“I’m not sure.” But she looksevery bitsure.
She grabs my first finger, then hands me the crutch from the backseat with a knowing smirk.
The pain is a lot less now. But I can’t wait to get cast off and return to working out and playing soccer. I’ve gained about ten pounds of fat in the last few weeks. And it all went straight to my gut. Scout says some of it went to my ass.
I spanked her for that.
She leads me toward the glass double doors and rummages in her coat pocket, then produces a key.
“Scout…what did you do?” I ask, pointing an accusatory finger at the lock.
Scout only grins nefariously, then opens the door. My heart pounds against my rib cage as I spy what’s inside.
Notwhat, butwho…
My parents. Scout’s parents. My brothers. Hers. My sister, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Valen and his appointed, Olivia. Oz and Adal. Some Marauders and someDeltas.
And they’re all looking at me.
“Surprise!” they cheer.
Dad approaches and slaps a hand on my back. “Welcome to Karina! You’re the new owner. Well, you and Scout are. Congrats!”
“Who did this? How? What?”
Dad’s smile cracks until his eyes are lined with tears. “We knew. Always did, and there’s no one else who would be better suited to bring this place back than you. We just… We got some help getting it for you.”
Warmth fills my chest. “All of you?”
Scout grabs my hand and squeezes. “The main investors are your parents and mine, but there’s also a silent investor.”
Valen throws up his hands as if he’s said it a million times. “Notsilent. Not an investor.Gift giver.”
“Fucker!” I yell, but can’t help but smile. The fact that he’s even out in public is amazing. And showing up for me, gifting me a restaurant. “Did you do this?” I whisper into my wife’s hair, pulling her close to my side.
She nods. “You deserve it. You deserve everything.”
I press my forehead to hers and gather her lemon-flavored lips enough to whisper, “I love you. Thank you.”
“Cake! Ice cream! Let’s celebrate!” Mom calls out as tears stream down her cheeks.
Everyone moves toward the walls, where makeshift buffet tables have been arranged. Along with plastic folding chairs. The first meal here in a long time.
Dr. Turner-Whittemore gathers me into a tight hug. G gives me a pat on the back.
“We’re so proud of you.Bothof you,” Scout’s mom says.
I shrug, not knowing what to say. “I can’t thank you enough.”
Leo bumps into me, shakes his finger in my face with mock seriousness. “No excuses. Not a day late on rent. I’m serious.”
“Got it.”
Scout shoves him away with a friendly push and a warning in her stare.
After arranging myself into a little chair, I stuff more cake in my face. Chocolate, of course. But it dawns on me, the one worry I have about bringing Karina back.
“Who are we going to have running her while we’re away?”
