“I said it back.”
“Oh my God.” Her hand lifts to her mouth as Easton walks back inside still looking as grumpy as ever, only now there’s a resolve in his eyes. Pair that with Sal’s satisfied grin and it’s obvious he got his point across.
“Are you okay?” Easton asks me, his voice soft as his eyes flash to Paige now smiling beside me.
Sal settles behind me, his hand on my shoulder as he gives me a squeeze.
“I’m fine, Easton. I’m guessing Sal explained what happened?” I glance up at Sal and he smiles back at me.
“He did. I still don’t like it, but it makes sense. And I know you. You wouldn’t have let him do it alone.”
My eyes flash to Easton’s and I nod, surprised. “Exactly.”
“Now you’re the one on my shit list, instead of him.”
He shoots me a glare and I wince. “That’s fair.”
“Fair? Keeley, what were you thinking?”
Paige stands up and squeezes Easton’s arm. “She was protecting me, Easton. They both were. I think we should cut them some slack.”
“Fine,” he huffs. “So this is the real deal?”
“Yep.” I smile to lighten the mood, adding, “You can call me Mom.”
Paige snorts while Easton’s face pales. “What the actual fuck, Keeley?”
“I’m kidding.” I burst out laughing. “I had to say it at least once.”
“Once is all you’re getting. If you ever say that again, I’m cutting you off.”
“Come on. We both know that’s not going to happen. You love me too?—”
“Knock. Knock.” Luke walks in and my gaze snaps to Paige, a brow raised in question.
“I was on the phone with Hayley when we found out.”
“Which means?—”
“Oh my God, Keeley.” Hayley rushes in with the rest of the gang, and I internally groan. This wasn’t supposed to end up as big as it did. Though, I can’t complain. If all goes to plan, not only will the Mikkleson men be going to prison, but there’s a good chance their wives will too. That chapter will be over for the D’Angelos, and I’m happy to have been able to do my part to help.
Luke and Amelia, Reed and Hayley, and Zane and Blair stay for an hour, catching up on our story while Sal talks to hislawyers in New York. And once they’re gone, it’s just the four of us again.
One big happy family. Cue my eye roll here because Easton does not look happy.
“You have to get over it, East. All of it. I’m happy. Sal’s happy. Your wife doesn’t have to worry about the Mikklesons anymore. What is there to be grumpy about?”
Easton jumps to his feet. “I’m not fucking grumpy, Keeley. I was worried. Paige told me that Sal was in New York making sure everything was okay with his business and Camilla, and the next thing you know, your house is on the news and they’re talking about a young woman lucky to be alive. Excuse me if I need a minute to move on from that.”
Easton finishes speaking and we all fall silent. My heart pounds so hard in my chest that I’m surprised no one can hear it. Words elude me, but I know what I want to do. I hold my hand out for Sal to take, and like always he understands what I need, helping me to stand so I can attack Easton with a hug. A hug he definitely wasn’t prepared for because he stumbles backward, cursing under his breath.
“Thank you. For always taking on the big brother role even though you’re younger. I will forever be grateful. I will. But it’s time to hand over the baton. While we all know I will never need a man, I have one. You don’t have to be the guy that worries from the sidelines anymore. Sal’s here for that now. Sorry, Sal.” Paige laughs while Sal shakes his head and I continue on. “YouknowSal. You know he’s a good guy. Think about that as you move on. And if that doesn’t help, just remember that I could have ended up with Luke. He’s pretty hot and?—”
“Okay. Point made. I’ll try to be a little less protective from now on.”
“Thank you. I—” My phone rings in Sal’s hand, cutting me off. And when I turn his way, his expression is pinched. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s your mom. I’m guessing she saw the news.”
