Siobhan punches one fist into the palm of her other hand, and it’s all I can do not to laugh. I don’t think she’s serious, except… She’s still scowling.
“Uh,” I cough to hide my grin. “I appreciate that, but no, I don’t think that would work. I think it might mess up the charges or whatever if we interfere.”
“Oh.” Siobhan deflates, her shoulders slumping, and Bea pulls her into their side.
“Well. Whatever you need,” Wren says. “Please ask. We’ve got your back.”
My eyes jump to hers, surprised. She’s the one I’ve felt the least connected to, the last one I expected to stick up for me. Before I can say anything, Siobhan pipes up.
“That’s right! You’re ours now, and that means whatever happens, you can count on us.”
Bea nods with a ‘they’re right’ smile on their face.
“Thank you,” I murmur. “I’ve never had a friend group like this before, so that means a lot.”
Wren squeezes my hand in hers, then lets go and jumps to her feet, slapping her hands on her thighs.
“Well. I think that’s enough negativity on behalf of men for today. Let’s get our hands dirty!” she says.
Bea scoffs as they rise to follow her back to our raised planters. “Like you’d ever actually get your hands dirty.”
“Hey!” Wren says, turning to swat at them with her gardening glove before slipping it on.
“They’ve got a point,” Siobhan singsongs, hips swaying and arms out as though she’s gliding through the air after them.
Claire eyes them all fondly, then turns to me with a soft smile.
“Come on,” she says, holding out a hand to help me up. “Let’s do some gardening.”
Chapter Fifty-Nine
Neveah
We filed online as soon as the sheriff provides us with the case numbers we need for evidence, but the temporary restraining order takes days to get approved since it’s the weekend. It seems like we’re waiting forever to feel even a semblance of safety. When it finally comes through, Sage is out in the pasture with her lambs, and Brooks is out door knocking to offer his services in town so he can hopefully transition away from their old neighborhood.
Riley is the only one around, and they eye me as I open the secure email from the court.
“Well?” they ask.
“It’s granted. They’re serving the court documents to Josh and Steve this evening.”
“Is it bad that I kinda want to see their faces when they get it?”
I raise my eyes to contemplate them, thinking over the idea. Because honestly? I do too, and I bet Brooks would, as well. Sage, though… I’m not sure.
“Let’s table that, we’ll see how Sage feels,” I say, and Riley nods.
As though thinking about her conjures the sweet little omega, the back sliding door opens and Sage carries Daisy inside.
“What have I said about lambs in the house?” I say, exasperated.
“Well I can’t leave her on the deck by herself!”
“You do know I had a fence installed for this reason, right?” Riley grins at her and Sage sticks her tongue out at both of us.
Riley fakes a gasp with big eyes and looks at me.
“You’re gonna get in trouble,” he stage whispers to Sage.
