He cussed under his breath, then looked at us. His eyes widened, as if he could read the words we’d just exchanged from our expressions. Hell, maybe he, a hopeless romantic, could.
“Do you want us to take the kids tonight?” he asked smoothly, only smirking a little.
“Yeah, that would be great.” Law’s voice was only a little bit husky.
“Awesome. Plan with Charlie; I’m gonna go say hi to my dear sister.” His expression was all feigned innocence, and I knew Erin wouldn’t like what he’d have to say.
“Will do.” I turned back to Law and lifted my face for another kiss.
The door closed, and Uncle Teague was gone.
Law and I stood there for a moment more, then I sighed. “You and Marlie should go get Ranger. I’ll take Harper and Tris home to start on their homework if they’re going to the uncles’ tonight.”
“Sounds like a good idea.” He pecked my lips once more, then squeezed me and nipped at my neck as if he couldn’t quite let go without doing it first.
Then he reluctantly let go and stepped away.
“Kids? You ready to go?” I called, and they filed out with Charlie at the rear.
Steve lumbered into his spot in the lobby, and I made a mental note to get him a bone or something next time I went into town.
I knew Nic would be pissed off having missed all the drama and the chance to say her piece to Erin, but we’d already had enough action. The fact that she was picking up some paint seemed like a blessing suddenly. As if knowing where my mind had gone, Dana gave me a little smile from the kitchen doorway. I smiled back. I was sure she and Charlie would fill her wife in later.
Tris and Harper came with me to start dressing for the walk to the Yellow House while Law and Charlie made plans for pickup time in the background.
“I need to pee!” Tristan announced and dashed toward the bathrooms.
Harper rolled her eyes.
I touched her shoulder. “Thank you for being so brave and amazing,” I told her quietly. “You’re a fierce person and I couldn’t love you more. I’m so proud of you.” I’d need to tell Law everything later when we were alone.
She glanced at me quickly, then nodded without making eye contact. I opened my arms, and she hugged me tightly until her brother bounced back into the lobby with wet hands and joined in the hug.
Chuckling, I let go. “Law? We’re going now,” I called to him.
“Okay, see you in a bit, loves,” he called back.
Charlie went, “Aww!”
Harper rolled her eyes a little and went to open the door for Tris and me. We stepped into the parking lot, and like clockwork, Cricket materialized from around the corner.
“Hey, girl!” Tris went to hug her.
She came to get more pets and then joined us on the walk home.
I inhaled the clean spring air, listened to the kids’ talk about what they’d do at Uncle Charlie and Uncle Teague’s place, and smiled. I couldn’t remember feeling this relaxed before. I was sure my therapist would want to talk about all this and that Law would be extra attentive tonight, but I’d be fine.
I wasn’t going to fool myself into thinking that all the demons from my past were exorcized, but with no threat of the Youngs appearing here hanging over my head, I could finally truly move on as Oak Mulligan. Or maybe one day, many years from now, as Oak Caldwell.
Epilogue
Law
The last of the snow was finally gone. At least I hoped so. Nic had laughed at me when I mentioned it, assuring me that it wasn’t uncommon for Mother Nature to dump a freak snow storm as late as early May, but then placated me by saying that snow never stuck around. I was glad to hear it, as I was far too excited about the budding trees and the grass emerging.
I was ready for some warmth.
Not that I didn’t have plenty of warmth at home. My kids were still a constant joy in my life, and with each day that passed, they became more and more settled. Cait had worked her schedule so she had most of spring recess off, and the kids had gone to Boston to spend the week with her. Marlie had been a bit homesick, and constantly messaged about Ranger—he would probably go with her during the summer, but for this first visit away, we all decided it was better for the dog to stay home—but Tristan and Harper had enjoyed the heck out of their visit. My kids were making friends and getting used to their new life, and I couldn’t be happier.
