Page 48 of Found in Wild Sage

She beams. “I’m always happy to spend time with Charlie! In fact, it’s time for me to get back.” Her pretty face falls a touch when her eyes flicker over to Finn. “Have a great day.”

Grant and I both say goodbye, and not a peep emerges from Finn.

Until Grant kicks him under the table again and he scowls up at him. “Ouch. You and Sweet Pea are both feeling aggressive this week, huh?”

“Why are you so rude to her? She used to be your best friend.” Grant’s frowning down at Finn in true oldest brother fashion.

Finn shrugs. “Life happens.”

Grant and I share a look. Neither of us were here when life happened between Finn and Clementine McClain, but we know the story. It was over a decade ago, though, so I’m genuinely surprised to see him outright ignore the woman.

“You need to get your shit together,” Grant mumbles.

I catch Finn’s eyes and his jaw is set, eyes shadowy and sullen. I knew she hurt him, but I’ve never seen him like this.

“How about Saturday morning we plan to move the furniture? We can get everything settled before Charlie’s nap that afternoon.” I can’t do anything about his past hurts, but we can shift gears, at least. Plus, it’s time we make the move official. It won’t stay quiet in this small town if we’re still living separately for much longer, and that undermines the whole point.

Finn’s shoulders drop and he exhales, nodding. “I’m there. Bossypants, let us know what time works for you.”

Grant checks his schedule and we decide on a time, then switch gears to less tumultuous fare. I stay busy the rest of the day Thursday, keep myself occupied Thursday night, and bow out of Friday night family dinner for the first time in months without explanation.

Everyone surely knows why. Or maybe my siblings haven’t let on to Ma and Da that Evie, Charlie, and I still aren’t living together.

Perhaps everyone buys the nonsense I’ve tried selling—that we’re taking it slow for Charlie’s sake and we’ve got all the time in the world.

I meet Grant and Finn outside Evie’s apartment on Saturday at ten. Davis had something come up, but I feel confident we can manage, especially since Finn brought a dolly from the gym and lifting heavy objects is one of his favorite pastimes.

Grant’s large hand claps me on the shoulder. “You good?”

I nod.

His eyes narrow, but he returns the gesture.

Neither of us says what I assume we’re both thinking. That no, I’m not fine, because I’ve hardly spoken to my wife and have only seen her at work, where we cannot talk openly. I’m not fine because I thought this would be fine, and it is demonstrably not.

Evie opens the door before we ever knock, and my heart does a double backflip. That is the least scientific or medically-minded thought I’ve ever had, but it’s apt. Apparently, that one organ in my body has taken up part-time gymnastics in the last week. Neat.

Everyone needs a hobby, right?

“Thanks for coming, guys.” Her gaze shifts to me and she offers a small smile. “Hi, husband.”

The shock and pleasure of having her address me thus is, I hope, hidden from my brothers when I lean forward and accept the kiss she places on my cheek.

As bad as this week has been, today is looking up.

Behind her, I hear Charlie squawking out, “Dec, Dec, Dec!”

Evie welcomes us in and I snatch Charlie up and carry him with us while she shows us his room and what she wants to be taken to my place. Our place.

Before she’s finished, Charlie leans his head on my shoulder. I encircle him and savor his sweetness, then register he’s actually very calm. It’s too early for him to be getting tired enough for his nap, isn’t it?

“You okay, Charlie?” I ask softly while Evie explains that the crib needs to be disassembled before it’ll fit through the doorway.

Her gaze snaps to me, then her eyes soften. “I think he’s not feeling well.”

“Aw, no. My nephew’s sick?” Finn approaches and makes a face. “Sorry, little man.”

“Pinn.”