“She’s staying with me and besides”—he chuckles—“it was Isla’s final offer. She said you were expected at dinner tonight. No exceptions.”
Typical.
Small-town living and motherhood did nothing to dampen the absolute powerhouse that is Isla Andrews.
Well, Isla Thayer now.
Time flies.
“Send all the available information you’re comfortable with as soon as possible and I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Thank you,” Colt says, “and tell Hank and Isla I said hello.”
The line goes dead before I have a chance to respond, only to have a text light up the screen.
ISLA: Your flight leaves at 6am
ISLA: Dad said come over after your run
TOM: I’m supposed to be on vacation
ISLA: You hate vacations
ISLA: So, you’re welcome
TOM: That doesn’t change the fact I’m buying your kids the loudest gifts I can find for their birthday, Christmas, and any other occasion that requires a present
ISLA: That’s fine, I’ll send those to Dad’s house—that man has completely lost the word no from his vocabulary
TOM: It’s such a wonder why you’re my favorite.
ISLA: I can’t wait to tell Emerson
Shaking my head,I smirk because we both know she’ll do no such thing. She’s too much like me and neither of us want to make her cousin sad.
ISLA: Seriously though, thank you for taking on Colt’s sister—I know it’s not your usual job but it’s important to me
TOM: I’ll make sure she’s safe
ISLA: I know, now come wrangle some babies before you have to leave
TOM: Two offers I can’t refuse today
ISLA: You’re a lucky man, Oakey
The nickname isa silly one that hits me square in the chest like it always does, but she’s right—I’m a lucky man.
A lucky man, indeed.
3
KAT
Voices are quiet as they float up to the second-floor landing. I’ve been hiding away at my brother’s house since the incident, and while I love his protectiveness, I’ve had about as much as I can handle.
I can appreciate that he’s concerned—hell, so am I—but I can’t live my life holed up inside while some asshole dictates my every move.
Not. Happening.
