Chapter 18
Tabitha put the lid on the crock pot and set the timer.
Since Major was dealing with an upset Craig, she made her way to the family room and stacked some kindling and logs in the fireplace.
Using one of the long matches on the mantle, she lit the twigs, then sat back on her heels and waited for them to catch.
She didn’t need the heat, but she enjoyed the dancing flames.
They were peaceful to her. She had kicked off her boots earlier, so she sat on the sofa with her feet tucked under her.
All of her grandparents’ personal belongings had been taken when they relocated, but the memories remained.
Ghosts of Anthony’s and her younger selves echoed in her mind.
Chasing each other through the manor. Getting spoiled with cookies and cakes by Myra.
Gardening with Lawrence, and learning to drive with his husband, Manny.
All three of her grandparents’ human employees had passed on, but Tabitha and her family kept them alive in their hearts.
That was one of the pitfalls of living hundreds of years; they had to let go of their human friends and family.
Tabitha didn’t employ a fulltime housekeeper.
She did have a service come in once a month and do a deep cleaning, but other than that, she did the rest herself.
Tabitha enjoyed cooking. She didn’t get to do anything elaborate often with her work taking her away from home frequently, plus cooking for one wasn’t as fun.
Whenever she wanted to fix a big meal, she would invite Anthony and her cousins over.
Sometimes it was just the two of them, and others, she had a full house.
Unlike her twin, who lived in the middle of fifty-seven acres, Tabitha’s home was situated on five.
She didn’t need as much seclusion since she didn’t have wings.
Over the last few years, she had made it her sanctuary, though.
When Sebastian built the house, she asked that he clear out a spot so there were large shade trees in both the front and back yards.
They had planted trees along both sides of her driveway too.
She had a small vegetable garden off to one side in the back.
Since Carleigh had a swimming pool at her house, Tabitha opted not to have one installed.
The inside held lots of family photos as well as Connor’s artwork.
Her furniture was modern yet comfortable.
She envisioned Major adding his things among hers.
As most Goyles did, Tabitha had built a large house with several bedrooms. For now, those rooms were for when family visited, and later, she hoped to fill it with children.
Much later. Now that she’d found her mate, Tabitha was in no hurry to get pregnant.
She wanted many years with Major where they enjoyed each other.
Speaking of her hottie, the back door opened, and two sets of footsteps sounded.
Only one set approached the den, and they stopped in the doorway.
Major leaned against the frame, staring at her.
He didn’t move until she held out her hand.
Major lifted Tabitha’s legs and placed them over his. “Whatcha thinkin’ about?”
“This house and its memories. My house and yours. Mixing the two together. You know, putting some of your stuff in mine and vice versa.” She ran her fingertips over his forearm, the blond hairs bristling with each pass.
“I don’t think we need to try and do a set schedule, like three months at mine, then three at yours.
I think we just go wherever our jobs take us for however long they take us.
I’m sure there’ll be times when Mason has to assign us to opposite ends of the country, but knowing we’re mates, he’ll do the best he can to keep us together as often as possible.
Then again, we have enough money that neither of us would ever have to work again if we didn’t want to. ”
“You could be a fashion model, and I’d be your bodyguard.”
“McKayla has asked me to model for her.”
Major cocked his head to the side. “Which one is she?”
“Desi Rothchild’s sister. Jacoby’s aunt, even though he and McKayla are the same age.
I can’t imagine being pregnant at the same time Mom was.
Dad would lose his mind.” Tabitha plucked at her pants leg.
“McKayla designed these pants. She uses a special material that’s flexible, moisture wicking, and flame retardant. ”
Major ghosted his fingertips up and down her leg. “Functional and sexy. Speaking of Jacoby, do you know if they’re touring anytime soon?”
Her hottie loved Jupiter Madness, and as soon as they no longer had to watch over Craig, Tabitha wanted to surprise Major with a trip to Cali to meet Jacoby. “I don’t, but I can find out for you.”
Their conversation stalled naturally as they enjoyed the flames of the fire together.
If Tabitha had been at home, she would have found a book to read, but sitting with Major, even silently, was better than any romance story.
After a couple of hours, Major’s phone pinged.
He leaned over to dig it out of his back pocket and grinned when he read the screen.
“Marshall says hi.”
“Hi back.” Tabitha sat up and placed her feet on the floor. “Why don’t you chat with him while I go stir the chicken?”
Major tugged the back of her neck, bringing their faces close for a kiss. Craig’s door opened, so Tabitha did the responsible thing and pulled away. When she entered the kitchen, Craig was pulling a bowl of cut fruit from the refrigerator. “What is that?” he asked, pointing to the crock pot.
“Creamy chicken and rice. There are more frozen chicken tenders in the freezer along with some fish filets if you’d rather eat healthy. You can toss them in the air fryer with a few seasonings.”
Craig found a fork in one of the drawers and sat at the island.
He removed the lid and stabbed a grape. After shoving it in his mouth, he waved the fork in her direction.
“I’ll eat what you’re cooking. I’ll just have to spend extra time in the gym.
” When he started to put the fork back in the bowl, Tabitha grabbed the container.
She opened a cabinet and retrieved a smaller bowl, then dumped some of the fruit in it and slid it across the counter.
She put the lid back on the larger container and returned it to the fridge.
Ignoring the shitty look Craig gave her, Tabitha stirred the chicken so that the melting cream cheese was mixed in well.
Craig let out a huge sigh, and Tabitha leaned against the opposite counter. “If you’re bored, the TV has a streaming service, or the gym has plenty of equipment. There are a ton of books in the den, and I built a fire in the living room if that interests you.”
“I wish I could bring Olivia here. I know that’s not feasible, but I miss my wife.”
“Aren’t you used to being away from her while filming?”
“Yes but knowing she could be in danger…” Craig pushed the fruit around with his fork but didn’t get a piece.
“I know I can be a pain in the ass, but Olivia cuts through all the bullshit, keeping me grounded. Growing up the way I did, being the youngest in a family of royalty, I was expected to play a part where I was seen but not heard. My parents only dragged me out when I was needed for a photo op or a party where I had to behave a certain way. My oldest brother had it the worst considering he’ll one day take over for our father. ”
“But he’s a prime minister, not a king. Isn’t that position voted on?”
“Not in Talmet. When Italy changed from having a king to a president, the leader of Talmet, my great-something grandfather decided to change our government. Even though the leader goes by prime minister, the role is still handed down to the oldest son. Anyway, I’m not making excuses for my attitude.
I am saying I miss Olivia. Since this movie has been shelved for the time being, once this is all over, I’m going to take a hiatus for a while.
I’ve been going practically non-stop for almost twenty years.
I think I’ll take Olivia on a long vacation. ”
“I bet she would like that. Have you spoken to her today?”
“Yes, and she’s pissed. She has patients who rely on her, and being away from them isn’t making her happy.”
“Craig, our team is working overtime to find out who’s after you. The contract was closed, but they’re still keeping an eye on Cabretti. Since Daniel didn’t call you, who would he have reached out to from jail?”
“No idea. He doesn’t have any close friends that I’m aware of. I know it wasn’t our father because he would have then called me and chewed my ass out.”
Tabitha didn’t tell him there was a possibility that Daniel would join them if he proved to be innocent. She didn’t want to get his hopes up. It might be a couple of days before Zane could get out there anyway.
Craig finished his fruit and took the bowl to the dishwasher. “I think I’ll go run on the treadmill.”
Tabitha felt sorry for the man, even if he could be a jerk.
No one deserved to have their life threatened if they were innocent.
Major laughed, indicating he was still chatting with Marshall, so she took advantage of the free time and called her parents.
When Tessa found out Tabitha was in New York, she wanted to come hang out at the safehouse.
Since her parents were Gargoyles and knew how to keep a secret, Tabitha didn’t think Mason would mind, but she asked them to wait until the next morning so she could have some of her dad’s pancakes.
No matter how many times Tabitha made them, they still weren’t as fluffy as his.