“It’s your home.”
“No, it’syourhome. I’ll get out of your hair soon.”
Chase has done a lot of work on the house, to the point I barely recognized the place when I got here yesterday. Not just that, it’s clear he’s been building a life here. A family of his own. And after everything that’s happened and everything he’s been through, he deserves to find some peace.
“Actually, I talked to Rose yesterday. She and Kyle will move in here with me, and you can take the cottage.”
“I—” My lips part as I take a moment to process his words. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“It’s not a big deal.” Chase shrugs. “Like I said, this is your home. Besides, trust me, you want it. The real estate market here is horrendous. You’d be lucky to find anything. I’ll move their things in the next few days, and you’ll get a bed to sleep in.”
“You won’t hear me complain about that.” I chuckle softly. “Let me know if I can help.”
“I’m ready,” Kyle announces as he joins us once again.
My brother places his hand on the boy’s shoulder. Natural. At ease. Just like a father should be. The thought brings back memories of our father. All the moments we should have had but never did. Because of me.
“You have everything? Your practice gear?”
“It’s all here.” Kyle nods, a trace of uncertainty flashing on his face. “Will you come to watch my football practice?”
“I wouldn’t miss it,” Chase reassures him.
A beaming smile appears on Kyle’s face almost immediately. He throws himself at my brother, giving him a tight hug. “Thank you.”
Chase’s face is serious as he just stares ahead for a moment, almost like he’s frozen, before his body relaxes, his arms tightening around Kyle’s small frame.
Our gazes meet over Kyle’s head, and I force down the knot that has formed in my throat. “You’re good with him.”
Chase shakes his head. “He’s good for me.”
Kyle pulls back and turns to me. “You could come and watch me play too.”
There is so much hope on his face that there’s no way I can tell him no.
“You know it, dude, but it’ll have to be another time. It’s my first day at work today, so I don’t think I’ll make it.”
Chase quirks his brow. “When do you need to be there?”
“In…” My voice trails off as I grab my phone, cursing under my breath when I spot the time. “Shit. I’m late.”
I push to my feet, bumping my leg on the edge of the coffee table in my hurry, pain spreading through my shin and making me curse again.
Seriously, is there anything else that can go wrong?
“You really shouldn’t be saying bad words,” says Kyle.
I grind my teeth as I grab my bag. “How about we try that another day?”
“How can I help you, my dear?”
“I’m here to see the sheriff.” I shoot my most charming smile at the woman standing behind the counter. “I’m the new transfer.”
She must be new too, because I don’t recognize her. She’s a bit older than me, maybe in her early to mid-thirties, her blonde hair pulled back in a low ponytail.
“The hell you are.”
The familiar gravelly voice makes the hair on my nape stand at attention. My fingers curl into fists, nails digging into my skin as my heart rate kicks up a notch.
