Chuckling, he’d pulled the empty glass from Caitlyn’s hand as Margaretha laughed. “Who knew a frying pan could be such a weapon?”
“I know!” Caitlyn had nodded emphatically.
After chatting a few more minutes, they’d hugged Margaretha tightly, Caitlyn tearing up as the reality of the night finally settled over her. As they left their landlady’s apartment, he’d swept Caitlyn into his arms and carried her up the staircase and into her apartment.
And now, lying in bed, safely tucked together, he said, “It’ll take some time to process, babe, and who knows how much more will come out with the investigation, but just know this: you did something amazing. You’ve made the world a little safer for those kids in your school, and that’s huge.” A tear slid down her cheek and he leaned forward to kiss it away. “I love you, Caitlyn,” he vowed.
Her lips curved and she let out another cleansing breath. “And I love you back.”
As she finally drifted off to sleep, he breathed her in, letting his soul settle. A future with her would never be boring… and it was all he wanted. Smiling, he followed her in slumber.
30
Six Months Later
“We’re almost there.” Caitlyn had her arm looped through Margaretha’s with Griffin on the other side. Caitlyn couldn’t help but bounce a little as they stopped on the front walk in front of the large Victorian home that Griffin and his crew had finally finished. It was the house that had a view of the North Central High School’s stadium from the back deck. Now, painted a soft blue with white trim, the house was a perfect mix of historical replication, just waiting for a new family.
The owners that had hired Griffin had had a change of plans halfway through his restorations. A new job in a new city meant they needed to find a new owner. Willing to sell for less considering the work wasn’t complete, Griffin decided to purchase the house. His crew could finish the work and sell it for a profit, or if things went the way he hoped, he’d keep it himself.
He’d involved Caitlyn in all aspects, keeping the new ownership a secret. She’d excitedly helped him choose paint colors, floor patterns, tiles, seeming to enjoy the research necessary to bring the restoration into modern times.
And when he’d dropped to one knee in the middle of the living room and proposed, she’d flung her arms around his neck and cried as he slipped the ring onto her finger. Claiming she couldn’t imagine being happier, he grinned, surprising her once more. Telling her that the house they’d lovingly restored together was theirs made the marriage proposal even more exciting.
When the house was finally complete, they moved in. Their families had helped with the move, and at the end of the day, as he looked around at the mass of people in the house, he’d grinned. Combining their two large families simply meant there was that much more love to go around.
Now, he and Caitlyn had a surprise of their own to share. After Terri and Bjorn had been arrested, their apartment searched, and their drug business dismantled, Margaretha had decided she no longer wanted to be responsible for a large house with renters. She wasn’t sure what to do but was ready to have fewer responsibilities. “I enjoyed being a landlady, but now, I think it’s time to step back.” She’d shrugged, adding, “But I have no idea what to do or where to go.”
“Then sell this place and come live with us when we move,” Caitlyn had blurted.
As soon as she spoke, her gaze sought his, and he’d grinned. His impulsive beauty had come up with the perfect solution. And now, they were ready to show Margaretha their surprise.
“Here we are,” Caitlyn said, her eyes bright with excitement as she gently pulled the blindfold from Margaretha’s eyes. “This is home.”
Margaretha blinked her eyes, then gasped, clasping her hands together over her heart. “Oh, my!” She twisted around and looked up at Griffin, her smile wide as tears filled her eyes. “It’s magnificent! If the inside is anywhere near as beautiful as the outside, you’ve outdone yourself.”
His heart filled with pride mixed with the joy of being able to share their house with her. “Come on, ladies. Let’s go in.”
The next hour was filled with wandering through each room, Caitlyn showing off each part of the restoration and Margaretha clucking with delight. The first floor held not only the living room, dining room, large kitchen, and family room but two rooms that had been a sitting room and office. Griffin had created a large bedroom, smaller sitting room, and full bathroom, just perfect for Margaretha. While Caitlyn had taken her out that morning for a leisurely brunch, he’d brought in his crew to help move her furniture into the new house.
As soon as she spied her beloved furnishings in her new rooms, she threw her arms around both of them, hugging them tightly.
The wide staircase led to the second floor complete with four large bedrooms and two full bathrooms. A smaller staircase led to the third floor for part of the attic had been finished into a large room, perfect for what he hoped would one day be a playroom for their children.
As they finished their tour, they once again wrapped their arms around each other, hugging tightly. He knew he was lucky. He not only had the love of his family but now his tribe had expanded to all of the McBrides, and by proxy, all of the Kings and now had the delight of bringing Margaretha into their fold, as well.
Looking up, Caitlyn declared, “We’re all going to be so happy here!”
He had no doubt she was right.
Six Months Later
Sharon McBride ran through the house after kicking off her shoes as soon as she entered the front door. The wedding at the church was over and the family photographs had been taken, and now it was time for everyone to descend on her backyard for the full reception. Even though the caterers were already here, Hannah was overseeing everything, and the setup was complete with tables, chairs, a portable dance floor, the DJ, and more tables laden with food and beverages, she was in a full-blown tizzy.
Before she made it to the kitchen, Colm caught up with her and gently grabbed her arm, pulling her in close as he wrapped her in his embrace. “Breathe,” he ordered softly, kissing the top of her head.
She did as he said and felt her shoulders relax ever so slightly. Mumbling against his tux-covered chest, she asked, “Why did I think it was a good idea to host the reception here?”
“Because Caitlyn’s our baby. Because we’ve spent the past almost forty years in this house celebrating every milestone. And because we’re lucky enough that when we asked her where she’d like her reception to be, she answered quickly that she wanted it to be here, surrounded by everyone she loved. And because of all of those reasons, we are blessed.”
She closed her eyes and tightened her grip around his trim waist. This man was her rock and had been for many years. Leaning back, she stared into his handsome face and smiled. “You’re right. Let’s go throw a party, sweetheart.”
He laughed, a sound she never wanted to end, and they walked together into the backyard. Thirty minutes later, with family and friends gathered, they turned and watched as the back door opened and Rory announced loudly, “Give a great big welcome to the newlyweds, Caitlyn and Griffin Capella!”