Kodi:Thank fuck!
Jupiter:Hell will freeze over first, so be prepared because I know you hate the cold Silas.
Booker:How’s this gonna work when he comes home?
Rue:I’m mated, which means I won’t be coming home. Kendrick is happy in Bayfield, and so am I.
Dad:You better call your Popi before he hears this secondhand, son.
Rue:On it.
Taylin:Someone wanna tell me why you aren’t all ragging on Rue’s ass like you did me?
Jupiter:You’re just special.
Taylin:Fuck off. I can hear your sniggers through the wall, Jup!
Rue ignored the continued back and forth, closed the app and dialed home. His breath came in fast puffs at what he was about to do.
“Hello, Starling residence.”
“Hey Bessie, is Popi about?”
“Sweet boy, how are you?”
“I’m good Bessie.”
“Is that Rue on the phone?” Dad’s muffled question came from somewhere in the background.
“It is, he’s after Lane.”
“I’ll speak to him first, if you could get Lane from the nursery?” There was some rubbing at the speaker before Dad came on the line. “Congratulations.”
Rue released an undignified sniff as he was hit by a wave of emotion at how pleased Dad sounded.
“Thank you, Dad,” he choked out.
“What is it?”
Rue braced at hearing Popi and then Dad muttered, “Good luck.”
“Rue’s on the phone. He wants to speak to you.”
“What… why… why are you smiling like that?” Rue heard before there was an almighty screech. “Rue, are you mated? Oh my, I couldn’t be happier. This is just wonderful news. I can’t even…” Then started the sobbing that left Rue at a loss when he’d not gotten a chance to say a word.
“Give me the phone, my love.” The sobs increased, and he realized Dad was holding Popi.
Rue choked back his own emotions when Dad came back on the phone. “Your Popi’s just a little emotional right now. He’ll ring you back when he’s pulled himself together.”
“G-good… r-right,” he stammered, working on holding back the urge to join Popi for no damn reason. None whatsoever—except every damn reason: love.
Chapter Forty-Two
Delicious & Vicious
Monty:I have something to share…
Frey:You’re moving permanently to Bayfield!
