Atticus follows me up the stairs and into Jaxon’s office. I’m instantly enveloped by his scent. It’s not the comfort of his arms, but it’s close.
I crash onto the sofa and drape the blanket around my body. It’s the same one Evie gifted me all those months ago. It was the first gift I ever received as an adult, not counting the endless supply of pickles.
Atticus settles himself on my feet and begins purring. Time passes in a quiet haze as I replay the interaction with Clio. There are a million things I wish I’d said, but nothing ever comes out when you need it to. I still have so many unanswered questions, and maybe that’s why all I feel now is numb. I thought seeing Clio again would stir some heavy emotions—longing, anger—instead, I’m utterly empty.
Jaxon
The house is quiet when I get back from the distillery inspection. The first red flag goes up when Atticus doesn't greet me with a head butt at the door. The second one appears when I trail past the living room, and the big light is on. Callie never turns on the big light—she thinks it’s an act of aggression if I so much as suggest it.
My pulse races as I chart a path to the back of the house. I stop in the hallway between the bedrooms, but she’s not in either one. Then it dawns on me.
If Callie needs comfort, she’ll go wherever the books are. She’s predictable that way.
I take the stairs two at a time and find Callie cocoonedon the sofa in front of my shelves. Atticus yawns and stretches at her feet.
“Hey,” I whisper. “Everything ok?”
She lifts the blanket, her sullen eyes pleading with me. She doesn't need to say a word; I could never deny her this or anything else. I slip under the covers and wrap my body around hers. Her chest rises slowly, and a long breath ruffles my hair. Her fingers slide into my curls, rolling along my scalp. Nothing will ever compare to the feeling of being held by this woman.
My woman.
I'm beginning to wonder if cuddling is my kryptonite.
“I saw my sister today.” Her voice is subdued and somewhat detached.
“Clio?”
She nods against me. “I wasn't sure she actually existed. I haven’t seen her in so long, I think I convinced myself she was something my imagination conjured to help me cope.”
“Did she see you?”
Another nod. “We talked for a few minutes. She’s staying in Willow Valley.”
My stomach sinks. Is she going to want to move out and live with her sister? I can’t lose her. Nothing about the future mattered to me until Callie played a starring role in it.
“How do you feel about that?” I keep my voice impassive, so I don’t let on how much that thought affects me. I’ll support her no matter what happens next. I can only hope her path leads right back to me when it’s all said and done.
“I—I don't know. She’s practically a stranger. I waited fifteen years for her to come for me, but we’re not those same scared little girls anymore. I don’t need a savior. I already saved myself.”
My heart swells with pride. Callie has endured more hardship than anyone should face in a lifetime. Her resilience is oneof the things I love most about her, but it’s also her biggest weakness. She never learned that it’s ok to let go—to stop fighting and just… be.
I press my lips to the hollow of her throat, unable to resist the incessant urge to touch every part of her.
“She wants to meet me tomorrow. Is it ok that I invited her here?”
I grip her chin between my thumb and forefinger and bring her gaze down to meet mine. “You don’t have to ask. This is your home, too.”
She brushes her nose against mine, and I take the opportunity to capture her lips in a slow, deliberate kiss.
“I’ll be here,” I murmur. “If you need to cry, scream, push me down the hill like Wesley in that one scene in The Princess Bride. I’m here for you.”
A smile spreads across her face, crinkling her nose. “Really? You’d let me do that?”
Someday she’ll learn there isn’t much I wouldn’t do for her.
I nod and kiss her again. “As you wish, my princess.”
Chapter 37
