Page 61 of Recklessly Rogue

My sister can finally justbe. She can be happy, and she can rest. Of course, she’ll be working with the foundation, taking care of Mariah, and embracing her new life. But her spirit can rest. She doesn’t have to worry about money or material things. She doesn’t have to worry if Mariah is safe. She won’t be lonely or afraid.

I was always there and always did what I could, but nowIdon’t have to worry about her and those things for her either.

So, along with the happiness is relief.

We made it.

Through all the tough times, through all the anxiety, through all the hard work, we’re finally on the other side.

God, that feels good. It feels so good to take a deep breath and know that we don’t have to dread getting bills in the mail, worry if Mariah will qualify for enough financial aid to go to college, or dream about an amazing vacation where we just sit on our asses, eat incredible food, sleep late, and havenoresponsibilities for a week.

Now Scarlett can do that any time.

Fuck, I love that.

But I’m also hit with an incredibly strong sense of sadness.

Scarlett isn’t just mine anymore. I mean, I’ve shared her for sixteen years with Mariah, but that’s different.

Now, someone else, a grown adult from outside our little circle of three, has come along and taken up space in her heart.

I have to actually give up themajorityof her time, energy, and attention.

Those belong to Cian now.

So, directly on the heels of all ofthatis a strong wave of guilt.

I should feel nothing but happiness.

I should only want all of the best things for Scarlett.

But I do feel a little jealous, a little sad, and a little relieved all at the same time.

Scarlett doesn’t need me anymore.

Mariah doesn’t need me anymore.

April doesn’t need me anymore. I’m not so sure she ever really did.

And that’s all great. I’m so happy for them.

The only problem is, if I’m not taking care of someone, I don’t really know who I am.

I put the car in drive and head toward my house.

It’s time for me to go to New Orleans.

My sister will miss me, my niece will be sad, my friends will be surprised, but they will all be okay. They have other people, other things, to focus on.

But Henry Dean will actually miss me a lot.

And tonight, as selfish as it is, I need to be around someone like that.

Chapter 15

Henry

I’m in the kitchen at the breakfast bar when Ruby comes in through the back door.

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