63. Chapter 63 - Cade
I lean back, patting my stomach that’s as hard as a rock under my ribs. “Those are the best biscuits I’ve ever had. They remind me of the ones Mom used to make.”
Lori’s cheeks brighten with a smile. “I think it was her recipe, plus a few steps.”
“I’d love to learn it if you wanted to share?” Rosalyn dabs the last of hers in the sauce on her plate.
Her growing belly has boosted her appetite. She’s finally less shy about eating in front of other people.
Well, it’s also been almost two months since that day with the excavator so it might mean she’s getting more comfortable around everyone.
Mason’s made a point of making sure we’re here a few times a week.
We’re little social butterflies now, flitting from house to house for meals and coffees. Damn it feels good to be back in the family.
“I wish you didn’t have to go.” Mason leans back, patting his own taut stomach. “It feels like we’ve barely scratched the surface.”
I shake my head apologetically. “Winter is rough on this busted up body. Besides, Ros has her first prenatal appointment down there next month.”
“If only we knew a doctor?” Dixon grunts, then raises his palms. “That was a joke, I completely understand.”
“Maybe we can come back next summer?” Rosalyn looks up at me, her hand lighting on my thigh.
“We can decide later.” My palm covers her hand with a small squeeze. I don’t want to commit to anything at the moment. It’ll be just a few months after she delivers.
There’s no way in hell I’m going to make her participate in a cross country trip if she isn’t ready.
But this? It’s a hell of a lure.
And as we stand to start saying our goodbyes, it’s a lot fucking harder than I thought it would be.
“Can I ask one small favor?” Mason stands, looking at Rosalyn.
Her uncertain gaze shifts to me.
“What’s that?” I step in, seeing her waver.
“If Rosalyn wouldn’t mind, I wanted to show you something before you go.” His lips thin, twisting to the side as his jaw clenches. “Won’t take but a few minutes.” He adds.
“Are you okay waiting, baby?” I watch her closely, waiting for any sign she’s unsure.
But her mouth stays firm when she nods. “Yes, I’ll see if I can sweet talk Lori into that recipe.” Her smile is wide and genuine when she looks to her sister-in-law.
I love that she has this new network.
“Come on.” Mason claps my shoulder.
He hops into their side by side offroad vehicle and pats the seat.
Shit. Okay.
I fold myself in and grab the handlebar on the roll cage when he takes off.
It’s a bumpy damn ride, rattling around my poorly connected bones until they hurt before he stops.
That’s when I see where he’s taken me.
“I found out that Wade was the one who put that damn rock here.” He pulls the familiar piece of jade out of his pocket. “I thought you’d want to be the one to put it back.”
When he drops the smooth stone in my palm, my throat feels like it’s closing up.
He walks with me to the gravestones and stands back while I set the green pebble on Mom’s grave.
Then he reaches for me, pulling me in for a fierce hug. “This is what she wanted more than anything. All of us, together.”
I know he’s right.
She told me.
Author's note: Thank you for joining me on this ride! I appreciate each and every one of you for reading