Page 154 of Ethan's Sky

I know without a doubt, Lilah would be given the best of everything. She would want for nothing. She would have a home and brothers to watch over her and scare away idiot boys who only want one thing. She would get a great education and I’m sure Eli would teach her about business and how to make good money.

And Iknowthey would all love her dearly.

And while I know these are all wonderful things, I can’t help but feel as though, Lilah should stay here, with Ethan and me. But I don’t know how to bring the subject up to Ethan and I don’t want to upset Eli either.

We get through the gate and up the long drive to the clubhouse. Carter is running up the hill to the clubhouse with Caleb and Liz following close behind.

“Is Violet here?” My pulse picks up at the thought of seeing her. I still feel like the world’s shittiest friend for not being there at the hospital or even asking about her after everything went down.

Ethan smiles. “See for yourself.”

As soon as the car is in park, I’m out the door heading toward the clubhouse entrance. A small body plows into my legs seconds before I can reach the door, nearly knocking me on my ass.

“Auntie Sky!” Carter squeezes my waist, shoving his head into my body.

I ruffle his hair. “Hey, little man. Where’s your mama?”

“She’s inside on the couch. Declan said she got sick when you all went away for the fight, and she needs to rest for a few days. He took her home to his house to keep an eye on her and I got to stay with Caleb and Miss Liz.” My eyes land on Ethan as he walks up behind Carter, giving his head a little shake too.

“What’s up Carter, my man?”

“I got to feed horses, and goats, and Miss Liz even let me help her bake cookies for dessert last night. We didn’t feed the pigs yet though. She said they only eat every few days.” Carter shrugs his shoulders, but there’s something in Ethan’s expression that tells me those pigs were left hungry on purpose.

“Carter, I want you to meet a friend of mine. Her name is Lilah.”

Lilah sidles up to Ethan and shyly shakes Carter’s hand.

“HI! I’m Carter, I’m almost nine years old. Do you like farm animals? They have all kinds of animals here. Chickens, goats, horses, pigs, ducks, and two dogs. But they stay down at Miss Liz’s house to protect her when Caleb is away on business. Isn’t that right, Miss Liz?”

Liz and Caleb walk up holding hands and smiling.

“That’s right.” Liz’s eyes light up at Carter’s enthusiasm. I don’t know what the kid eats or how he manages to have so much energy, but Violet needs to find a way to bottle it up and sell it. She’d make bank!

Everyone enters the clubhouse and there’s already a room full of people.

I turn to ask Ethan, but he shrugs, ushering me further into the living space.

“Go visit with Violet. You know you want to talk to her.” My eyes bounce between him and Lilah, not wanting to leave her alone.

“Go on. Lilah will be fine. She’ll be right here with Liz. I’m pretty sure Carter is about to talk her ear off anyway.” He kisses my forehead. “I need to get into church.” One more kiss and Ethan leaves the room.

My stomach fills with dread, but I manage to muster up the courage to sit down next to Vi. Declan whispers something in her ear. She doesn’t appear to like it, but she nods, giving him the side-eye as he leaves.

“How are you feeling, Vi?”

“I’m okay. It was just a scratch. I’ve had worse.” She’s picking at nonexistent lint on her pants. “I think these men are taking things a bit too seriously, if you ask me.” The words are strong, but I don’t miss the way her voice wavers as she says them.

“Violet.”

“What about you? Oh my God, Sky. Declan said you voluntarily got into a van with two strange men.” Her voice carries, loud enough for Carter to hear her. He comes running over, stopping right in front of me, his hands firmly placed on his little hips.

“Auntie Sky, you aren’t supposed to get into the cars of people you don’t know. Stranger danger is real. There are bad people in the world who might try to steal you away.” I bite on my lip to keep from laughing. This kid has stolen a piece of my heart with is mile long protective streak, and his bossy little attitude.

I clear my throat, and with as straight a face as I can, I respond to Carter’s little tirade.

“You are very right, Carter. And I promise I will never do it again.” Seemingly satisfied with my answer he offers me a curt nod, then runs back over to the Pac Man game where Lilah has sat down to play.

“What really happened?” Violet whispers.

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