“On their way back from the airport,” Hope said with a wince. “They’re pretty pissed at you.”
“I’ll figure out a way to make things up to them. Do they still have a place to stay?”
“No one cleaned out their quarters yet. Garrett has expressed interest in moving into town with Thalia.”
I blinked. “Wow. Together?”
Hope laughed. “Yes, but I don’t think their relationship has progressed as fast as he wants it to.”
She motioned everyone over once they got close enough. “We have an empty apartment available for a few nights until we can arrange something for a longer period. It’s a hike, so we’ll run by the main house to get a golf cart.”
Tess and Ash followed her, but not before they both drew me into a tight hug.
Moira came over and took my hands. “You okay?”
I gave her the brightest smile I could muster. “I will be.”
She touched my cheek and stepped back. “You will.” Moira turned her attention to Rowan. “Thank you for being what Evie needed.”
He inclined his head and watched her walk away, his eyes still glowing. Dad, who stayed back, waved and disappeared in a flash of light.
When we were alone, Rowan held his hand out. “Your room is still open. Tomorrow, we can discuss what’s next.”
I walked with Rowan further onto the grounds of my new home.
The next morningeveryone gathered around the large breakfast table in the main residence. Hope had a map spread out, dotted with blue and green push pins. “This is where you three stayed last night.”
She pointed to one of the green pins. “This is where Evie was staying.” Another green pin.
“We have a two-bedroom apartment here.” She pointed to one of the blue pins. The place stands alone and away from the main dormitories. “A one bedroom here.” The next pin is closer to the main house. “And there’s a small two-bedroom home at the back of the main residence here, close to the greenhouse.”
I peered closer at the map. “I never noticed this place.”
“It’s hidden by a bunch of trees and about a quarter mile away from here.” She lifted her eyes. “Rowan and I think this is the best option for you. You’ll be able to tend those new roses you brought while also having close access to the golf carts when you want to explore other areas of the property.”
I felt a little numb today, still heartsick over yesterday’s events. Today, everything was different. I was back with Rowan, and being back on his land made my spirit a little more settled than before. Knowing there’s no possibility of returning to Joy Springs hurt my heart and made it difficult to be happy or feel relieved about anything. The home I’d made with my friends no longer existed for us. Maybe it would for Ash and Tess, possibly even Moira if they asked, but the life I’d had when the attack destroyed my old one was gone.
Sometimes you have to lose everything to gain something better.
“There’s a kitchen and everything?” I asked her.
“Of course. It’s small but serviceable and it lets in a lot of natural light so you can grow whatever plants you want inside.”
Hope smiled at me, and I had trouble returning the gesture. I was truly grateful, but it would take a while for me to settle in and accept this new way of life. Her eyes softened and she rose from her hunch. “Declan will take you to the apartments.” Rowan’s second came in a second later, shaking a pair of keys in his hands. “You’ll have to decide who shares and who lives alone.”
Tess and Ash look at each other. “Moira can have the one bedroom.”
The vampire’s eyebrows flick up, but she doesn’t argue. “Thanks again for having us. In a few days I’ll start looking around town for a new place. If you have any leads on some houses with some land, I’m game to look at them.”
Before they left, I reached out and tugged Moira’s hand. “When Rowan gets back, I’ll talk to him about setting the shop back up, but I don’t expect anyone to start working right away. All of this is a massive shock.” Tears filled my eyes. “I’m grateful and humbled you came with me, but if you ever want to go back, I will never stand in your way.”
Moira snorted. “Like that will happen.”
Tess and Ash came over and hugged me from behind. “We already told you home is wherever we’re together.” Ash ruffled my hair and brushed a kiss over my cheek. “If Rowan is okay with it, I may ask to have my tree moved to his lands. This place is incredible.”
“I’ll let him know you’re looking for him.”
Ash winked and followed Declan out, Moira and Tess behind them. Hope folded up her map and tucked into her bag. “Ready? It’s not too far to walk if you’re up for it.”
