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But York’s place felt special. Nova and Exile raised Skylar and Lyric here. The girls’ play set was still in the backyard. Years ago, Nova transformed the fixer-upper into a beautiful home. Then, the man I loved chose this place to set down his roots.

For nearly a year, I’d been fantasizing about spending time here with York. Reality had so far proven better than those old dreams.

After Trent woke up, I followed Elle into the primary bedroom, where she rested the six-month-old on the mattress. The boy yawned and babbled as she changed his diaper.

Leaning my hip against the bed, I felt overwhelmingly sad.

“I wanted to drive home to see you,” Elle explained as she cleaned the baby. “But Zodiac had everything locked down. He’s still nervous about the boys and me going anywhere without him. He even joins us for grocery runs.”

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, tearing up.

“What’s wrong?” Elle asked, hugging me while keeping a hand on Trent’s belly to prevent him from wiggling off the bed.

“I thought I could make a part-time living situation work,” I said, wiping my eyes. “But this house feels like home. I can already see myself waking up here every morning. I’m visualizing a nursery, dog walks, and laundry days. Living part time in Little Memphis won’t work, meaning I’ll have to move to this crappy city.”

“No one will make you,” Elle said, trying to hug me while keeping the baby from rolling away. “If you cry to York, I bet he’ll move to Little Memphis.”

“I know he will, but his life is here. He bought this house after he met me. He’s been quietly building a life for us. How can I make him give it up?”

“Be a bitch,” Elle said while using wipes on her hands before picking up Trent. “York’s a tough guy, but he seems soft when it comes to you. Just whine your way into getting what you want.”

“What if I want York to be happy?”

Elle rested against the mattress until our hips touched. “I’m the same way with Zodiac. I know I’d be happier living in Little Memphis, but he can’t make a life there. I have to suffer a little to ensure he’s happy.”

“Is it worth it?”

“Yes, every single day it is,” Elle said in an enamored tone. “But I’m still homesick. I really miss my parents and Clint. I’m bummed that I can’t help Ivy during her pregnancy. I’m missing out on a lot, but I’m also finding my footing in Baton Rouge.”

I smiled at Trent watching me. “I tried not to want York. Then, I tried to be happy with our twice-a-month hookup schedule. Then, I thought we’d figure out a long-distance relationship. But I’m tired. I want to just give in and move here and get knocked up and accept my fate.”

“I also want that for you,” Elle murmured and kissed the side of my head. “It’s not all bad. York is used to driving to Little Memphis twice a month, right? Just do that as a duo. Or make one of the trips to Rawlins. You’ll still see the people you love, but you’ll also have the man you love.”

“I do love York,” I said and shivered with need. “He has a crankiness that I find really endearing. He’s patient with my stubborn nature. We’re so different that I feel like I’ll learn a million things in life by hanging out with him.”

Elle hugged me. “I’ll come visit a lot while you’re here. And you can visit me. Once your foot is healed, you can join us in the pool.”

Elle painted a happy picture of life in Baton Rouge. But there were so many pieces of my current life that would be missing if I made this town my new home.

“Whenever you feel homesick, just tell York, and he’ll take you where you want to go,” Elle said and smiled at her son. “There are days when I can’t bear being away from my family. Zodiac always has us pack up and get on the road. It’s not a big deal. We even have a bag ready to go. The only time he put his foot down was after the assholes attacked the Sorority House. Otherwise, there’s no harm in us spending a few days in Little Memphis with my people.”

“The people here aren’t your people,” I said, thinking of the Black Rainbow members and their families.

“Not yet. Maybe they’ll never feel like my people in the way that the Crimson Guard or those in Rawlins feel like my people. But they’re Zodiac’s people, so I’m learning to embrace them,” Elle said and grinned slyly. “You will, too. I can’t tell you how excited I am about a fox living locally.”

Elle had always been one of my favorite people. I figured she was weak to give up so much for Zodiac. Now, I realized she was actually strong for sacrificing for the man she loved.

My nieces’ voices drew us out of the bedroom. The blonde beauties stood at the door with my brother. I heard Nova out on the porch.

Skylar looked like she had just woken up from a nap. She shoved her pink plastic glasses back onto her head to keep her wild blonde hair in check. She looked over everyone before zeroing in on me. A cautious smile warmed her face.

“Are you still hurt?” she asked and walked toward me.

Skylar told Boone, “She got hit by a car.”

The bruises on my face had healed, making me less scary to the girls. They both looked relieved until they saw I had the crutches.

“You’re broken,” Lyric said and began breathing fast.