“That’s awful.” I turn to look at the doctor, then back to the children, before turning to the woman again. “I’m Evie, by the way.” I hold my hand out to her. “I don’t think you want me to call you Nanna.” We both chuckle.
“Forgive me, I’m Alyse. I completely forgot to introduce myself over there.”
I chuckle again. “It’s okay. I used to get nervous in the beginning around them, too, but it wasn’t because they scared me. It was because Lucian is so cute.”
“Lucian?”
“Oh, sorry, Judge. I call him by his real name.”
“Ahh, I understand now. So, you are his woman. That’s what ol’ lady means? He didn’t…” she whispers as she points to my face.
“Yes, I’m his. And no, this was my ex.”
Alyse nods in understanding, and I wonder if Crissa’s husband was mean to her, too. I think, as Lucian’s girlfriend, I should talk to Crissa, take her under my wing to help her out. It’s the main reason we came here today, to see if the club could do anything for her.
“Do you live at their compound at the edge of the lake?”
“I do right now, but we will be moving into Lucian’s house soon.”
“I like to take the kids down there to play by the lake. It would be cool if there were a playground for them, though, or a park.”
“That’s a great idea. I’ll mention that to him.” It’s a brilliant idea and will help the town feel more family-centered instead of business- or club-based.
We visit some more, talking for a few more moments, until Lucian approaches.
“Ready, Evie?” He offers me his hand. I lace my fingers with his as he pulls me up.
“It was nice talking to you, Alyse. I’ll send you some of my ideas.”
“I’d like that. It was lovely speaking with you, too.”
We step outside where Grave stands next to his bike. “What did you mean by ideas?” Lucian asks.
“I told her I’d put together some of my sketches for taller women’s outfits that I’ve done. She’s struggling to find clothes she likes locally. Also, she suggested putting in a park with public access near the lake.”
“Well, then, our next stop will be perfect for that first part. As for the second, I’ll have to check out the kind of zoning we’ll need to do it.”
“Why do you say that?” I smile at him as he hands me the helmet.
“Just wait and see.” His smile turns huge.
“Grave, head back to Passages. Keep me posted if she does or doesn’t stop by.”
I climb on the back of Lucian’s bike, and we head out as soon as all the motorcycles are revved up, their pipes’ sound reverberating off the buildings as we pass through the streets. Lucian heads to Main Street and then parks in a spot in front of an empty shop. Looking around, I notice a diner across the street, the sheriff’s office down the other end of the block, a couple of other small shops, and a bakery. Lucian helps me off the seat, then the other guys get off and circle around us.
He leads me to the entrance of the empty storefront, pulls a key from his pocket, unlocks the door, and steps inside. The place is mostly empty, including a couple of display cabinets, but its clean, neutral tones not only accentuate the brick walls on each side but also the contemporary fixtures. The brick has been whitewashed, and a few pastel colors have been added as trim and accents on the cabinet behind the modern cash register.
Soft peach tassel garlands and delicate floral accents stand out around the room, and toward the back are three nice-sized dressing rooms, a platform for someone to stand in front of several floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and chairs circle the platform. It’s when I notice the mannequins all in a line against the back wall that my heart thumps harder.
“This is a nice space. Who’s moving into here?” I turn to look at Lucian, who remains in the doorway just watching me. I try not to get my hopes up, but something inside my mind finally clicks.
Glancing out the front windows, the guys stand, waiting for my reaction, too. Tears flow down my face, and I turn back to Lucian. “Is it mine?” I choke out, and he nods. Running for him, I jump into his arms, and he lifts me up. “I love you,” I say. “This is the best gift anyone has given me ever.” I pause as soon as I realize what I just said. “Uhm….” I fidget to get down, but he won’t let me go.
“Backs,” he commands, and I hear movement at the glass window. Turning around, I see all the guys’ cuts as they face away from us. “Say it again, sweet cheeks.”
I shake my head, afraid to open my mouth.
“Say it again,” he orders, and I bite my lip as I wiggle, trying to get away from him, embarrassed by what I spoke out loud. I can’t believe I said it. I’ve thought it, but wondered if it was too soon.
