He pulls back almost abruptly and walks to my door.
He turns the locks—all of them.
“Oh, you don’t need to do all those—”
“I know. I’m making sure your brother doesn’t interrupt us.”
Epilogue
Rose
Three weeks later
Wesley gently twists my right arm, sweeping his eyes over the ink that covers those faint scars I’ve been hiding for too long.
“I love that you designed it,” he says softly. “It’s beautiful, Ro.”
I smile back at him, pulling my sleeve down since the skin is still a little raw. “Thank you.”
He leans back on the couch, his eyes dancing with that familiar mischief. “You know what else you do beautifully?”
I cross my arms in front of my chest. “What’s that?”
“Telling your big brother he was right when he brought you down here.”
I nod thoughtfully. “Mmhmm. Tell me, do you consider validation to be something you need from everyone close to you? Or only from family members?”
Wes tosses his head back with a groan. “Not this again. Glad you’re back on track—but you’re not licensed yet, so cut that shit out.”
I laugh and sit back, taking a sip of my wine. We’re at my cottage for a little welcome home party Wesley put together for me.
Ginger is here, and so are Connor, Dallas, and Ellie. Jack from the kitchen stopped by too, and I’m told others will be dropping by for my official welcome to Blue River.
Initially, the plan was for the guys to help me unpack the boxes I had shipped here last week. But then there was food, and hugs, and alcohol, and no boxes were being unpacked.
After my tattoo appointment, I convinced Wilder to go home while I stayed back to tie up loose ends in the city.
Once he returned, he took my brother out for a few beers. Wesley claims he was kidnapped, but in any case, they talked.
Neither one will tell me what was said, but supposedly, they’re OK now. And I hope that’s true. Because it would break my heart to weaken their bond.
Wilder reaches for my hand and lifts me off the couch. “Leave him alone, Blue. Should know by now, he can dish it but can’t take it.” He grins at his friend.
My brother’s eyes shift between us like we’re going to take some getting used to, and he pushes off the couch. “Better go refill the .?.?. cheese platter or something.”
I watch as he heads to the kitchen wordlessly. Then with a frown, I step into Wilder’s arms.
“He’ll be fine,” he assures me.
“Maybe we can find him a nice girl to distract him for a while.”
Wilder scoffs. “Good idea. Then I can come banging onhisdoor whenthey’retrying to be alone.”
Peeling my eyes off my brother, I watch Ginger and Connor with Ellie. They’re playing a “guess which hand” game with her while she’s propped up on the kitchen counter near the bowl of Skittles.
Dallas is watching them from the window in the dining room. His face is neutral. Then his eyes roam over the place, and I’m sure he’s remembering a different time in this cozy cottage.
Wilder turns my chin to him. “Everyone’s fine. How are you? You tired? Want me to kick everyone out?”
