Page 144 of Sterling Stone

“It can be.”

As my smile starts to spread, the tears still fall, and I hear Aunt Trudy call out Simon’s name.

He looks up, rushing around me, no longer interested in my apology or my offer or magic. And none of it matters, as I twist, falling on my ass to sit in the grass and watch Simon reunite with Trudy.

That’s magic right there.

That woman. Her hugs.

More people filter out the door, the first in line being Judd, who embraces Simon hard and picks him up. Words are whispered by Judd to Simon, who nods into Judd’s neck. Genie stands nearby, eventually running her hand up Simon’s back. Only when he’s on his feet does he get a hug from her.

I sit in awe, in wonder, admiring how much this family loves. Not just each other but others around them.

Trudy and Simon.

The Havens, even Cortland.

Seven siblings. Six with partners. And a multitude of kids.

Stone is the rock for all of them.

And me.

His presence is felt behind me. He crouches in a way that one knee rests against my back, the other near my front, as if he’s caging me. Not a prisoner, but protection.

“Taxi.”

There is so much to be said, and yet I can’t get the words out. I only nod my head, leaning into him, sobbing against his shoulder.

“Shh, baby. He’s alright now. He’s home.”

I keep nodding, reaching for Stone’s neck, until the next thing I know, I’m up in the air, cradled against him. He spins for his truck, the passenger door still open, and he sets me on the seat.

“No,” I reach for him, shifting to keep hugging him, unable to let him go.

“I’m not going anywhere, sweetheart.” He rubs a hand up my back. The other holds my head to his chest.

“I’m so sorry,” I finally mutter. “For leaving last night, and reacting to what you told me about Sebastian, and⁠—”

“Shh,” he whispers again. “None of that matters right now. Simon is home. He’s safe, unharmed. We don’t need to talk⁠—”

“But I have so much to say,” I lift my head, meeting his gaze. His cloudy eyes look tired, concerned, with a twinge of sadness . . . because of me.

“I . . . I didn’t mean to overreact to what happened between you and Sebastian.”

Stone covers my lips with two fingers, but I need to get this out.

“I just needed a minute to process it,” I speak against his fingertips, and he pulls them back, lowering his head to listen to me.

“Since the moment I’ve met you, you’ve been such a . . . conundrum.”

He glances up at me, his thick brows pinching.

“Okay, maybe not the best word. It’s just that there are so many sides to you. Playful and protective. Family and friends.” I wave in the direction of the house. “You’re a great brother, uncle, father-figure.”

I watch as he swallows thickly.

“And you have an important job.”