Noah dragged his gaze from Addie to Jesse, and Holden and Becket on either side of him.
He dipped his head. “There’s a lot to be happy about. Addie’s safe. She has Jules in her life. And she and I are good.” Good? That didn’t even begin to describe how they were. The woman was his entire world.
“That’s great.” Jesse clenched his shoulder.
“And did I hear you’re reopening the park?” Holden asked.
“In two weeks. We just have to train the new staff.” They’d found some great people to work for them. People with more experience, who’d be a hell of a lot better than Rhett and Cass.
“How are Addie and Jules doing?” Becket asked.
“Really great, actually. Addie still wishes she’d known the truth from the beginning, but she’s happy Jules found her.” And Jules had actually apologized to Noah for not trusting him, and he apologized to her for doing the same.
“You trust her?” Jesse asked.
“I trust that she came here to get to know Addie, and her only crime was trusting that con-artist therapist.” No part of Noah felt bad that Toby was dead. The asshole had killed Rhett, stabbed the deputy, and had intended to kill Addie.
Becket frowned at him. “I know I don’t ask enough, but have you heard anything from Bonnie?”
Noah’s fingers tightened around his beer. “I’ve tried her a few times this week but haven’t gotten through. I’ll try again later today.”
“It’s good you’re back in contact,” Jesse said. “After a thirteen-year absence, I wasn’t sure we’deverhear from her again.”
“I wondered too. I know people are angry that she left. Indie really struggles with it. And I get it—her leaving hurt everyone, particularly because of her timing. But I forgive her for leaving, and I need her to know that she’s always got a home here in Amber Ridge.”
Becket nodded. “Agreed. She may be a cousin, but she’s more like a sister.”
Exactly why Bonnie should come home. Despite what she may think, she was loved here.
When Jules stepped into the yard, Noah’s gaze shifted to see Addie standing by the back door, watching all three of her parents embrace. There was a hint of tears in her eyes.
He was moving before he could stop himself. Crossing the yard and jogging up the steps so he could pull Addie into his arms. “Hey.”
Her smile softened as she splayed her fingers over his chest. “Hey. I missed you.”
She had no idea. Even the smallest distance felt too much ever since Cass had taken her. “Everything okay with Jules?”
“Yeah, it is. I’m so glad she found me.” Her smile widened. “A bit like you.”
“Technically, you foundmewhen you applied for the job at the park.”
“Thank God I lied about having rock-climbing experience.”
“You know I saw right through that lie, right?”
She shook her head. “I don’t think you did. I think I was pretty good at pretending. Why else would you have hired me?”
“I can think of a few reasons.”
“Really?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“You don’t think I’m too young for you anymore?”
“Do you think I’m too old?”
“Nah, I’m so wise, people wouldn’t even realize there’s an age gap.”
