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“You’dneverscare me away,” I told them. “In fact, I’ve been given the chance to leave. Not once did it cross my mind, though. The more I thought about it, the more sure I was, too.”
They stared back at me in surprise as I told them all about the guest house on my sister’s property, and the offer from Patrice and John. For a minute or so they actually looked worried, but now it was my turn to place my hands ontheirthighs and squeeze them reassuringly.
“I’m here because Iloveyou,” I said wholeheartedly, “but also because I love the children too. I love the life we have, the relationship we share. I love all the crazy things we’re building around us.”
I gestured all around the room, and especially toward the plastic construction curtains. The guys followed my hands all the way back to their laps.
“But there’s one more thing,” I said solemnly. “Something else that needs to happen if we’re going to continue.”
I sank to the floor and turned around, just so I could look at them both at once. Sitting on my feet, holding the wine glass between my thighs, I waited until I had their full attention.
“I need to be kept in the loop,” I said plainly.
They were staring at me candidly, quietly. Or maybe they were just staring at my thighs, I wasn’t really sure. But it was Liam who finally spoke.
“The…loop?”he asked quizzically.
“That’s right,” I nodded. “If I’m going to be your girl…” I paused, letting my gaze drop into my wine glass. “And Iamyour girl, make no mistake about that…”
“You want to know everything,” said Liam. “About us. About the Shop.”
“Abouteverything,” Duncan added, finally understanding.
I sipped my wine and nodded. “Yes.”
The guys settled back into the couch, as I glanced up at them again. For once, they didn’t have to consult each other. Their heads bobbed together in unison, but independently.
“Okay.”
My heart filled with a rush of acceptance and happiness. It was the last obstacle. The only thing still standing between us that wasn’t transparent or shared.
And it was finally coming down.
“First, we need to tell you about the Shop,” said Duncan evenly. “You should know exactly what we do there. How we do it.Whywe do it.” He swallowed the rest of his beer. “And after that…”
Liam patted the place on the couch where I’d been sitting moments ago. I hopped back into it as he slid his arm around me.
“After that, we’ll tell you why Julius isn’t here.”
I felt warmer than ever. Loved and accepted. They were taking me into their fold, their circle of trust. It was an important moment for them, and me as well.
“I want to know these things,” I said softly. “All these things, and more. But first—”
I rose abruptly, setting down my wine glass and reaching back for each of their hands. When I had them, I pulled the boys to their feet.
“First I need to take you down this hallway and show you both how much I’vereallymissed you…”
