Sheldon would mourn though, not for his father. He’d mourn for his mother again. The man who killed her was finally gone, as he should have been many years ago. How he’d hung on this long was anyone’s guess, considering the state of his body. I figured it was spite that kept him alive. Another day, week, month, where his son was aware of him still breathing.
All we could do was be there for Sheldon.
The rest of the ride was quiet as Micah drove us to our destination. Colleen stood in the doorway as we exited the vehicle. She hugged her son first, then came to Sheldon, cupping his cheeks in her hands. A single tear slid from Sheldon’s eye.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, already knowing what had happened. I’d seen Oleander on his phone in the SUV. “Your mom can rest now.”
Sheldon nodded.
Her gaze moved to me. She offered a kind smile. “Hungry?”
“Always.”
Davis was there with hugs as we entered the house. Introductions were made between them and Micah. The conversation shifted to happier topics. I had a feeling that was all the emotion Sheldon was going to allow himself to show. It wasn’t that he was cold inside or buried it all deep. Sure, he pushed a lot away, but he didn’t want to cry over a man who was nothing but cruel to him and his mother.
Watching Micah interact with Colleen and Davis during dinner was fun. He ate up the attention they gave him, while Sheldon was relieved not to be asked questions about his injury and how his recovery was coming along. It was obvious howmuch he loved these people, but he was over talking about getting hurt.
Colleen didn’t bring up our spirit guides, but she did have a lengthy conversation with Micah about herbs and their healing properties. We found out Micah had a bit of a green thumb and a little garden in his apartment. I had to spend more time with him outside of him guarding me. He was a nice man who took his job seriously. Seeing the other, relaxed side of him was nice.
“When’s the wedding?” Colleen asked.
“Subtle,” Oleander coughed.
“Please. I don’t need subtlety. Sheldon and Forest are getting married. We’d like to help plan it.”
“You’re not paying for anything,” Sheldon stated.
“Who said we were?”
“You would if I let you.”
Colleen crossed her arms. “You act like you know me so well.” A simple cocked eyebrow from Sheldon had her sighing. “Fine, but the offer stands. If you need help, we’re here.”
“I have more than enough. Besides, Forest doesn’t want an extravagant ceremony or reception.”
I shook my head. “He’s right. Neither of us does. We’ve talked about it and want to do something simple, then head out on a honeymoon to a place where no one knows us and doesn’t care who we are.”
With a smile, Colleen said, “Now that sounds like a wonderful plan, but you better not leave us out of the ceremony. I don’t care if it’s you two at the courthouse, we’ll be there.”
“I wasn’t planning on it,” Sheldon told her.
“You couldn’t if you tried.”
That got a smile from Sheldon and me.
The rest of the time we were at their house, we talked about the wedding. Somehow, she convinced us to have it in their backyard. Actually, it didn’t take much for us to agree to that. Itwas beautiful here and magical, if I was being honest. It felt like a second home.
When we were finally on our way back to the city, Oleander turned in the seat and said, “I’m surprised she didn’t try to convince you to give her a grandchild while we were there.”
“Hard pass,” Sheldon said.
Oleander laughed. “Not even with Forest?”
My love turned to me. “I adore you and would literally tear the world apart to get to you, but there is no way I will ever want a child.”
I leaned forward, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. “I’m good with that.”
“You have to be because I won’t let you go. There will be no small humans getting between us.”
