“I know. Damn. If that Delton wasn’t an issue, we would have more options. But you’re right. We’re holding everyone back. Patrick will eventually move into his flat. I won’t rush into anything with him. I don’t know, Row. What do you think?”
“I don’t want to live in the guest rooms here.” Her face flamed. “I feel like I would be taking advantage of the O’Faolain’s generosity. But River, you realize it’s only a matter of time before Patrick convinces you to marry him. Then you’ll live here too.”
River leaned her head on her sister’s shoulder. “We stay together. At least for now, Row, we stay together.”
“Well, then,” Rowan hesitated, “I do have a possibility.”
“Really? What?”
“You remember my client last fall, Mrs. Adamson?”
“Oh yes. I loved what you did in her sitting room. That wallpaper was to die for.”
“Yes, well, she emailed me Monday and asked if I might know anyone to house-sit for her. She’s visiting her daughter and family in Japan for at least four months. Her grandson is expecting his first child, and her daughter asked if she would be up for an extended stay.”
“So, it would be rent free?”
“Yes.” Rowan grabbed her hands, squeezing in excitement. “We wouldn’t be a financial burden, and Mrs. Adamson’s home is gorgeous. Plus, while we still need guards, there are plenty of bedrooms to comfortably house them.”
“Holy cow! Why didn’t you say something before now?”
“I... I... shit, Riv, I didn’t want you to move in with me out of sympathy. I want you and Patrick to work things out as much as you do. And believe it not, Icanlive on my own.”
“Let Mrs. Adamson know we accept and ask when we can move in,” she grinned. This would truly be the best thing for both of them— and Patrick. He could move into his apartment without worrying about keeping his space from her. River saw Rowan scrolling through her contacts. “What? Are you calling her now?”
“Yep.”
Mrs. Adamson was ecstatic. She adored Rowan and was so relieved. She was actually flying out next Tuesday. She asked if Rowan and her sister could bring their things over this weekend. She would go over security codes, Wi-Fi, etc.
“And just like that— we are house sitters!” River squealed. Raven walked up, asking what all the excitement was about.
Rowan explained. “Oh, Rave, you’ll never guess. You remember Mrs. Adamson?”
“I remember. She was so sweet. Very good taste.”
“Well, she offered River and me to live in her home for several months, rent free! We’ll be house-sitting. Her home is stunning. River will die over her chef’s kitchen that’s never been used, I’m sure. There are rooms for the guards too.”
“But... but... we’ve always been together. I thought... I guess I assumed we’d be moving here together.”
“Oh, Raven. We’ll see you and Baby O every day. Every day, I promise. We both promise. I do have hope for Patrick and I. Someday.”
“The rooms on this floor are all ready for you, though,” Raven insisted.
“Patrick and I may be together again someday. But not today. I want him to be able to move in with his family. And he won’t as long as he thinks it would bother me. I still need space without pressure.”
“You guys aremyfamily, damn it. Patrick can go hang!”
“Please, try to understand,” Rowan pleaded. “I never wanted to hurt you. Ever. But... River’s situation is... it’s a situation. And I refuse to be a mooch. Just because you married Bran doesn’t mean the O’Faolains are responsible for your siblings.”
Raven was visibly distressed. And, oh Jesus, Bran and Hugh were coming in hot.
Bran pulled Raven to his side. “What’s all this, babe? Why are you upset? You know I hate when you fucking cry,” he admitted while rubbing a soothing hand down Raven’s silky hair.
“Please, Rave. Don’t make it a big deal,” River begged.
“Don’t make what a big deal?” Bran asked.
“Rowan?” asked Hugh of Few Words.
