“Not really. It’s just that Nelia says she’s very down and her mobility isn’t great.”
Caz’s dad survived the shootout at Galen’s house the night Sinner died, but he was subsequently arrested, charged, and imprisoned, along with several other surviving Sainthood members. He died three years ago in jail—from lung cancer—only a few months before he was scheduled to be released.
Mrs. Evans divorced him a couple years after he was incarcerated, and it helped to rebuild the bond with all her children. Caz bought his mom a new house in a nicer part of Prestwick, and his younger siblings still live with her. Nelia turned twenty-two recently, and Jake is eighteen. He just graduated high school.
We discovered Caz’s mom had Parkinson’s just after we found out about Bishop’s heart condition. It was a stressful time for Caz. I know being so far away plays on his mind, and I wonder if we are selfish to stay in Rhode Island. If we shouldn’t consider uprooting our lives and returning to Prestwick or Lowell, even if the thought doesn’t hold much appeal.
“Why don’t you go visit her this week? I know Theo is busy with work, but I could take a couple days off to go with you?” I offer. “We could bring the kids. They’d love to see their grandma.”
“I appreciate the suggestion, but it doesn’t make sense. We’ll be vacationing there next month,” he reminds me.
Every August, we return to Lowell to spend time with Caz’s family and to catch up with Bry. Bry has his own tattoo shop now, and business is booming. He’s been with his girlfriend, Deana, for years, though neither of them seems in any hurry to get hitched. We usually spend a week at the house on Galen’s family grounds—the kids adore playing in the maze—and then we travel to Arizona to spend a week with Mom and Lincoln. They are married now and happy running a successful law practice in their local town. Diesel and Denise try to coordinate it so they are there at the same time, and our kids love playing with their girls.
“And the garage is fully booked this week,” Caz continues. “Plus, Harry is on vacation, and we can’t afford to be another man down.” As a business owner, you’d think you could take time off whenever you want, but the reality is often the opposite.
“That’s a shame, but you’re right. Maybe we should send your mom some flowers, or I could talk to Nelia about booking them both in for a spa day?” I look into his eyes. “Do you think she’d like that?”
He kisses the tip of my nose. “I think that might cheer her up, and it’s very thoughtful.” He squeezes me gently. “Thank you.”
“Do you ever wish you lived closer? That we’d move?” I ask, swirling circles on his chest with the tip of my finger. “Because we can discuss it with the others, if you like?”
He tilts my chin up. “You’d do that for me?” His tone drips with incredulity. And I get it. He knows I’m not keen on returning to the area we grew up in, for a whole heap of reasons.
“Of course, I would if that’s what you need to happen.” And I mean it. They are not idle words.
He lowers his mouth to mine, kissing me tenderly. “I love the way you love me, Lo.”
“The feeling is definitely mutual.” I smile against his lips.
“And I appreciate the offer so much, but I wouldn’t ask that of any of you. I don’t want to uproot the kids. They are happy here, and I know it’d be painful for everyone to move back there. Especially you and Theo.”
Theo’s family situation hasn’t changed, and though he says he doesn’t care—that he’s moved past his parents’ abandonment of him—we all know it’s an ongoing source of pain because of the impact it has had on his relationship with his siblings.
Theo meets up with his sister Ria a few times a year. She’s three years younger than him, and she’s a doctor. She works in Jefferson City, Missouri, and she’s engaged to a fellow doctor. Ria is super sweet, and I’m glad Theo has a good relationship with her. The twins are a different matter. They are seventeen now and starting senior year soon, but Theo has little contact with them.
They were very young when his parents kicked Theo out of the house, so they didn’t have time to form a bond. They are virtual strangers, and despite Ria’s constant attempts to coax them into meeting with Theo, their parents have poisoned their minds to their brother, and they make no effort to get to know him. That hurts Theo. More than he will ever admit. I can only hope, when the twins mature and get older, they will see things in a different light and reach out to him.
“Would your mom and your brother and sister ever consider moving here?” I throw out the idea as it pops into my head. “We could find a nice place close by for her and help her sell her place in Prestwick? The Newport sea air might do wonders for her mood.”
Caz blinks a couple of times. “Why didn’t I think of that?” His eyes light up. “Nelia only has one more year left in college, and Jake wants an apprenticeship after he graduates high school. He could come work with me or Saint in either of the garages.” I can almost see his brain contemplating the pros and cons. He plants a firm kiss on my lips. “You’re a fucking genius, Lo. This is the perfect solution. I honestly don’t think my family is that invested in Prestwick. It holds a lot of bad memories for them too.” He glances at his watch, whipping the covers off. “It’s not too late to call them.” Grabbing his sweats off the floor, he hurriedly pulls them on. He crawls over the bed, kissing me again. “I love you.”
“Love you too.” I hold on to his face, demanding more kisses.
He chuckles as his lips brush against mine. “Don’t worry, queenie. I’ll be back, and you’re definitely due a reward.”
Desire coils low in my belly. “Damn straight I am.” I swat his butt as he climbs off the bed. “Don’t take too long. I’ll just be here naked, touching myself while I imagine it’s your hands covering my body.”
He slams to a halt, peering at me over his shoulder. “Fucking hell, Lo. I’m hard as a rock now.”
Giggling, I yank my nightdress up over my head, tossing it away. I cup my breasts, toying with my nipples, as I lick my lips, pouting seductively in his direction. “Chop, chop, Caz. Go make your momma happy, and then come back and make your wife happy.”
Chapter 7
Harlow
“THIS PLACE IS gorgeous,” I say, as Saint comes up behind me, circling his arms around my waist. I lean back into his hard chest, admiring the stunning coastline in front of me. The small golden sandy beach is private, accessible only by residents, so it truly is the perfect getaway spot.
“I’m glad you approve,” he purrs, pushing my new lavender-striped hair aside so he can plant kisses along one side of my neck. “I know we haven’t gone far from home, but I didn’t want to waste hours in the car.”
I spin around in his embrace, looping my arms around his neck. “It’s perfect, Saint. We have our own luxury cottage for the weekend, on this beautiful beach, and there is an abundance of restaurants, shops, and bars within walking distance. You couldn’t have chosen better.” I stretch up, kissing the corner of his mouth. “This weekend isn’t about where we are, but the fact we are together. No distractions. No kids. Just us.”