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Her eyes widen, and for a moment, Gage is afraid he's said too much, but then she smiles and pulls him into a tight embrace. "I–I–"
He holds her against him and whispers in her ear, “It’s okay, babe. You don’t have to say anything.”
He feels like his heart might burst with happiness as he soaks in their embrace. She may not be ready to say the words, with all her trauma, maybe she never will, but he’s content to let her figure that out on her own. He’s happy to have whatever she is able to give him. He doesn't need the words as long as she's satisfied with their mating and able to show it with that beautiful smile of hers.
“I know we have a lot to figure out.” Not to mention the threat of Vance looming over them, but he wasn’t going to ruin this moment by bringing that bastard into the conversation. "Your life here, and my responsibilities in Crescent–”
Static from Gage’s walkie-talkie breaks the moment.“Gage, It’s Matt. We’ve got an issue here down at the barn. Over.”
Lilly steps back and raises an eyebrow.
Frowning, he unclips his handset from his belt and replies, “I’ll be right there. Over.”
Gage steps into the bustling barn with Lilly at his side, scanning the crowded living quarters to assess the situation. Despite the retrofit, cots are shoved into every available nook and cranny, and people are milling about practically shoulder to shoulder. The arrival of the clones and the displaced Homani has strained the already limited space. Matt says as much after he waves Gage over to where he’s speaking with Kate, their resident foreperson.
Matt sighs, running a hand through his hair. "It’s becoming a real issue. There have been some minor fights over space. The last thing we need is division. The living quarters just can't accommodate everyone comfortably."
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Lilly asks.
Kate chimes in, her dark brow furrowed. "The clones and the displaced Homani deserve a safe place to stay, but we also have to consider the well-being of everyone. We can't let the tension escalate further."
Gage nods, rubbing his jaw. "We need to find a balance. Maybe we can set up some temporary shelters outside the barn for the clones. It would give them more space while ensuring the Homani feel less crowded."
Kate turns to them, a hint of desperation in her rounded eyes. The strain of managing their growing numbers is evident on her face. "Actually, we have some spare materials in the storage room."
Matt's eyes brighten. "That might work. We can create designated areas for each group and establish some boundaries."
"But we need to communicate this effectively to both groups," Kate adds. "It's crucial that they understand we're trying to address the issue and that we value everyone's needs."
Gage nods with a renewed sense of determination. "We'll gather everyone and have a meeting. We can discuss the situation openly, hear their concerns, and propose our plan. Collaboration is key here."
“Agreed.” Matt looks at Kate. “Call the meeting.”
As the moon peeks over the horizon, Matt pulls Gage aside. “Walk with me for a moment?”
“Sure, what’s up?”
Matt motions for Gage to follow as he turns away and walks toward the field. With his gaze fixed on the night sky, he says, “We do have two houses we could use.”
Understanding dawns on Gage. “Ahhh, April’s.”
“Yeah, April’s and Maverick’s.” Matt rubs the back of his neck, then runs his hands through his hair. He winces. “I’ve been talking to Calli and Jax about this, but I’d like your perspective as her mate and as the person she’s been opening up to lately. Do you think it’s too soon for Lilly if I ask the girls to pack up April’s things?”
Gage scratches his jaw. “No, I actually think it may do her some good. Closure,” he says as he eyes the leader of Smith’s Farm. “I haven’t had a chance to talk to you much today, but Lennon got word that larger groups of clones from other areas may be coming our way. I know we’ve had a steady influx so far, but apparently, word has spread amongst the colonies, and they want to help in any way possible.” He crosses his arms across his chest. “At the end of the day, we are all Homani, and this is now our fight, too. With Vance stirring up shit on the radio, we may need the extra help when he decides to make his move. We’re going to need more space.” He pauses. “What about Maverick’s?”
A deep sigh escapes Matt. “I’ve been meaning to get to it. There’s a lot to unpack, both figuratively and literally.”
Gage digests that comment for a moment before he speaks. “I could do it. I don’t have any connection to him other than he was my original. It may even give me some insight into the man I was cloned from.”
Matt cocks one eyebrow. “You sure? Sometimes the answers we seek aren’t always the answers we want.”
Gage surveys the fields as he ponders Matt’s words.
He turns and looks at Matt directly. “I know.”
With a clap on Gage’s back, Matt says, “I appreciate this. I’ll show you where his house is. Maybe you can work on it while the ladies clean out April’s.”
“Pick me up tomorrow. I’ll be ready.”
