Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 145231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 726(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 726(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
“I’m not. He hasn’t even spoken to me in a few days,” I say, wishing the words hadn’t left my mouth. There’s no hiding it now, though, so I sigh and give her the truth. “We had an argument, Junie. I said crap I didn’t mean, and I think he did, too. Not that I can ever read that man’s mind.”
Arlo’s mouth moves sleepily as he rolls over. I decide to let him doze instead of wrestling him into his pajamas.
“Oh, I mean, that’s no surprise. I kinda thought you guys were fighting,” Juniper nods, tucking a lock of her auburn hair behind her ear. “When he came back here, he just seemed different. Way more protective and guarded, I guess.”
My heart sinks.
“That’s my fault. I made him think—” I bite back the hurt in my voice. What’s the point of waiting for someone who’s so damn scared she won’t stop running from the past? “I don’t know what to do. Is he even in town? I couldn’t bring myself to ask Delly.” It’s a long shot, I know, but I suddenly have the fiercest urge to see him, to hash this out in person.
“I’m sorry. He’s on a mission, I heard.” Juniper shakes her head slowly.
“Where?”
She shrugs. “I wish I knew. The guys made it clear this was their thing, and I’m trusting they won’t screw it up. Feel free to ask Dex if you want, though. Or I’ll be happy to do it for you.”
I stare at Arlo, the light of my life. He’s back to sleeping peacefully and the color in his cheeks looks almost normal again.
Alive.
He’s alive and okay, thank God.
I repeat the words in my head as I follow Junie back downstairs, but she stops me before we head into the dining room, where I guess they’ve all moved for dinner.
“Also, not to make this awkward, but I know about Arlo and Patton,” she says softly.
She knows?
Shit.
I stop mid-step and stare. “Patton told you?”
“No. I’m just a good observer, and I’m pretty well acquainted with Rory eyes by now. There’s no mistaking that shade of blue with Arlo.” She smiles gently. I try to relax before her next words turn me to stone. “But he told his brothers. Accidentally, I think.”
“Oh my God, he… he told them? What did they say?”
“Not much. Delly doesn’t know, not yet. They decided it’s not their place to drop the bomb. They want her to hear it from the horse’s mouth. From him, from you, whenever things are less crazy…”
She can say that again.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt so heavy with everything pulling me down.
“I’m not trying to make this harder. I just wanted to let you know that you’re not alone. And also that”—her brows draw together slightly—“Patton really loves the boy. There’s no faking that.”
“I know, I just—” I stop. What else can I say when his words pummel me in the face again?
What’s the point of waiting for someone who’s so damn scared she won’t stop running from the past?
God, he’s right, and I’m still living like I’m afraid of my own shadow.
“It’ll be fine, I’m sure, even if it feels pretty difficult right now.” She pushes the door open to the formal dining room.
Sure enough, Dexter and Archer are arguing again, although their voices hold a little less vitriol than usual. Delly sits at the head of the table like the queen she is, massaging her temples.
I see Colt at the other end of the table. He’s checked out of the conversation with his earbuds in, playing a game on his phone.
When they see me, everyone goes silent.
Archer pulls out an empty chair next to him.
“Have a seat,” he says, unusually kind. Not that he’s ever unkind, it just seems extra gentle, coming from a human bear.
Plus, I doubt Archer Rory ever makes being gentle a habit.
I look at Juniper for guidance, but she takes the seat beside Dexter. They exchange a slow, heavy look that feels like an entire secret conversation condensed into a wordless second.
Ugh, I miss that.
I had it with Patton.
He hasn’t told his family about our argument, I’m sure. I get the feeling he hasn’t said much, even to his brothers, before he decided to disappear.
“Let’s say a prayer. We owe it to this family tonight—and to little Arlo,” Delly says. I look down at the meal in front of me. It’s simple enough, beef brisket and whipped potatoes with some collard greens. I’m in awe that anybody had the energy to cook.
Warmth floods my eyes and I blink rapidly.
She doesn’t know.
She doesn’t know he’s her grandson and she’s already giving so much energy to making sure he’s safe and happy and comfortable.
Archer pats me clumsily on the shoulder, clearing his throat.
I. Miss. Patton. So. Much.
He knows when to be tender, when to be serious, when to lighten the mood with humor and when I need his stoic, gruff advice. He’d probably hold my hand under the table and mutter some wisecrack.