Page 121

She’s really good. How did I not realize she was that good before now?

Maybe I was too wrapped up in myself.

The gravel crunches. I blink, and my eyes focus on the truck coming up the drive. My hand shakes as I put down my mug and scramble to my feet. The truck halts, and the door swings open. He drops out, so handsome in his dark jeans, boots, and t-shirt. He’s got a toothpick in the corner of his mouth. I see it for a second as he smiles, wider than he ever has.

I run across the gravel and throw myself into his arms.

He’s home, he’s here.

He’s mine for good.

Inhaling, I bury my face in the front of his shirt. I can hear a second set of boots on the gravel. Cracking my eyes open, I catch sight of Jamie getting out of the truck as well, bag over his shoulder. I hope that doesn’t mean anything bad.

“You alright?” he asks, kissing the top of my head.

“Yeah, I’m perfect,” I sigh.

He peels me off and brushes my hair back. I glance over at Jamie, who’s got his head cocked, gazing up at the house.

“What’s Jamie doing back?”

“He wanted a couple days to figure some work stuff out,” Coen says, taking my hand. “Is that okay? He can stay in the guesthouse.”

I nod, offering Jamie a smile. He’s still just looking around.

“Yeah, I don’t care. I’m just glad you’re back.”

We all go inside. The door slams, and Serena falls silent, but her feet patter across the floor. She comes tumbling down the stairs, all smiles for me and Coen. Her eyes fall on Jamie, and she goes still. Then her brows scrunch and her lower lip pushes out.

“What are you doing here?” she says.

Coen clears his throat. “You want me to help get dinner together, baby?”

I nod.

“I’m just gonna have a smoke on the porch,” says Jamie, turning back around and walking out.

Serena sniffs. “You all need any help with dinner?”

I shake my head, confused. She goes clattering back up the stairs. When I turn to Coen, he’s leaning against the counter, arms crossed, a faintly amused lilt to his mouth.

“What the fuck?” I whisper.

He beckons me with a finger. I come close, and he leans in.

“They fucked,” he says.

I reel back. “What? No, they didn’t. Serena tells me everything.”

“And Jamie tells me everything too.”

Shock ripples through me, and I have to take a second. The second I look away, this happens. And now, Dad is gone, and we’re on our own. I’m on my own in dealing with it. Guilt floods my chest, and I turn to start pacing, hand going to my forehead. Coen catches my wrist gently and blocks my way.

“Hey, baby,” he says gently. “She’s grown.”

I swallow. “He’s a lot older than her.”

“I know. And I’m older than you.”