Page 31 of This Feeling

“Declan! I’ve been trying to reach you but you haven’t responded. I was worried.”

I drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out. I needed to nip this shit in the bud right now. I loved my mother dearly, but if she started this shit, I’d be hightailing it out of Moose Village faster than you can say my name.

“Mom, we can’t start this.”

“Start what?”

“You, wanting to know where I am at all times, or having twenty-four-seven access to me. I’m a grown man, and I’ve managed this long without having to check-in. Also, please donotcall Sean to have him follow up for you. He has better things to do with his time.”

“I don’t expect to have twenty-four-seven access to you.”

Biting back a laugh, I replied, “You had Sean call me because you couldn’t get a hold of me yourself, Mom. You texted me a dozen times and left…” I pulled my phone away from my face to see that she’d left me three voicemails, just in the short time Harper and Brystol were here. “Three voicemails.”

“Are you sure I left three? I thought I only left two.”

“You know I love you, and I’m sure it had to be hard for you when I was gone all those years, but youreallyhave to give me my space.”

She let out a long breath. “I’m just so glad to have you home, and I want to see you and speak to you as much as I can.”

I felt bad, but at the same time, I knew my mother. She had a way of manipulating people when she wanted things.

“I’m not going anywhere. And you need to stop calling Sean when it comes to me.”

“I called him one time.”

“Mom, he’s always had a hard time with the additional attention you’ve shown me.”

“You were in a dangerous job and in the military! I had every right to worry about you. I don’t love you any more than I do Sean.”

“I know that, but he doesn’t see it that way. If you can’t reach me, leave a message, and I’ll call you back when I can. But please don’t ask Sean to try to figure out where I am. That’s not his job. Okay?”

“I admit, that was a poor decision on my part. I won’t do it again.”

“Do you promise me?”

Another sigh came through the phone. “I promise. Now, the whole reason I called was to see if you’re free Sunday evening.”

“As far as I know, why?”

“Family dinner night.”

I closed my eyes and slowly shook my head. All ofthatover family dinner? “You could have just sent a text about it.”

“I could, but I wanted to hear your voice.”

I rubbed at the sudden ache in the back of my neck. It was slowly moving up, and I could feel one hell of a headache coming on.

“I’ve got to run, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you too! If you’re free, stop by the house. I made your favorite dessert, no-bake éclairs!”

“I’ll try, but I’ve got to head to the station.”

“And you’re set on the whole police officer thing?”

Letting out a frustrated sigh, I said, “Mom…”

“Right, right. I’m sorry. You’re a grown man.”

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