Page 81 of Sterling Clay

It shouldn’t matter to me what is built. I’m not gaining anything from the sale other than enough money to pay off the mortgage on a home that no longer exists.

Still, the thought makes me slightly sad. I loved the house and living in town, close to the local businesses and shops. I don’t like the idea of the property being an investment, but hopefully one day a beautiful house with a loving family will reside there and enjoy the space as much as I once did.

“Are you sure you’ll be happy living out here?” Clay asks me, sensing my mood about the sale as we sit on the couch, mindlessly waiting for a movie to start on the television. I’m snuggled into his side, his arm over my shoulders. His fingers toy with my hair.

As his smaller home is outside of town proper and on a large piece of land, the setting is opposite of town living but just as wonderful. The space is cozy, warm, and comfortable.

“I love it out here,” I tell him, meaning it. “All the open space and the woods on the edge. It’s a perfect place for Dutton to roam. I feel safe here.”

Despite being in town with neighbors close by, I hadn’t always felt safe in my original home. The devil lived inside my house.

Clay is an angel in comparison.

“I just want you to be happy.” He presses a kiss to my forehead before turning back to the movie.

I want him to be happy as well, and the concern that one day he won’t be, still rears its head occasionally.

+ + +

Another Sylver Sunday arrives, only this one is full of excitement. Clay’s brother Ford was once a famous centerfielder for the Chicago Anchors, which I already know. And his girlfriend is Cadence, a world-renown country music singer who I have yet to personally meet. She’s finally home from a short tour, so she’s attending the gathering. Everyone in the family is thrilled to learn she’ll be making Sterling Falls her permanent residence with Ford and his three energetic girls.

Winnie has been a godsend for Dutton, and I dare say she alone has convinced me to put Dutton in the local elementary school after the holidays. They will be in the same grade and the school has honored my request to have Dutton in the same classroom as Winnie to ease the transition to the formal setting.

I’ll miss our homeschooling sessions, but I’m not cut out to be a teacher. I can tackle the homework and special assignments, but any education from me is more unstructured and carefree than math problems and proper English.

As we enter the house, the noise level is louder than normal. The girls are excited to have Cadence present.

Winnie rushes to Dutton. “Meet my new mom.”

Clay and I exchange glances. Is there something he forgot to tell me? He softly chuckles and wraps his arm around my shoulder, tugging me to him and pressing a kiss to my temple. He’s become openly affectionate with me around Dutton and his family.

For the first time in a long time, I’m truly happy. A fact that unsettles me, and I can’t stop the nerves jittering through me.

“And who is this?” Cadence squeals, squatting to eye Dutton. “Winnie told me she had a new best friend.”

Cadence has long, acorn colored hair, a contrast to her blonde stage persona. She’s expressive and friendly, and so much more than I expected a country superstar to be. She’s genuinely excited to meet Dutton.

Dutton shies a bit at Cadence’s exuberance, but he still smiles deeply at her attention.

“I heard you love Princess Power. The pink one, right?”

Dutton is adamantly nodding, confirming the information.

Cadence stands to her full height. “Then I think a Princess Power sleepover party is in order. You, Zelle, Winnie, and June. Soon?”

Cadence glances at me. Unfortunately, she’s dangled the carrot before a rabbit, and Dutton is rolling on the balls of his feet, hands clasped together in a plea.

“I don’t know,” I whisper, reaching out for his longer bangs and tugging them back from his face. “Let me discuss it with Clay.”

At my statement, the room slowly quiets, like I’ve said something the others aren’t certain they’ve heard correctly or maybe shouldn’t have heard at all.

On the verge of asking if I said something wrong, my palms grow sweaty until Clay clasps his hand around mine and lifts that hand to his mouth, pressing a soft kiss to the center of my palm. His eyes are bright, a small smirk playing on his mouth when he looks up at me. Then he glances at Dutton, giving him a smile as well.

“Mavis and I have news, too. We are officially living together. Mavis, Dutton, and me.” Clay winks at Dutton who turned his head toward Clay when he heard his name.

Another roar of congratulations goes up. The family is chaos once more as the Sylver brothers step forward to hug Clay and Vale swipes at a tear escaping her eye.

“Welcome to the family,” Cadence says, offering me a hug. “It’s a wild ride among these Sylvers.”