Without warning, he shot out of the kitchen like he’d been launched from a cannon.
“Is this serious, or is Dad overly cautious?”
“I think it’s a bit of both,” Gia admitted. “But your dad’s hunches are never wrong, so I’ve learned to listen to them over the years. Hopefully, it will be nothing, someone who isn’t a major danger to us or the club.”
“And if it is?”
“Then the club will deal with it.”
As is their typical practice. It was unspoken, but they both understood the meaning. They might not know the full details of what the Souls men had done or were doing to secure their status, but Sunny trusted her family to do what was needed.
If that made her just as complicit and diabolical as they were, as most accused the MC of being, then she’d wear it. It was never that clear-cut.
“While your father is gone, tell me the truth, Sunny. How was the journey with Seb?”
“Torture,” she groaned. “It was good to see him again.”
“He’s been different this year,” her mom shared, and Sunny looked up, confused.
“Different, how?”
She’d never wanted to know if he was dating someone. She’d made Harper promise never to tell her.
“I can’t put my finger on it exactly. But it was as if his spark had gone. And I saw him lose it with customers more than once. Seb is usually so laid back with people.”
She couldn’t stop the jump of her heart. But she knew it was dumb to think he acted that way because of her.
“That means nothing.”
“Doesn’t it?”
“I wish it did. But whatever is going on with Sebastian has nothing to do with me. He probably has dating problems.”
The snap of her heart was a physical pain, and Sunny’s wince didn’t go unnoticed because her mom covered her hand.
“I wish my firstborn was happy.”
She tried for a smile. “I’m home, so I am happy.”
“I’m selfish and always wanted you to come home, but I would love it if you were happy, too.”
“Well, you got your wish. Here I am.” She chuckled. “Under a lockdown like old times. Only this time, I’m not a toddler running all over the place.”
“The last serious lockdown we had, you were about ten, and you clung to Seb, insisting he take you everywhere because he wasyoursuperhero and no one else’s.”
Gia grinned at the memory, and Sunny groaned, covering her face.
“I was so embarrassing. I seriously had no boundaries.”
“You were adorable and still are.”
“You gave birth to me, so you’re biased.”
“It’s still true.”
Right then, her aunt Zara, Rider’s wife and the MC’s first lady, came through the kitchen and beamed a smile, seeing Sunshine. They shared a big hug.
“I hate why it’s happening, but I love having all our kiddos home again.” Zara poured herself a cup from the built-in coffee station.
