“My fiancée’s life is at risk.Wasat risk? I don’t even know,” Dan says. “Don’t send me a shit, cryptic message through Dad that the threat is gone. We’ve barely heard from you three in weeks. Will the threat return at some point or should I assume you killed this guy too? You needed to come directly to me with the information so I have all the facts because the only thing that matters to me in this world is Ally’s safety.”
Jesus Christ. I’ve never seen my brother this heated before, especially not at me. He’s brutal. Everyone is staring speechless at him. And yet I’m trying not tosmirk, proud of my little brother for protecting what’s his. Regardless, Dan is only speaking the truth. Ididfuck up, too consumed in my own world with Harper and Tyler.
“You’re right, man. I’m sorry. I should have spoken to you sooner.”
He scowls, only calming slightly when Ally returns to his side, linking her hand with his. “Now that I’m here, give me a proper update.”
“The man’s real name is Quentin Ferguson,” I announce to the family. “He was lying about being a cop. Now, he’s dead.”
I expect to see relieved faces. Instead, the mood is just as tense.
Amabella claps a hand to her throat. “Felix, please tell meyoudid not kill him.”
Tyler answers from behind me. “No. The reason we’ve been absent the last few weeks is because Ferguson attacked. It was a drive-by shooting and I got hit.”
The room erupts, everyone shouting at once, demanding answers and why we’re only sharing this news now.
“I’m still recovering but I’m fine.” Tyler holds up his hands, reassuring them. “Felix and Harper got me the help I needed.”
“We took care of Tyler,” I continue. “The bodyguards shot at Ferguson as he drove off. His car went spinning, crashed, and lit up in flames. Ferguson burned.”
Somehow, his death has worked out perfectly for me. The man got himself killed. I didn’t have to inform myparents about the illegal organization I’m running. The Scarlet Mirage remains hidden.
There’s a beat of silence before my father sighs with frustration. “Thank god this nightmare is over, but I should have been informed about this far sooner. My son was shot. Tyler, I had a right to know. I would have dropped everything to take care of you.”
“You’re right,” Tyler says. “I should have told you. For selfish reasons, I was more focused on mending my relationship with Harper and Felix and didn’t want outside interference.”
The room is quiet again, unsure of Tyler’s words. From the tension between Dad’s brows, I’m sure he’s figured it out. Harper told me Ally and Dan are already aware of our trio’s reunion.
Amabella lets out a shaky breath. “I’m just pleased everyone is safe and Tyler has recovered. We can return to somewhat of a normal life. Ally and Dan’s wedding can go ahead with no stress.”
“Speaking of weddings…” I laugh under my breath, because fuck, how am I supposed to explain any of this to the family?
“I’ll just say this outright,” Tyler cuts in, taking the lead without an ounce of shame. “Felix, Harper, and I grew up as a close-knit group of three. She’s always loved us. We’ve always loved her and we never made her choose one of us to be with. Our situation got complicated after the death of Paul Ferguson. You all know there’s been tension between us for years. All you need to know is we’ve resolved our issues. Harper is now with both of us. She’s my wife. Felix’s too. We had our ownceremony. It wasn’t official by law, but we’re bound just as strong.”
Well, that’s one way to put it.
Harper is smiling, not the least bit ashamed either. She returns to her seat on my lap, slipping one hand into mine and the other into Tyler’s.
Amabella’s mouth falls open, stunned. Dan is indifferent.
Ally grins. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for you all.”
Dad’s eyes are shut. He has both elbows on his knees, holding his temples while taking deep breaths.
I secure an arm around Harper’s waist, speaking calmly. “I understand this is an unusual situation. It doesn’t need to make sense to anyone but us three. All I ask of this family is that you accept Harper as mine and Tyler’s wife.”
Killian groans from the video call. “This family is insane and I am going to lose my job because of you all.”
“You’re not going to lose your job,” I tell him.
“You saw how close I was to being fired when Dan and Ally’s relationship hit the news. You three are ten times more controversial. Sacred Heart won’t want any association with the Blackwood name. Youcannotgo public with this.”
“Relax.” I roll my eyes with amusement. “You’ll keep your job. I’ll follow Dad’s fine example of problem solving and make a healthy donation to the school.”
Killian swears, ending the video chat without a goodbye.
The moment he’s gone, Dad exhales heavily,attempting to remain calm. “Your relationship impacts more than only you three. I need you all to understand how bad this will look for Forever Families. The organization is a charity for families in need, yet the founding family is filled with controversial relationships. Be together if that’s what you wish. But I’m asking you to keep it private.”
