CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO #2
“Well, I have to say, this is my first wedding slash home inspection,” Rose said with a laugh. “And definitely my first phallic diamond art. But you’re safe.”
Fallon grinned. “If you stick around Lolli, it won’t be your last dirty diamond art, that’s for sure.”
“I can make you one in any theme,” Lolli offered.
Rose swallowed her chuckle. “I’ll keep that in mind.” She turned to us. “Ready?”
Nerves flew around in my stomach, but Fallon leaned into my side, and I felt steadier. “Ready,” I said.
Cope took the canvas from me. “I’ll get started hanging this over your bed.”
“Don’t even think about it,” I growled.
He just grinned at me. “Payback.”
Dammit.
But I followed Rose as she led us away from the group. Once we had a bit of privacy, she sent us a soft smile. “It was a beautiful ceremony. Those vows …” She fanned her face. “I think I have some leaky eyeballs.”
I felt Fallon’s gaze on me, that unique signature in the air that told me it was her. She was searching for answers I couldn’t give her.
“Might want to get those eyes checked,” I said, trying to lighten the mood.
Rose chuckled. “I’ll be sure to do that.
” She flipped the case of her tablet over.
“I’ve gone through the basement and the upstairs.
Everything looks good there: smoke detectors in working order, fire extinguishers on each level, bleach and other harmful chemicals out of what will be Gracie’s reach, appropriate beds and bedroom furnishings, and the pond is secured by the rock wall and the gate to the dock. ”
My gut twisted at the laundry list of things we’d had to consider, and I knew there were more. Yesterday, Fallon had run around the house, pointing out every possible issue to Ellie. But I had to hope we’d seen to everything.
“I know people are having wine and beer now, but we made a locked cabinet for that,” I told Rose.
She sent me a reassuring smile. “You’re allowed to have alcohol on the premises. We just look to make sure there isn’t an excessive amount.”
I glanced around at everyone at the celebration. About two-thirds of the folks had some sort of drink in their hand.
Rose laid a hand on my forearm. “You’re having a wedding celebration. This is okay. Just take a breath. You’re doing great.”
I did as she instructed but still couldn’t let go of the worry.
Then, a pinky curled around mine. I looked down to find Fallon standing next to me.
She’d changed out of the wedding dress and into a white sweatsuit bedazzled with the word Bride—a gift from Rhodes and Lolli.
She still looked so stunning it stole my damn breath.
She squeezed my pinky. “We’ve got this.”
“We’ve got this,” I echoed.
“All right. On to the question portion,” Rose said easily. “Will there be any firearms in the house?”
“No,” I answered instantly.
“If that ever changes, we need to make sure you get a gun locker.”
“It won’t,” I answered firmly. I’d seen far too much violence in my life, and I didn’t need any more reminders of it. And I was sure my sisters had experienced much of the same.
“All right. What vehicles will you be transporting the girls in?” Rose asked.
Panic lit Fallon’s eyes as she jerked her head in my direction. “I didn’t think about cars. Your truck only fits two people, and my hatchback is in rough shape.”
For once, I felt like I had my shit together. I gave her pinky a squeeze. “I actually have that covered.”
“You do?”
“I do.” I tugged her in the direction of the massive five-car garage. “Come on.”
We moved through our friends and family and entered the attached building. I flipped on the lights, illuminating two top-of-the-line Audi Q7s. One was sparkling white, and the other was pitch black.
Fallon’s jaw dropped. “You bought us cars?”
I shrugged. “I figured we’d need ’em, and that hatchback of yours should be in the junkyard.”
She scowled up at me. “I was going to retire her after this winter.”
I leaned in closer to her. “Well, now you can send her out to pasture a little early and not give me a heart attack every time you drive.”
Rose chuckled. “That old girl was making some interesting sounds every time you parked.”
Fallon blew out an exasperated breath. “Don’t gang up on me.”
“Only when it’s for your own good,” Rose shot back as she moved to walk around the vehicles.
“These models are on the list for top safety picks, and Cope recommended some super fancy booster seat for Gracie. I’ve got one in each vehicle, and an extra in case one of my siblings ever watches her,” I explained.
Rose rounded the rear of the white SUV. “Looks like you’ve thought of everything. How will you handle the change to your schedules regarding after-school care?”
I nodded, appreciating the question. “I’ve already changed my schedule at Blackheart Ink, so I’m no longer available in the evenings.”
Rose arched a brow. “That’s a big change. A big sacrifice.”
“They’re worth it,” I told her simply.
“Yes, they are,” she agreed.
“You know you’ve already approved me to go two-thirds time for a few weeks during the adjustment period,” Fallon added.
“I do.” Rose made a note on her tablet. “And after that time has passed, will Kye be handling school pickups?”
“Yes,” I said quickly.
Rose made another mark. “Perfect. And your background checks both cleared.” She looked up at the two of us. “The official written notice will be forthcoming, but … Kye? Fallon? Congratulations. You’ve been approved for temporary custody of Hayden, Clementine, and Gracie.”
Fallon let out a shriek and launched herself at me. I caught her on a laugh, spinning her around as her legs encircled my waist. “Told you,” she whispered, her hands framing my face.
I couldn’t help staring up at her, taking in the miracle she was. “None of this would’ve happened without you.”
Her thumbs tracked across my stubble. “I’m not so sure about that.”
“I am.” I pulled her tighter against me. “Thank you.”
Fallon’s forehead dropped to mine. “You don’t have to thank me. I love them already.”
Because that’s who Sparrow was. She was so free with her affection and care, making everyone’s world brighter.
Her perfect mouth curved as her lips hovered near mine. “Ready to meet your sisters?”
Hell. My sisters.
I had sisters. Blood family that wasn’t trying to kill me and didn’t think I was worthless. I just hoped like hell I could be the brother they deserved.