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“Thank you, Owen.”
“You’re family.” He says it so simple as if it’s written in stone. Or, in my case, a marriage certificate.
“Thanks, man,” Grant tells him. “I owe you one.”
“Nah, he’s a prick. I don’t mind going head to head with him. You want me to meet you all there, or are we meeting somewhere else first?”
“You’re going? You don’t have to do that. You have your job and Layla and Carter.”
“I have nothing pressing at the office that can’t wait, and my wife and son are going to be at home, safe. I’m going to be there, Aurora. I’ve dealt with this guy on behalf of Riggins. He knows I have the power to pull our accounts. Something he knows I won’t hesitate to do.”
“I don’t know how to thank you for this. I’m sorry that you’re being dragged into my drama. Both of you.”
“We love you,” both Riggins men reply at the same time, and tears build in my eyes.
“We’ll meet you outside the bank at eight in the morning,” Grant tells him.
“See you then,” Owen replies, and the line goes dead.
Before I have a chance to ask him what he’s doing, his phone is ringing, and Lena’s voice comes through the line.
“I knew you were my favorite, Grant Riggins. Calling your mom out of the blue.” She laughs.
“You know it,” Grant replies. “Listen, Mom. I have a favor.” He goes on to explain what’s going on and how he and I with Owen are meeting at the bank in the morning. “I was hoping you could come to the bakery and help Aspen while we’re gone. That’s their busy time, and it’s a lot for one person.”
I didn’t even think about that. Shit. I start to tell her we’ll just close for the day when her reply comes quick. “Of course, I will. Oh, I’m so excited. What time should I be there?”
“We have to leave there about a quarter till eight.”
“What time does it open?”
“Six.”
“What time do they get in?” she asks, sounding exasperated.
“Three.”
“Perfect. I’ll be there when you ladies start your day. I’m excited to see the inner workings. Was that all?” she asks.
I’m shocked by her easy acceptance and willingness to help out. Then as soon as the thought filters through my mind, I know that’s wrong. Lena Riggins is a selfless and amazing woman who raise five incredible sons. She’s just being who she is. Helping out someone in need. Tomorrow, I’m that someone. I need anyone and everyone in my corner, and I’m blessed to know that the majority of them carry the last name Riggins.
“No. Thank you, Mom. We owe you.”
“Great, then I need to get off here and tell your father and get in bed. I’m so excited.”
“Thank you, Lena,” I finally speak up.
“You’re welcome, sweet girl. Is Aspen there?”
“I’m here,” she answers.
“Be patient with me.” Lena laughs. “I’ve only ever ran my kitchen.”
“It’s going to be fine. We appreciate you helping us out in a jam. Besides, if you can handle those five rowdy boys of yours, this will be a walk in the park.”
“I love the park,” Lena replies, and I can hear the smile in her voice. “No problem at all. I’ll see you all bright and early. Love you.” The line goes dead, and Grant chuckles.
“She’s excited. I should have arranged for her to come and hang out with you two a long time ago.” He grins before his face sobers. “Now hopefully, you can sleep better tonight. Aspen and Mom will take care of Warm Delights. You, me, and Owen, we’ll get to the bottom of this tomorrow.”
Grant and I say goodnight to Aspen and disappear into my room. I doubt I’ll get much sleep, but I do know that having Grant in my corner has eased my fears. He’s a man of his word, and I know I can count on him. It’s freeing, and any love that I thought I had for him tripled tonight. He thought of my sister and me, and he made sure we would both be taken care of.
Grant Riggins is definitely my magic.
Chapter 27
Grant
We were both wide awake when the alarm went off. Neither of us dozed more than a few hours the entire night. I don’t know who’s fucking with her, but I can guarantee that they’re going to regret it. All night long, my mind raced with how this could have happened. I didn’t mention this to Aurora, but this isn’t a clerical mistake. Not with over fifty grand. Something is going on, and I hope like hell we can get to the bottom of it today.
“Thank you, Lena, for being here. I don’t know what we would have done without you,” Aurora tells my mother.
“Are you kidding? This is the most fun I’ve had in ages. I love being in the kitchen. You two go on and do what you need to do. Aspen and I’ve got this covered.” Mom walks around the counter and pulls us both into a hug.
