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“It would have been nice to know,” I say quietly. “Perhaps we can work out our guilt and anger together. The difference is, I didn’t make a decision to leave you.”

“I’ll wait,” he says gruffly.

“Until then…Dad,” I murmur, turn, and guide Savy away.

With each step, the weight I’ve carried lightens. I don’t know the right way forward, but I know I won’t leave him in the past. It'll take work, and an open mind. I’m ready to do that, but not today. It’s shocking to see him again and learn about his knowledge of me all this time. He could have come to me at any time. The mess of our past will have to work out in my mind. What I need now is my soul bond. I need to enjoy our time together without all of this clouding my emotions.

“Babe, are you okay?” she asks softly.

“I’m conflicted.” I stop next to the bike. “I’m glad he's alive. I want to have a longer conversation with him, but not yet.”

“You can feel however you need to,” she says softly.

“What I need now is to ride with you wrapped around me.” I put her helmet on and buckle the strap.

“I can do that,” she smirks, her eyes crinkling.

“I want to find a secluded space and fuck you on my bike,” I state, and her eyes widen. “I’ve pictured it a million times.” I grab my headgear.

“Umm…”

“That okay with you?”

“I think I can muster up the enthusiasm.”

“Good.” I swing my leg over the seat. “Hop on, Wild One.”

She places her hand on my shoulder as I start the motor.

“Can we leave the engine running?” She sits behind me and wraps her arms around my waist, one hand creeping toward my pants.

“Whatever you want, baby.”

As I leave the parking lot, her response is lost in the wind, but I feel her laughter against my back. This is all I need.

My soul bond close, and her light shining bright.

“Did I look like that?”

I look away from Savy and focus on Rome. “What?”

“When I looked at Mara?”

“Worse,” I grumble, narrowing my eyes. “You still do.”

“Good.” He grins.

I roll my eyes. “You should still be thanking me for finding her for you.”

Savy laughs, and I turn away from him. She's standing at the counter in the store with Mara and Lace, looking at a book.

“I should,” he says softly. “I’m glad you found peace.”

I bow my head. “I never hoped to feel like this,” I confess.

“It’s all we wanted for you.”

“I have everything now.” I lift my head and look at him briefly. “I already had a family. The universe gifted me with a brother. Margarete gave me a home.” I grab his shoulder. “Thank you.” I drop my hand and lean back on the couch.