Excitement floods through me, and I bounce on the seat like a child while everyone laughs, Mercs included. “I thought you’d like this idea.”
My head snaps toward him. “Like it? I love it. Dad and Lettie get to meet Gran and Kiera. This is amazing.”
“Everyone gets to meet them. They’re all staying at the Inn at the end of the street so that they won’t be too far from us. And we’re only an hour from your specialists in Pittsburgh for your appointments.”
“This is just too perfect.”
“They better have Wi-Fi. That’s all I’m saying,” Kristy blurts, and I smile at her.
The Hummer pulls up in front of Gran’s house, and my excitement kicks up another notch. “We’re here,” I call out, unable to hide the thrill in my voice, and everyone laughs at me again.
“Okay, baby girl, you go in with the kid and get settled. We’ll all catch up once you’re reacquainted,” Dad instructs.
I pout automatically.
“Oh, don’t pout at me. We don’t want to overwhelm them withallof us just yet. You go and settle in, and we’ll see you tonight for a welcome-home dinner. Okay?”
I nod, smiling, as Mercs grabs my bunch of flowers and starts to climb out.
Dad reaches forward and catches Mercs’ arm. “You watch her… like a hawk. If you see anything that needs medical attention, call an ambulance. You hear me?”
“Dad,” I protest.
“You hear me?” he reiterates.
Mercs’ expression turns firm, not fearful, not resentful, just steady and resolved with that quiet alpha intensity he carries so effortlessly, the kind that doesn’t need volume to command respect. “Yes, sir.”
There’s no hesitation in him. He is completely on board with the idea of watching me like a hawk. I should have known that, but it’s comforting that Dad and Mercs are standing shoulder to shoulder instead of circling each other. Knowing they’re on the same page feels better than I expected.
“Have a great time, honey. We’ll see you tonight,” Lettie chimes, blowing me a kiss.
“Love you all,” I call back.
Mercs and I slide out of the Hummer, and Raoul meets us with a small grin before he walks us toward the front door.
“Your luggage will arrive shortly. It’s coming separately. If you need anything at all, I’ll be only a phone call away. I’m just down the street. I don’t anticipate anything happening while we’re here, but I have Cooper coming down too, just in case.”
I reach out and pat his arm gently. “Thank you, Raoul. What would we do without you?”
He offers a thin smile as Mercs rings the doorbell. Not ten seconds later, the door swings open to a shriek. I jump back in surprise and snap my head toward the doorway to find Kierabouncing in place, her energy practically vibrating off her. She looks tired beneath her excitement, but her smile is wider than I’ve ever seen it.
She lunges forward and wraps her arms around me, squeezing tight and swaying us side to side. “Holy shit. I’m so happy you’re okay. You scared the hell out of me,” she gushes.
I hug her back as tightly as I can manage, though the short walk from the car has already left me a little breathless. “I’m sorry I scared you, Kiera. But I’m glad I’m here, and I get to see you again.”
“What the hell is all this screaming?” Gran calls out, hurrying down the hall. She spots us and her whole face lights up. “Oh… I see now. Come here, you two. I’ve missed you. And you scared us half to death.” She folds one arm around Mercs and the other around Kiera and me, and we collapse into a tangled group hug. I can’t help giggling because being wrapped up in them like this feels right. It feels like home. Like this is my other family, and I belong here.
“Okay, I can see you’re all set. I’ll head back to the Hummer. Call if you need anything, Effa,” Raoul states, already retreating toward the car.
“Thanks, Raoul,” I reply softly.
I know he still carries guilt about what happened. About leaving me alone long enough for Jett to get to me. But it wasn’t his fault, and he needs to believe that.
Gran ushers us inside, and Mercs shuts the door behind us.
“So tell me, are you really doing as well as Kaden says you are, sweetheart?” Gran asks as we move past the stairs and into the kitchen.
“I think so,” I answer with a small smile. “I’m tired a lot, but the doctors say that’s to be expected. Other than that, we haven’t noticed anything except the lethargy, and they believe that should pass after a couple of months of proper rest.”
