“I’m a little worried about Seth changing houses but we need to be in yours to get protection. AndIneed to be with you.”
“We’ll have to work that out. When would you move?”
“Let’s see how Seth reacts first. I’m sure he’ll love the idea of living with you. But he loves our farm, too.”
“Maybe he can spend some time when you’re there. Help you get set up. Do some chores when your business takes off.”
“Great idea.” He stood and held out his hand. “Let’s walk down to the entrance.”
Indian Summer had come to upstate New York. The sky was blue and the trees and grass green as they strolled down to the entrance to the farm. He took the beautiful September day as a good omen.
They heard the rumblings of the bus coming down the main road. It stopped with a hiss and Seth climbed off. He frowned. “Is something wrong?”
“No honey,” Joe said. “Everything’s right. Let’s go up to the house, get you a snack then talk about some things.”
Once they settled in the kitchen Joe smiled. “Seth, you know Scarlet and I are getting married, right?”
“Yeah, when?”
“As soon as the divorce from your mother is final. It shouldn’t be too long. But I want us all to be together now.”
Scarlet added, “And that entails living in one house.”
“I want Scarlet to live with us.”
“How about if we live with her?”
He hesitated then grinned broadly. “Cinnamon can be with his father all the time and she already has a paddock.”
“That’s right,” Scarlet put in.
“Can I bring my bed?”
Joe ruffled his hair. “You can bring your bed and all your other stuff.”
“And,” Scarlet leaned over. “You can pick which room you want.”
“Holy cow.” He threw his arms around her. “Thanks, Scarlet.”
“You’re very welcome.” She caught Joe’s gaze over Seth’s shoulder. “Now let’s plan when.”
* * *
The next day, Scarlet met Finn in the parking lot and they walked in together for a group meeting at the collective. The guards stayed outside. She sat down in the group of chairs next to Daisy.
“We’re waiting on Heath and Finn. The FBI too.”
Scarlet shook her head. “I hope there’s good news from them.”
Daisy said, “God, you look happy.”
“I am. I have some good news of my own.”
They got coffee and Heath arrived. “The FBI is five minutes out.”
“Then I have something happy to share.”
“We need it.” Daisy was taking all of this hard.
