Wrecked Palace

“You’ve given me my dream, too.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“A family. Forever.”

Will eased down next to me. “Happy?”
I smiled at my brother. “You know, despite all the crazy, terrifying moments of the past few months, I am.”
“Good.” There was a ferocity in his tone. As though if I weren’t happy, he’d do everything in his power to make it so.

I pressed a quick kiss to Caelyn’s mouth. “Okay, but keep your phone on you.”
“Sir, yes, sir,” she quipped.
My eyes narrowed at her. “I might be making you bring that back but in an entirely different context.”

“The pink one’s mine, Will,” Mia cried.
“Will,” Caelyn warned as she entered.
He shook his head but grinned. “I just wanted to see how much of a fit she’d throw if someone came between her and the pink donut.”
Mia glared at him. “I’ll put your hand in warm water while you’re sleeping.”
Will’s eyes widened, handing over the donut. “Vicious, I like it.”

“Sometimes, you have to do what’s right for yourself. Even if that means letting someone else down.”

The truth was, I would give anything, pay any price, if I could just keep this family safe. Because somehow over the past few months, they’d come to mean everything to me.

I hadn’t realized how empty my life had been. Not until they had filled it. Even if they did bring a devil cat with them.

As I stared at the photo, I realized one thing. I was in love with Caelyn O’Connor. Had been for months. A woman who I hadn’t even kissed. The knowledge had me questioning my sanity a bit.

“Thank you,” she mouthed.
I couldn’t even form silent words. Because what did you say to a woman who had given you everything and didn’t even realize it?

“Do you hate me a little bit right now?”
It was on the tip of my tongue to say that, no, I loved her. The urge shocked the hell out of me. But it shouldn’t have. “Not even a little bit.”
“I’m glad.”