Page 113 of Saving Wyatt

“It’s the truth,” he mumbled, and I ruffled his hair. It only made him groan louder.

Even if he had changed since Wilson’s death, where he had wanted to dive headfirst into danger, he was almost acting like a kid his own age again. It was nice to see him grow, and I couldn’t wait to see what he’d do with his life. I hoped I’d be able to see that happen, if he let me.

Ari and I had been talking about renting our own house. I just needed to ask Elliot if he wanted to live with us or not before committing to a property.

“That was quite touching, wasn’t it?” Warren said as he approached our little circle.

“It was wonderful. Beach weddings are so romantic,” Ari said and looked out into the sea.

Warren shrugged and checked his phone. He laughed.

“What?” I asked.

“Seems Mitchell is facing life in prison. And has been refused bail.”

“Good!” I snapped. “Monsters don’t deserve to walk free.”

“Poor Dakota, though,” Warren said and pursed his lips. “Finding out your police captain dad is a common criminal can’t be easy.”

“No one’s seen him still?” Ari asked, and Warren shook his head.

“Can you blame him? I wouldn’t be surprised if he never came back.”

“That’s so unfair, though. He’s not his dad.”

I patted Ari’s shoulder and nodded.

It was unfair for Dakota to be paying for his dad’s sins. I just hoped the people of this island would see he was innocent and forgive him like they’d forgiven me.

“Shoot. I’m gonna be late,” Warren said and put his phone away. “Save some wedding cake for me.”

“Where are you going?” Ari asked him.

“I’ve got somewhere to be. Sorry,” he said.

“Are you seriously not going to come to the reception? You’ve known this wedding was happening today for weeks. You couldn’t have canceled whatever this is?” I asked.

“Yeah. It’s tough. I wanted to but couldn’t.”

“Right. This fucking secret you won’t tell anyone about. Are you sure you haven’t met someone?”

Warren scoffed as if Ari had told a joke. “Why would you think that?”

“I don’t know,” Ari replied. “You’re off on Valentine’s Day? Probably a date, right?”

“No. Not a date.”

Ari let out a frustrated huff. “I don’t understand why you can’t tell us what the fuck you’re up to? Is it illegal or something?”

Warren laughed. “Definitely not illegal.” He looked from Ari to me then back to Ari as if pondering something before he said, “Fine. I’ll tell you. I’ve…joined a team.”

“A team?” I asked.

“A hockey team,” he said.

“Aren’t you a bit old to be playing hockey?” Ari asked, and Warren gasped.

“Fuck you!” he replied, then a little more calmly, “Yeah, I am. But it’s only a beer league. And it’s fun.”