Page 116 of The Spellreader and the Phoenix

Oooh, Max was right, there was definitely tone when Peter talked about the lawyer. Rory was intrigued. “I’d have to check with Max, but I’m sure that’s possible.”

Max looked up at his name, an eyebrow raised.

Peter wants to know if we can come out to the house for some legal paperwork.

Max’s eyes went wide as saucers, so Rory was pretty sure he’d heard him.

Max cleared his throat. “Uh, when did he have in mind?”

Rory repeated the question.

“I was actually wondering if you were doing anything over Thanksgiving,” Peter said. “And if you had any guests you’d like to bring. It seems a shame to drag you out here just for paperwork, but you could look at some books, have a nice meal, and I’m sure we’d get to the paperwork eventually.”

Yes, he was definitely engaged in some sort of battle with the lawyer. Rory needed to find out more!

“I’ll talk to Max,” Rory promised. “I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out. I think the shop is usually closed over Thanksgiving anyway.”

The eyebrow had risen even higher on Max’s face, but he didn’t object.

“Wonderful.” Peter sounded relieved. “However many people. Whatever time suits you. Just let us know final numbers and times so that we can ensure everything is ready for your arrival. A few days in advance, if you’re able. We’re all looking forward to seeing you again. Fiona hasn’t had much occasion to cook, and she’d like to pull out all the stops.”

“Max and I will talk about it and let you know,” Rory agreed.

Peter hung up, and Rory stared at the phone for a moment before setting it back down in its cradle.

“I think we might be involved in a war between Peter and the lawyer.” Rory looked up at Max. “Is it weird that I’m really invested?”

Max’s lip curled up in amusement. “Somehow, it doesn’t surprise me. They want us there over Thanksgiving?”

Rory was pretty sure that Peter wanted them there over Thanksgiving in the hopes of inconveniencing the lawyer, who was maybe trying to inconvenience them by demanding this in-person meeting.

Rory proposed, “We need to go to find out all the details of who is setting up who.”

Max was smiling now. “Obviously.”

“But we’re supposed to invite people. Do you think the D&D folks want to go spend Thanksgiving at a mansion?”

“Fiona Finch is still there, right?” Max asked.

“She wants to do something fancy for us,” Rory declared happily.

Max’s eyes lit up. “We’re definitely going to figure out how to make this happen. And can you imagine playing D&D on that giant table?”

Their lives were never going to be boring, and Rory wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It sounds perfect,” Rory agreed. He drew a deep breath and let it out, allowing the contentment to settle into the marrow of his bones. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had so many friends. And books and games. And you. Always you. It’s amazing.”

“It really is,” Max agreed, gazing at him with soft eyes and warm affection pulsing through their bond.

“I love you,” Rory told Max. “I’m so glad I found you.”

“I’m sorry it took so long,” Max apologized.

Rory shook his head. “I’m not. All this time, I was headed towards you. It was definitely worth the wait.”

Max sucked in a breath, and Rory could feel how momentarily overwhelmed he was. He swallowed visibly. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be. I love you more than I thought possible.”

The Magic definitely knew what it was doing, and Rory wouldn’t change a thing.