I smiled so big as Devlyn came barreling down the stairs. I rushed over and threw my arms around my best friend.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” she said. “The babies are sleeping.” She held up the monitor in her hand. “But as soon as they wake up, I want them to meet their godmother.”
“Dragon Lady!”
“Romeo!” Grace smacked Romeo on the back of the head.
“Ouch! What was that for?”
“Don’t act like you don’t know,” Grace scolded, and I laughed. So did Devlyn.
“You must be Grace. These guys haven’t stopped talking about you since they found out you were coming. You really made an impression on them.”
Grace smiled and looked over her shoulder at Gator and the boys. “They were the best big brothers a girl never wanted.”
“Hey!” Gator protested as Devlyn laughed.
“I like her!” my best friend said.
I do too, I thought as I watched my brother wrap his arms around Grace, holding her close. But I couldn’t help being just a little bit jealous.
Chapter Eighteen
Chasm
Two nights ago...
I slipped out of her bed and pulled on my clothes. Then I turned to stare at her, taking in every beautiful inch. Committing every curve, every strand of hair to memory.
I had to let her go.
Again.
I paused at the bedroom door, looking at her one last time. What was left of my heart stayed in that room with her as I walked out the door and climbed into my truck.
Once I pulled away, I made a call.
“Hey, Prez, what’s up?”
“Where are you?”
“Tennessee,” Ambush answered.
“Stay where you are and send me your location.”
“Um, Prez, B said King was on his way there and you needed backup.”
“Plans changed. I’m on my way home.”
Home.
I hadn’t had a home in seven years. Not without Morgan. The clubhouse would be the closest I would get without her by my side.
It was for the best, though.
One day she’d see that. She’d understand what I had to give up in order to keep her safe.
It was early morning as I drove through Rosewood one last time. As I hit the sign that saidPlease Come Again, my foot slipped off the gas and my truck started to slow down.
