“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.”
I shot her a glare and moved through the throng of people. There was only one other person I wanted to see. I pinned Holt with a stare, and he instantly rose from the spot on the couch. I lowered myself and Cady to it.
“Mr. Grizz, we invited Heather to play at recess, and she was nice.”
My brows lifted, a bit of anxiety swirling in my chest. The last thing I wanted was that kid hurting Cady.
Charlie scrunched up his face. “She wasn’t that bad. She doesn’t like frogs, though, so we can’t be best friends.”
Lawson chuckled at that. “It’s good to have priorities.”
“But also to give people second chances,” Aspen said, ruffling Cady’s hair. “Proud of you, Katydid.”
She smiled as she clambered off my lap and called to Charlie about getting out her new game.
I turned to Aspen. My hand lifted, ghosting across the deepening bruise on her cheek. “You should be resting.”