Shadows of You (Lost & Found #4)(89)

So, I let myself cry, secure in Kerry’s embrace, feeling a true sense of family for the first time since I’d lost Autumn. I wasn’t sure how long the tears lasted, but I slowly came back to myself. To the moment. And I felt…lighter. Exhausted and wrung out, but lighter.

Kerry brushed my hair away from my face. “There you go. A good cry does wonders.”

My mouth curved. “Sorry about the unload.”

She waved me off and handed me my hot cocoa again. “You don’t have a thing to apologize for. You need to let it free. And you should keep doing it or everything will just build up again.”

I traced the heart design on the mug. “I talk to Roan.”

He was the first person I’d felt safe enough to share things with. Something about the gentleness he’d had with the deer had made him that for me. But over the past couple of weeks, I’d worried about putting more on his shoulders. I could see the stress in him, the worry—not just for me and Cady but also about the case he was working.

A light shone in Kerry’s eyes. “He’s different since he met you.”

I stilled.

“Smiles more. Laughs. I didn’t realize how silent he’d become until I heard him really laugh again.” Her breath hitched. “You gave me my boy back, and I’ll love you forever for that.”

Tears welled once more. “Please don’t make me cry again. I’m gonna get dehydrated.”

Kerry laughed. “All right. No more tears. But tell me, do you love him?”

“Yes.” The answer was instant and sure.

“He know that?”

I leaned back on the swing. “We haven’t said the words, but I feel it every day. In everything he does. And I hope he feels the same from me.”

Kerry squeezed my knee. “I know he does. But do yourself a favor. Give each other the words. They bind you in a way. Remind you of all the things they encompass.”

“I don’t want to scare him off,” I admitted. “Or put any pressure on him.”

Kerry laughed again. “You think that boy of mine scares easily? Let me tell you, he doesn’t.”

But that wasn’t exactly true. Parts of Roan had been terrified since the town turned against him, since his attack. It was why he’d hidden so much of himself. His family deserved to know all of him. Because the broken and damaged pieces made him beautiful. They gave him his kindness and empathy for the creatures that were often overlooked. Made him fiercely protective and loyal. Made him love so deeply.

I wanted his family to get to know that Roan. And more than anything, I wanted Roan to feel fully seen by them.

Tires sounded on the gravel, and I looked up to see a line of cars headed up the driveway. I blinked a few times.

“I’d say word has gotten around,” Kerry muttered. “Prepare yourself for incoming chaos.”

Chaos was exactly right. Holt and Wren climbed out of their SUV, Lawson’s three boys piling out of the back. Grae and Caden pulled in next to them. And Maddie in her SUV after that.

They were all out of their vehicles in a matter of seconds, and it took even less time for my girls to make it to me. Grae hauled me out of the swing and wrapped me in the tightest hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” she whispered, emotion thick in her voice.

Maddie’s arms wrapped around both of us. “Me, too.”

Then Wren was there. “Move over, G, my belly doesn’t fit.”

Grae laughed and scooted. I wasn’t sure how long we stood there. I let their love pour over me. I didn’t care that Oren had attacked me. That I would have one hell of a shiner. Because in that moment, I felt more at peace, at home, than I ever had in all my days.





45





ROAN





As I turned onto Huckleberry Lane, I noticed both Lawson’s and Nash’s headlights following me. I groaned. All I wanted was to go to what I thought of as home. To wrap myself around Aspen and make sure she was okay. To listen to Cady tell me all about the many adventures of her day.

But I should’ve guessed that Lawson and Nash would also want to check on them. I turned onto the drive and grimaced at all the vehicles in front of the farmhouse. Scratch that. My entire family had decided they needed to make sure all was okay.

I parked at the end of the row and slid out of my truck, heading for the door. I opened it to laughter. Everyone was piled on every available surface.

I scowled as I took them all in.

Grae caught my look and burst out laughing. “Someone is not happy we’re here.”

Maddie grinned and waggled her eyebrows. “I think he was hoping for some alone time with Aspen when he got home.”

My scowl deepened.

Nash smacked me upside the head as he passed. “Don’t glare at my girl.”

Cady launched herself off her chair and ran toward me. “Mr. Grizz!” She leapt in the air, and I caught her, balancing her on my hip. She pressed her little hand to my stubbled cheek. “Why so grumpy?”

Everyone hooted at that.

I loved my family, but sometimes I wanted to kill them.

“It’s a little loud in here,” I told her.

Cady giggled. “We’re having fun.”

“Yeah, Mr. Grizz,” Grae called. “You should try it sometime.”