My pulse kicks up a notch. I don’t know exactly what that means, but I brace myself.
“Yes, sweetheart. I think she got a littletoo excited. She’s resting in the living room.”
Mercs shoots me a look, and I nod, doing my best to keep my expression calm even though the nerves are clawing higher up my throat.
Gran leads us through the house. It’s warm and rustic, with wooden cabinetry, floral curtains, and that old-world, cozy charm I already love.
Mercs drops our bags at the base of the stairs, then turns toward an open doorway on the left. Gran follows, so I do too.
The living room is painted in soft off-whites, filled with plush white-and-wood furniture. A rerun ofThe Big Bang Theoryplays on the television, and I smile. Everything about this place screams comfort.
The sofa is baby blue, cozy-looking, and draped with a white throw. On it, curled up under a blanket, lies Kiera. Her face is pale, framed by her signature beanie, just like in her Facebook pictures. She’s beautiful but fragile.
Gran perches gently on the edge of the sofa, brushing her hand over Kiera’s shoulder.
Her eyes flutter open, and she blinks a few times. “Are they here yet?” she whispers.
“Hey, booger-butt,” Mercs murmurs.
I have to bite back a chuckle. Her gaze snaps to Mercs, and she sits up fast, tossing the blanket off and flinging herself into his arms. He lifts Kiera like she weighs nothing, spinning her gently, kissing her cheek over and over.
“I missed you so much, doofus,” she says before he lowers her back down. She stumbles slightly, and he steadies her.
My heart tugs at the sight, while I catch myself holding my breath, watching her sway.
“I missed you too,” Mercs says, voice soft. “But you should sit down.”
Kiera looks up at me and grins. “I have to hug Effa first.”
I step forward into her embrace. Her frame is so slight, with just skin and bones through the layers. Still, she hugs tight, putting in more effort than her body probably wants to give. When she pulls back, I meet her eyes with a genuine smile.
“Kiera, it’s so good to meet you in person, finally. Kaden talks about you all the time. He absolutely adores you.”
She snorts. “He has to. We’re blood. But you? Hereallyadores you. He’s never brought a girl home before. You, Miss Effervescent, are truly special.”
My cheeks warm, and I glance at Mercs. “Well, I think your Kaden is pretty special too.”
Mercs chuckles. “Shucks. That’s enough of the sappy shit. Kiera, sit down.”
Kiera rolls her eyes. “God, how do you stand him, Effa? Is he always this bossy?”
I laugh, meeting Mercs’ gaze. “Yes, but I hold my own. Pretty sure I’ve got him wrapped around my finger.”
Gran and Kiera both laugh as Mercs lets out a long groan.
“Excellent,” Kiera beams. “Kaden needs to know his place. And having a feisty chick to keep his balls in check is a great start.”
“Kiera,” Gran scolds gently while Mercs raises an eyebrow and at the same time, I burst into laughter.
“You and I…” I say, pointing to Kiera, “… are going to get along just fine.”
She grins wide. “Oh, I know. Anyone who’s down to harass Kaden is A-plus in my books.”
Mercs groans again, cracking his neck as he slings an arm around my shoulders. “Why the hell did I come home again?”
Gran pinches his cheek. “Because you couldn’t possibly live without us.”
He sighs. “True. But a little less teasing would be nice.”
