A thud follows a rustling noise. “Holy crap. What? How? I thought the nearest FBI station was in Albany.”
My smile broadens until it hurts. “After the ricin debacle, the boss says we need a presence near the northern border. Axel helped make it happen.”
Her breathing quickens, excitement bubbling through the line. “I can’t believe it. Is it too soon to ask you to move in?”
My chest expands at the thought of her waking up in my arms every morning. This—us—it’s everything I’ve ever wanted. “As long as Mack’s okay with it. If she needs time, I can hold off until she graduates.”
“When are you coming?” She sounds like a kid on Christmas Eve, and I’m her Santa Claus.
“Next week. I just need to wrap up a few things here.”
“I can hardly wait to see you.”
I chuckle, knowing if I let this go on, we’ll be up all night. “Go back to sleep, babe. I’ll phone you in the AM.”
A sleepy sigh drifts through the line. “I love you.”
“Love you too.” Ending the call, unable to relax, I lean back to stare at the ceiling.
On my next inhale, I open my computer and purchase a ticket to Burlington, leaving in the morning.
Chapter 41
Kelly
When my alarm buzzes, I swipe my phone to silence it. Grinning, heart full of joy, I jump out of bed and text my lover.
Me: Good morning. Love you.
No answer. Damn.
Busting to tell someone my news, I call Gina. “Guess what?”
“You won the lotto?” Her dry humor can’t dampen my enthusiasm.
Everything, from the pile of laundry to the stain on the wall, is absolutely beautiful. “Nope. Scott Hunter is moving up here.”
“What? You barely know him.” Her edgy tone catches me off guard.
I know best friends can get protective, but this reaction feels…off. “I thought you’d be happy for me.”
“What about your daughter? Have you considered how your selfishness will affect her?”Wow.My friend has never been judgmental. Maybe she’s figured I won’t have as much time to hang out with her.
Voice placating, I try to understand. If our roles were reversed, perhaps I’d be worried, too. “Hey, we’ll still be friends.”
“Yeah, I know. Sorry. Listen, I need to go. Bye.” Once she hangs up, I stare at the screen.
God, that was so not what I expected.
Hoping to have more success with my offspring, I open my bedroom door and call down the hall. “You up, hun?”
“Mmm… Yeah… Sort of.” Her bedding rustles, and when her feet pad to the bathroom, I trot downstairs.
With coffee made, peanut butter toast on the table, I pull out her earbuds. “Can we talk for a sec?”
My daughter rolls her eyes. “Ugh. Now?”
I take a deep breath. “Scott is moving to Vermont.”
