“Saoirse is the adultier adult. It makes sense.” Hale nodded.
“Also, working things out meansall five of you, which includes Saoirse and her musician.” Dad smirked.
Oh? He thought she and Dusty would be our downfall? Silly dads. I could feel a tiny bit of Dusty through my bond with Saoirse. He was down bad for my girlfriend. No, that musician wasn’t going anywhere.
Given that she could now feel him, she probably wasn’t throwing him off a building, either.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Gallaghers, we’ve got this,” Dusty stated confidently.
“That really isn’t fair, because Saoirse and Dusty are kind of their own thing,” I retorted, not liking their attitude.
“You’re a pack–it’s all or none,” Daddio said.
I huffed. “Fine.”
Honestly all of this was infinitely better than making asshole demands about un-bonding.
“I want all this in writing–especially matching my money, the bonding party, and resources after six months equal to or greater than what my brothers got. And I need areallybig budget for my party,” I countered. “Like a castle budget.”
Dad nodded in approval. “Of course.”
“Should we pick up a few things and head to New York today?” Carlos suggested. “I have to go to practice tomorrow morning if I want to even have a chance at being able to play in the New Year’s Eve game. Though they might bench me anyway. Still, I have to smooth things over so I keep my job. After all, I have a family to feed now. Also, I should be able to add anyone to my health insurance who needs it. We just have to live together and share household duties and food to qualify.”
“Good foresight,” Daddy complimented.
“I guess we can all cram into your place for now?” Dusty offered. “Or Saoirse and I can stay at my studio and you three can stay in your apartment? Maybe we can move into Anita’s place after she moves out?”
“I have an idea. There will be room for everyone,” Carlos assured.
My shoulders wiggled because I knew what he was talking about. “I’m excited.”
Because I got to decorate it.
“I’m curious,” Dusty replied.
Adam looked at Carlos. “Hockey players don’t have long careers. What’s your backup plan?”
“I have a two-year nursing degree. During the off-season, I work a little at the same place my mother does to keep up my licensing. I went into nursing because I like helping people, it’s practical, there’s a lot of work, and I can easily go back and get an advanced degree after I’m done playing hockey,” he explained.
“Oh, that’s interesting.” Adam nodded.
“Okay, so, we’ve got until the end of January to figure out how we’re going to make Hale’s last semester work,” I added, getting the conversation back on track. “That’s the priority.”
Hale had been very quiet and anxious through all of this.
“I don’t know how we’re going to make this work. I don’t know if it’s fair to Fiona,” Hale said, eyes downcast.
“That’s for you to figure out. You made a big choice. You don’t get the easy way out.” Dad’s eyes fell on me. “You’re a pack now. Show me that you can make it work.”
Giddiness rose up inside me. We were a pack!
“Yes, Dad. We’ve got this,” I replied. “Now can we have dessert?”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Hale
My chest grew tight and it got hard to breathe. They were going to let us be a pack. I didn’t expect that. Why did they think it was a good idea? Or did they allow it because it wasn’t?
