Page 126 of Unexpected Entanglement

“That’s a tempting offer, Chris,” Oliver said.

“Is Rowan coming out?” Alex looked back at the house.

Chris shook his head. “We’ve said our goodbyes.”

He had left her in her bedroom after he’d finished packing. It was easier this way.

“I’m sure you did,” Alex said, sounding as if she had more questions. But she decided not to ask them. “It’s been a pleasure.”

Rae then walked Chris to his motorcycle. In the two weeks he’d been on the island, he’d ridden it only twice. Once to the Brown Head lighthouse, and once when they’d gone swimming at the quarry. Both times, Rowan had ridden with him. He would store those moments in the memory vault.

“Why are you leaving now?” Rae demanded when it was just the two of them. “Rowan needs you.”

“She wants me to go,” Chris said.

“But why?” she asked.

“I understand why. And she’s right. Even if I stay now, I’ll have to leave, eventually. I have responsibilities and a demanding work schedule. Plus, I have to figure out my role in The Sullens. I can’t keep ignoring my family legacy, playing house with her while she’s trying to preserve hers. It’s wishful thinking.”

“Is it?” Rae asked.

“I don’t know how to do all that and be with her.”

“When the heart wants it enough, the brain can figure out a way. Dean and I did it with your help. Brandon moved to Paris to be with Callie and figured out a way to still create with the band. It isn’t all smooth sailing, but we all work at it to be with the person we love.”

“You assume she wants me to stay.” Chris gave his friend a side-eye. “She doesn’t. Rowan's got her own dreams, which I get.”

“Are you sure you’re reading her right?” Rae looked skeptical.

“Leave it alone, Rae. It’s what she wants.”

Chris stored his small bags in his bike’s storage compartment and turned to Rae. “You keep me in the loop?”

“Of course.” Rae hugged him. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you’ve done. I’m sorry—”

“C’mon.” Chris squeezed her tighter. “I’m not sorry about anything.”

Chris let go of Rae. “How long are you staying?”

“Dean and Maya are arriving tomorrow afternoon, and we’ll go home together in a week,” Rae said. “I’ll work with Rowan remotely, and we’ll figure out a schedule for me to visit while I can. It’ll be interesting how I’m gonna balance this new ball in my life with another baby on the way.”

“Yup.” Chris nodded. “I’m sorry I’ll miss Dean and Maya. You give them a hug for me.”

“I will.”

Chris was about to mount his bike when he felt a nudge on his leg. He looked down and found Felix looking up at him.

“Hey, boy,” Chris said as he squatted down.

“Is that a cat or a freaking lynx?” Rae exclaimed.

“Have you not met the cats? They kept out of sight because of the guests.” Chris laughed. “This is Felix. He’s the runt in the family. Look out for Charles and Naomi. They’re even bigger but not as friendly as Felix, so use your discretion.”

Scratching Felix behind his ear, Chris told the feline, “Watch over Rowan for me, will you? Tell the other two to look out for bad people.”

“You’re talking to a cat,” Rae said.

Chris grinned. “They scared off whoever broke into the equipment barn. Or the bastard might’ve torched my bike.”

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