Chapter 12
“What the ship?”
-Celia
Flint insisted on driving to Luke and Wysdom’s gated neighborhood in Flamingo Cove. It was once an older street with about twenty houses on it, including Wysdom’s cottage. But when Luke found his soulmate, he wanted to build a forever home for them. Then, they found out they were pregnant with twins. Then, they adopted two children. Luke changed the house plans for their changing family.
The result is a McMansion that curves around a cul-de-sac. Luke bought out all of the homeowners along the street and gifted them any home they wanted in Legacy Lakes, the retirement community he built as a front for his company. Wysdom’s former neighbors were thrilled to take the offer. Last I heard, they were living the good life in Legacy Lakes, alongside our parents.
Now, all but three homes are gone, replaced by landscaping and an ultra-secure privacy wall. A wall that buzzed when Flint stared into the iris scanner. The 10-foot tall steel gate soundlessly slid open to allow our vehicle to pass through.
Construction noises caught my attention off to the left. Crews worked to renovate Wysdom’s former cottage. It would become her private investigations office when they finished. She insisted they leave alone her zen garden out back. Since Luke was paying the crews enough money, no one raised an eyebrow at the request that made it harder for renovations.
When it came to Wysdom, Luke often left his rational brain behind. Whatever she wanted, she got. And the feeling was mutual.
I had no idea what that kind of love felt like, but I was thrilled my brother finally found it.
“I know what you mean,” Flint mumbled.
Crap. Did I say that last part out loud?
“What?” I glanced over at him in the driver’s seat.
“The surprise on your face,” Flint winked. “A lot has changed since the wedding, right?”
I let out a nervous laugh. “Uh, yeah. Right.”
The SUV rolled along at a steady clip of 15 miles per hour, but Flint slowed to a stop to look at me. “Are you okay?”
I forced a smile on my face and gritted my teeth. Something I did know a lot about. “Fine. Fine. Everything’s fine. Let’s just get this over with.”
Flint nodded and pulled the SUV into the circular driveway in front of the Ward-Saber house. Wysdom peeked out of the windows and practically waved her arm off. Next thing we knew, she wrenched open the doors and ran out to the vehicle.
“Flint! Celia! What a surprise! Please come in!”
I raised an eyebrow at my sister-in-law. She was entirely too chipper. I knew she was still breastfeeding and hadn’t had her fully caffeinated lattes in months, so I wasn’t sure what brought on this giddiness.
“Good to see you too, sis,” I leaned in to hug her, and she nearly squeezed me to death.
“Don’t worry. I got your back. I’mTeam Fleliaall the way!” Wysdom whispered before she pulled away.
“Wait. What now?”Team Flelia?
“Flint,” Wysdom went in for a hug. “My favorite brooding bodyguard! How is The Rock’s Body Double doing today?”
“Ah…” Flint was just as much at a loss as I was.
“C’mon! Stop standing around with your mouths hanging open,” Wysdom linked her arms through ours. “I imagine Luke has a lot to talk to you both about.”
I tried to turn back to the car. Flint chuckled. It was a nervous chuckle, quite unlike him. I couldn’t escape Wysdom’s hold on my arms. She was freakishly strong. But then again, she lugged two babies around at the same time these days. I knew how that could build your upper body strength.
We entered the sprawling home, and once again, I was struck at its welcoming vibe. Luke wouldn’t let Wysdom do anything during the construction since she was pregnant. She agreed to the plans and picked out the furnishings, but Luke oversaw everything else. Including the decorating.
He nailed it.
We walked into the central living area. Couches and chairs dotted the space, creating conversation areas. Off to the left was the enormous chef’s kitchen. That’s where we found Luke prepping a giant salad with one baby strapped to his front and another strapped to his back.
“Celia! Good to see you!” He smiled at me, then turned a glare to Flint. “Mendota.”
