“It’s only a few hours away—well, seven—but the way these lunatics drive…” I said, and we both laughed.
“You’ve been a part of this since I opened it,” Sin replied.
“And it was an honour to watch you and this place grow, Sin. When so many bookshops are shutting down, you’ve done amazingly well keeping this open and making a profit,” I praised her. “Although I’m not sure if I’ll miss the drama!”
Reid chuckled from behind us and hugged me tightly. “That’s something that won’t ever stop.”
“No, I guess not.” I sighed and looked around the Reading Nook. It was here that I’d escaped an abusive relationship. Here was where I grew into the person I was today, and here I fell in love. There were so many memories here that they were crowding me, making me emotional.
“It’s not too late,” Texas whispered, wrapping his arms around me. “We can stay.”
I leaned my head back against his strong chest. This man slayed me, sometimes for the wrong reasons but mainly for the right ones, like now. Texas was willing to give up precious timewith his daughter and grandchildren for me, despite how much it would hurt him.
“Nope. We committed,” I said as Sin’s face fell. She’d heard Texas’s words and had hoped that I might change my mind. But I wouldn’t let Texas sacrifice his happiness for mine.
“It’s not too late,” Texas repeated. I turned and buried his head in my chest. He wasn’t selling our home; we were keeping that in case one of the kids wanted it. Instead, he was letting Cody, Drake and Phoe’s son, rent it.
“Texas, I’m fine. This is a new beginning for us, and I’m looking forward to it. There are just so many memories here,” I replied.
“Let’s go home,” he said. I nodded.
It had been four months since Drake had given Calamity the presidency, and things were moving faster. The clubhouse was completed and was a beautiful building. It had three stories and was designed in a cabin style. Lots of wood and stone. There were big windows and plenty of light.
Several of the homes had now been finished. Calamity, Klutz, Falcon and Hunter’s were completed while mine, Ice, and Ghosts, were being constructed. After a vote, we’d agreed to move this week. Most of us had sold our houses, but a couple of us were holding on to them. We’d decided that, as the clubhouse was up, we’d stay there until our homes were done.
It might be cramped, especially with the kids, but we didn’t want to come across in dribs and drabs. Apache and Rock had been kept busy for the last four months. In addition to the three teams they’d put on the houses, there’d also been one for the clubhouse. Then two more to convert the buildings we’d bought to run businesses out of. The clubhouse team was now working on the homes with the others. While the other two teams had moved over to the campsite, as we’d finally received approval.
When we arrived home, Texas and I walked slowly around. It had good memories and more for Texas than me. He’d raisedRosie here, which was why he couldn’t let it go. Cody would take wonderful care of this. Our new house had been built along similar lines, so we weren’t moving into something unfamiliar.
We swapped sad, but content smiles several times before I fell into his arms as the kids entered in a rush. Everything was packed up, and tomorrow, while I drove over to Ortonville with what we needed in my SUV, Texas would supervise the movers. It was an exciting time, but also the end of an era.
Falcon
There wasn’t much to pack, in truth. Considering how much time I’d spent away at various training camps, my apartment had little to take with me. It was rented, so I didn’t have the issue of selling it. A removal van would come tomorrow to pack my furniture, which wasn’t much. My house would look pretty pathetic when it was put inside.
“Falcon?” a woman called as she entered my home.
“When are you going to learn to knock?” I demanded as my sister appeared.
“Never! Are you okay? I sensed a lot of stress,” Nova inquired.
“I am stressed. This is a big deal,” I admitted.
Nova grinned. “Good job I’m coming to stay for a while.”
“What? No, Nova! I can’t ask that of you,” I replied, surprised, but relief swept over me. Damn, was that what my negative feelings had been about?
“Who asked? I’m forcing myself on you.”
Nova suddenly looked shifty and said nothing.
“Nova?” I pushed. I knew my sister; we’d been ripped from our mother’s womb and fought to survive together. We were closer than even most twins because of that battle, and we had a definite twin bond. Nova was hiding something from me. Sheforced a smile onto her face, but my heart ached suddenly. I tried not to stiffen.
My sister was in pain; she was hurting. Someone had hurt her!
Fury rushed through me as I saw the signs I’d missed just now. Her eyes had bags under them, and she looked tired. She was pale and had a sad aura. Nova held my gaze, and in them was a plea not to push too hard.
“Have you spoken to Calamity?” I asked.
