Chapter 17
Malachi
“We’re going to call it a night,” I announced as I moved Gracie off my lap and moved to zip up Ev’s guitar case.
“What about smores?” Maisie asked as she fiddled with the bag of supplies at her feet.
“We’re skipping smores this time. But you guys enjoy.” I winked at Maisie as I got to my feet and reached for my crutches. Gracie stood too, righting her dress and twirling her hair around her finger as she waited for me.
“Goodnight, everyone. It was great to meet you all and share a meal,” she said as she made her way to the path.
Everyone called their goodnights as we walked back up the hill and through Ev’s house to the front door to grab her knit cap, my Stetson and our coats. Gracie opened the front door for me and headed for her car. I’d forgotten we’d driven over here.
“Did you really have fun tonight?” I asked as she started her car.
“I did.” She pressed her lips together before continuing. “You’ve found something special here. A new family.”
“They are. They’re my brothers in every way that counts.” I paused, not wanting to scare her with my next words but needing her to hear them. “They could be your new family, too.”
Color flooded her cheeks as she gave me a shy smile. She parked in front of my double-wide before speaking. “I have always wanted a big family.”
She came around the car and opened my door as I sat in stunned silence.
“Are you gonna join me?” she asked and giggled at my stupefied expression. It warmed my soul as I exited the car, crutches in hand.
“I’d love nothing more than to build on this family, with you.” I cupped her cheek in my hand, gazing into her gold-green eyes.
My heart was racing as I brought my mouth to hers and kissed her sweet pink lips. She was sunshine and comfort, happiness and home, and I couldn’t wait to spend more time with her.
My face was struck by cold wetness as I pulled away from the kiss, and we both looked up to see gentle snowflakes falling around us.
“We’d better head inside before it gets heavier.” I moved aside to let her lead me to my front door.
After I unlocked the door, we both took off our layers, boots and hats as we entered my heated living room. I was glad I’d had the foresight to keep the heat on; it always took forever to kick in, and if the snow was starting, we’d be in for a lot more before the night was over.
As I retrieved my phone, I shot a quick text to Ev to ensure everyone else was okay and knew snow was hitting us. We needed to ensure that we cared for the horses during the snowstorm and provided them with heating and coats.
He replied quickly, saying he and Oak were on it and as long as a blizzard didn’t hit, we could continue our usual routines tomorrow.
“Everything okay?” Gracie asked as she took a seat on the couch.
“Yeah, wanted to make sure Ev was aware of the snow and that the horses would be okay.” I sat next to her and placed my crutches on the ground at my feet.
“You need to call anyone? Let them know you’re okay and won’t be home tonight,” I whispered as I moved her long hair aside to kiss at her pulse point.
She was so responsive, and I relished all I could show her.
“Kai,” she panted, her voice turning breathy, and I hadn’t even started yet.
“Wildflower,” I murmured against her skin.
“I’m not sure I can stay. I…I should get home.” She faltered as I grazed my lips down to her collarbone, moving the fabric of her dress aside.
“You’re not working ‘till Tuesday, and it’s snowing. It’s safer to stay here.” I emphasized my words with more kisses to her neck and shoulder before nipping her ear and making her giggle.
“Okay, okay, but I should let Kath know.” She gently shoved at my shoulder, and I pulled back and stuck out my lower lip in a pout, making her laugh even louder. “It will only take a second.” She nipped at my bottom lip before standing and heading for her bag by the front door.
“There. All done.” She came back to sit next to me and placed her phone on the coffee table. As soon as it landed, it started buzzing furiously. Gracie huffed. “I’m going to call her or she’ll never stop.” She rolled her eyes as she glanced at the slew of message notifications.
“Go on, give her a call,” I said as I kissed her neck.
“You should stop that.” She moaned as she pressed call and put the phone to her ear.
I was so close to her I could hear Kath’s screech of a greeting.
“What do you mean you’re staying over at Kai’s place! Since when? Are you okay? What happened today? Have you been there all day?”
Kath asked her questions so rapidly, poor Gracie didn’t have a chance to speak. I held my hand out to Gracie for her phone. She shot me a worried look as she slowly passed it over.
“Kath, calm down.” Silence greeted me.
“Mal? Where’s Grace?” She sounded so unsure, I coughed to cover my laugh.
“She’s right here.” I switched the phone over to speaker.
“You’re on speakerphone, and with all your questions, you didn’t even give Gracie a moment to speak.
She’s fine, I promise. It’s started to snow here, so I think it’s safer for her to stay with me rather than tackle the roads tonight.
” I waited for a beat. “Will that be okay?”
Gracie let out a soft chuckle and rolled her eyes at me.
“I’m fine, Kath, promise. I’ve been here since I left, and I think I should stay the night. I don’t want to risk driving in the snow.” She rested her head on my shoulder, and my stomach flipped. She wanted to stay!
Kath spluttered on the other end of the line. “If you’re sure.” Her voice took on a serious tone. “You sure you’re okay, Grace?”
“I’m fine. It’s been a good day.” She sighed happily. “Was everything okay at brunch after I left? Indy okay?”
“Everyone’s fine. Hazel missed her auntie, but is excited for you to pick her up tomorrow. So, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow night.” Silence weighed heavy in the air. Kath cleared her throat. “Text me if you need anything. See you tomorrow.”
“Bye, Kath.” We both said in unison before I hung up.
“She’s very protective of you.” I hedged, rolling my lip through my teeth. “How much of your story does she or the Papadakises know?”
I wanted to know everything I could about the Grace that sat before me. Indy, Hazel and the Papadakises were clearly very important to her, so they would be just as important to me.
“I’d say most of the Papadakises know my story, but Indy and Seb were there for me as soon as I escaped and have seen me at my worst. Hazel, too.
I’d talked about it a bit with Kath. She’s become a great friend.
I’ve never had a close girlfriend, or a woman I could look up to before, and while she has no filter and is maybe a little too forthcoming about her personal life at times, I’ve come to love our friendship.
She’s not like anyone I’d ever met before, and I’ve really enjoyed living with her.
” Gracie paused, picking at her cuticles.
Something she always did when she was nervous.
I stilled her hands in her lap and waited for what she wanted to say.
“She knows about us…before today, I mean.”
My eyebrows rose at that. “You mean, like from the bar?” I still couldn’t believe all that had happened so quickly between us. We were finally able to pick up where we should have started, as if making up for all the missed opportunities.
Her cheeks colored as she nodded. I took her hands in mine and brought them to my lips to kiss the back of them.
“How does it feel to talk to someone else about us? I’m glad you have someone you can trust to talk to.
Kath’s great and a fierce protector when it comes down to it. She’s good to have in your corner.”
Gracie’s musical laugh met my ears as she threw her head back.
“She is fierce and one of a kind. She’s a conversational wizard and drew all my secrets out of me.
That’s okay, right? That she knows everything.
” She emphasized the last word, but I knew Kath well and she would have dragged all the dirty details out whether Gracie wanted to or not, that’s who she was.
“It’s fine. I’ve gotten to know Kath well over the last year, and it’s hard to keep any secrets from that woman,” I chuckled.
“Enough about her. I think we should get ready for bed.” I kissed her cheek and reached for my crutches before holding out a hand to help Gracie up and led the way into my bedroom.
Gracie paused in the doorway, leaning against the frame. She stared at my rumpled sheets.
I stepped closer and lifted her chin with my forefinger. “Are you okay?” I didn’t like the worry shadowing her eyes.
“Yeah.” She lifted my hand to her cheek and rubbed against it. “I’ve never slept in a bed with anyone other than Cain before. This feels like more, somehow.”
So many emotions played across her face to be identified. “I can take the couch. Whatever makes you the most comfortable.”
“No, no, I was just thinking.” Her other hand gripped my shirt, pulling my body toward hers.
A soft smile graced her face as she looked up at me.
“I’d much prefer it be you. I was just taking a moment to take in all the changes I’ve gone through lately.
It’s nice not to fear who I’m sleeping next to. ”
Even though she was smiling, her words still cut.
How long had she been living in fear?
How could my idiot brother not cherish the ground she walked on?
“I’m sorry for everything that’s happened.
But I’m here now, and I promise I’ll keep you safe.
” It was more than a promise; it was a necessity.
Nothing else would do. I would not let my brother hurt her ever again.
If I had my way, he and my father would be removed from this earth permanently.
“Are you sure?” I asked, gazing into her sparkling green eyes.