“He is brutally honest, but with unshakable integrity,” Boon said.
“That he is,” Daniel said. “And a bit of a comic. You may think he’s not aware of the irony of something he’s said, but make no mistake about it, he’s aware of everything. Everything!”
“Now I’m anxious to meet this male,” Enthrall said.
Angelle’s smile faltered a little as she realized she’d be away from all of those she’d loved and depended on all her life if she chose to live here. And it was looking more and more like she’d choose to stay with Boon.
Carnage noticed and got up, walking over to Angelle. He squatted down in front of her so he could look her in the eye. “My goht ‘Gel,” he said, patting his chest. “Boon ‘Gel ‘Arnge guhl.” Hewasn’t sure that Angelle understood. He placed his hand over his heart. “’Gel… Lee lee.”
“Awww,” Carolena said, placing her own hand over her heart. “He’s saying that Boon’s Angelle will be his girl, his daughter, just as Lily is. He’ll always have your back and protect you.”
Angelle tried to smile at Carnage, but ended up blinking away unexpected tears as she pressed her lips together to try to keep from crying. It was a very emotional time for her. So, instead of speaking, she just leaned forward to hug Carnage. Carnage held her, patting her back gently, like a father would.
Angelle only hugged Carnage for a quick moment before she sat back and used the back of her hand to wipe away the dampness from her eyes that had come on her so suddenly.
“Change is always a scary thing,” Felicity said.
“It can be. But it can also be a good thing. Sometimes there’s just not another door opening for you where you are, so you grab what you can, when you can, and then later you realize it was what you needed all along,” Rowan said.
“And sometimes the scariest part of a possibility is the safest part. You just don’t see it yet,” Carolena said.
Boon rested his hand on Angelle’s shoulder, just barely touching her, but needing to let her know that he was right there, no matter what.
Angelle looked up and over her shoulder at him as she laid her own hand over his and smiled up at him.
Daniel and Avaleigh watched as the community Boon was a member of very warmly rallied around their daughter. If she chose to stay here, he had no doubt that at the very least, she’d be well protected.
He caught Avaleigh’s gaze as she looked up at him and they shared a knowing smile. It was looking like they’d soon be empty nesters.
“Are you coming or not?” Marauder demanded as he stuck his head around the corner to see into the kitchen where everyone sat. “Oh, you’re back,” he said.
“Are we coming or not where?” Destroy asked.
“My shop!” Marauder said.
“Why?” Boon asked.
“Because they know my name. They know my work, and they want to see my talent in action,” Marauder said haughtily.
Boon looked down at Angelle. “Do you?”
“I do know his name because my cousin and my aunt love his work, but actually, I’m a little tired. I’d like to get back home, if no one minds.”
“Of course, I’ll take you home right away,” Boon said, extending his hand to help her stand.
“Do you mind?” Angelle asked her mother and father.
“No, baby, go ahead and get some rest. This trip is about you and you experiencing life here, not us. We’re just along for the ride.”
“We’ll go back to Lily’s later on and spend the evening there. We’ll see you some time tomorrow.”
“Feesh!” Carnage exclaimed.
Daniel turned to look at Carnage.
“Feesh! Mo’nin’.”
“Fishing? I’ll be up and ready,” Daniel said.
