“I doubt Grace actually wants that.” Carl paused. “Jack and Connor aren’t my boys, so I’ve stayed out of it. If they’re just having fun…who can blame them? But I don’t think they’re mature enough for a relationship that complicated.”
Seth had to chuckle. “Oh, after the summer they just spent with me, I know they’re not.”
“I understand your mom’s concerns. If it was one of my kids, I’d be worried, too. But she can’t tell Jack and Connor how to live their lives anymore. She’s just not ready to accept that.”
“That’s where my head is, too.” Even more than Carl could possibly know.
“Would it help if I talked to Grace? Gently, of course.”
“Would you?” Seth felt a surge of optimism. “She might listen to you.”
“Sure. Her happiness is my first priority. But she’s going to have to soften her attitude and accept that the twins seemingly have a…different approach to romance. If she severs the family, she’ll regret it.”
“We all will.” He clapped Carl on the back. “I appreciate your help.”
Seth had never expected his mom’s fiancé to become an ally, but he just might be the only person who could bridge the gap between his mother’s beliefs and her sons’ desires.
“Of course. Your mom has a good heart. She just needs help seeing that ‘normal’ isn’t the only way to be happy.”
“Exactly.”
The rest of the fitting passed with companionable small talk, and Seth decided he liked Carl. The man would fit well in their family.
After he waved goodbye to his future stepfather, he climbed into Grace’s SUV and headed back to her house. Along the way, he pulled out his phone and dialed the office.
“Cooper Investigations West, this is River. If you’re dying, hang up and call 911.”
Seth laughed. “Charming phone manner as always, Kendall.”
“Thank fuck you called. I’ve been busier than a one-armed paperhanger trying to juggle everything.”
“I’ve been gone twenty-four hours. What the hell happened?”
“The computer backup system exploded, two potential clients called to hire us right this instant, and I’m pretty sure something died in the break room refrigerator. Other than that, I’m peachy.”
“Sounds like it. How’s everything else?”
Raine’s brother sighed bitterly. “Oh, fantastic. Dean dumped all my shit on the porch last night and changed the locks while I was out on surveillance. Apparently, his new roommate is some law enforcement buddy. I don’t know his name, but I hear he’s Dean’s new wingman. They’re hitting the bars together. He was my best fucking friend, and now he’s pretending I never existed.”
“That sucks.” Once, River and Dean had been like brothers.
“Yeah, well, the asshole bought me out of our house. We signed the papers yesterday. I’ve got the check in hand, so at least I’ll have cash to find a new place…when I get time. For now, I’m sleeping on the office sofa, and it’s about as comfortable as a pile of rocks.”
Seth winced. “I’ve slept there, too. I know. You need somewhere to crash? Liam and Hammer would?—”
“No. Raine and the guys have twins, and they just got back from their honeymoon. Last thing they need is me ruining their romantic bliss. Besides, I don’t want to see or hear the things they do to my sister. That would scar me for life.”
He tried not to laugh. “Have you asked Heavenly to help you find a place? She might have some ideas.”
“Already did. But your girl has gone crazy. She suggested I talk to Pike, of all people, about renting a room in his Beverly Hills mansion. Ha! That will be a cold day in hell. I told her I’d rather sleep on your office sofa.”
“Are you sure? Pike lives just down the street from where Jasmine takes care of that elderly couple. She’s, like, three blocks away.”
River hesitated. “I didn’t think about that.”
“Pike met her in the neighborhood. They were both walking their dogs. Living there might make it easier to ‘accidentally’ run into her.”
“Huh. I fucking hate you for being right.”
