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Brielle was being discharged later that day, so my parents went home to get things ready for her. I didn’t know if she’d be there for a few weeks, a few months, or longer. But I knew she’d be in good hands.
Zachary and I went home together. He was the best antidote to the chaos of the previous days. We made love, slow and tender, then fell asleep in each other’s arms again.
CHAPTER 41
Zachary
By the fuss the town made over Marigold’s return, you’d have thought she’d been missing for years, not a day. Of course, they were lumping her in with Brielle, who had been missing for quite a while. Tilikum was happy to have their girls home, and they pulled out all the stops.
A banner welcoming them home hung across Main Street and truckloads of marigolds had been brought in to decorate the storefronts downtown. Someone had decided Brielle needed a flower too, so they’d picked begonias. I guess because they started with the letter B. They didn’t last long in the cold, but for a few days at least, the town was awash in color.
I had a feeling the Squirrel Protection Squad was behind most of it.
My mom had come into town to see me and Marigold several times since we’d returned. Mom kept knitting things for her and bringing baked goods. I certainly didn’t mind. Especially when she dropped off one of Gram Bailey’s famous pumpkin pies. Apparently they’d been doing the same for Brielle, who was getting settled at Craig and Alyssa’s place. I wasn’t sure how much throw blankets and food were going to help her, but Marigold said it was about making her feel loved. That made sense. And reminded me why men—especially men like me—needed a good woman.
Marigold made everything make sense.
By the Saturday after the rescue, the clouds had gone. It wasn’t exactly warm, but the November sun shone on the mountains and the air was crisp rather than frigid. Apparently in Tilikum, that meant an impromptu party in Lumberjack Park.
Tables were set up with food and Tilikum’s resident taco truck had a long line. Some college kids had formed a band and they played an assortment of folk rock tunes. They weren’t bad. Most of the town seemed to be in attendance—families with little kids, teenagers, elderly folks. They milled around and ate and talked, and a handful of people had even started dancing.
I wandered with Marigold, her hand clasped in mine, and munched on a roasted turkey leg. My family was there. I’d spotted my parents across the park, but they’d been busy talking to some friends. Josiah and Audrey had brought their dogs and Garrett had Owen with him. The kid was getting tall—looked like his dad. Theo and Luke were tossing a football with some high school kids in the street, moving whenever a car came, and Annika and Levi were keeping their kids corralled.
“How you doing?” I asked, pulling Marigold a little closer. “Warm enough? Are you hungry?”
“I’m fine, just wondering if Brielle is here.”
“I haven’t seen her yet, but I haven’t seen your parents either.”
“My mom probably forgot.”
I laughed. “Your dad won’t. I’m sure they’ll be here soon.”
Sandra and Rocco walked arm in arm toward us. Clearly they’d made up after whatever fight they’d had. I winced at the memory of the nipple piercing I’d been stupid enough to get. It had healed pretty fast, but that pain wasn’t something I’d soon forget.
She dropped Rocco’s arm and rushed over to give Marigold a hug. “Oh sweetie. What an ordeal you’ve been through. We’re so glad you’re home.”
“Thank you.”
“This,” Sandra said, gesturing between me and Marigold, “is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Marigold tucked her arm in mine. “It was a long time coming.”
“I guess so. And way to be the hero, Z. Well done.”
Rocco nodded. “Impressive.”
“I had help,” I said with a shrug.
“A little humility is very charming on you.” Sandra grinned, then pursed her lips a little. “By the way, how is the, uh…” Her eyes flicked to my chest. “Healing okay?”
Inadvertently, I hunched my shoulders, as if I had to protect my chest. “Fine. Gone, and fine.”
“You didn’t keep it? That’s too bad.” She stepped closer and lowered her voice. “I thought Rocco would hate them. Turns out I was wrong. All’s well that ends well.”
I laughed and lifted my hand for a high give. “You’re a badass, Sandra.”
She slapped my hand. “You’re not so bad yourself, kid. Take care of her. She’s a special one.”
