“Thank you for inviting me tonight.” When her voice is soft like this, quiet, that rasp of hers deepens, becoming a vibration over my skin. The hair on the nape of my neck stands up in response, followed by goosebumps that cover my arms.
“You’re always welcome.” As much as I want to go to her, I don’t. Instead, I turn into the kitchen to grab some water from the fridge. “You’re good with them.”
This has her attention, and she slips away from the window, crossing to the couch to rest on the arm. “They’re really sweet kids.”
“They are,” I am never able to hide the pride in my smile whenever someone tells me how great my children are. I know it, but for the world to see it too—it shows I can at least do one thing right.
I didn’t have the best upbringing, but I guess my father showed me everythingnotto do with your children. I wanted to be the complete opposite of the man I share DNA with.
“Rosie loves you,” I spin my water between my hands, “But Caleb,” I meet her eyes, “He’s a quiet child, doesn’t trust easy and it usually takes a while for him to warm up and talk to new people but for whatever reason, I can see that’s different with you. He doesn’t even invite my brothers to watch the stars.”
Her eyes widen slightly, “He doesn’t?”
“We don’t do it often, but when we do, he only ever wants me and Rosie. You’re the first person he’s invited.”
Her hand presses to her chest, “I don’t—” She cuts herself off, “Why?”
“Kind heart,” the words immediately leave me, but there is only truth there and nothing less. “You have every reason to hate the world, and yet you don’t. Kids see that.”
Tapping my knuckles on the counter, I dip my chin, “Get some sleep, Honeybee. I’ll see you in the morning.”
A content sounding sigh lowers her shoulders, and her eyes are soft as she looks to me, “Good night, Silas.”
Chapter Seventeen
“Listen,” Ada leans across the table, whisper-shouting over the music in the bar. Sunstone Saloon is every bit a cute cowboy bar, and it is packed. I finished my shift an hour ago, and Ada met me with Darcy in tow after we agreed to meet for drinks. It’s been a week since I started working for Silas and four days since I picked up a couple of shifts for Niamh, just some light evening work to cover the rush of summer, but it’s giving me extra cash in my pot. “I really don’t want to sound insensitive, and you can absolutely tell me to fuck all the way off, but I’m a nosy bitch, okay?”
I sip on the cocktail, “Okay?”
“What happened toyour face?”
“My husband,” I don’t hide the truth. Why should I? Why should I protect him? The bruises have started to fade, leaving only shadows behind, but what he did will never be erased. “Ex husband now, I guess.”
“That rat bastard,” Ada slaps a palm down onto the table, “Want me to throat punch him? I don’t mind.”
A chuckle leaves me, “No, it’s okay.”
“It’s not okay,” Darcy inputs quietly, stirring her straw around in her drink, “He deserves to get as good as he gave.”
My shoulders lift in a shrug. “I don’t want to be like him.”
“You’re better than me,” Ada pouts. “You know how many plants are out here that can kill a man? Too many to count, I’d make it look like an unfortunate accident.”
My eyes widen as I stare at the red-headed woman across from me. There’s a raw, wildness about her, an untamed quality that keeps her vibrating in her chair, but I'm not sure I would have put her down to being slightly murderous too.
“That’s concerning,” Darcy laughs, though it sounds tight, taking a tender sip of her drink.
Ada shrugs, “I grew up with four brothers and a dad who had a heavy hand. I had to make accidents happen.”
My head snaps back. “Did you just admit tomurder!?”
Ada barks out a laugh, “What? No! I’m just saying if I wanted a bit of peace, they just got a little sick for a few days. No permanent damage, of course.”
“What did you use?” Darcy asks, her voice barely above a whisper as she flicks her eyes around, as if afraid someone might overhear.
“Lupine,” Ada shrugs, “Wait? Are you a cop?”
“I think it’s a little late for that,” I blurt, making Ada’s eyes widen as she nervously looks at Knight Falls resident vet.
