Prat."
    He was swatted on the arm this time.
    "Oh, I do love seeing the Brute put in his place." Rupert's cheerful greeting drifted over from