Page 143 of Wild Card

“Are you joking?”

“Nope, how long you holding out?”

“It’s not his roof. It’s the Whitmans’, and that’s weird.”

“Feel your resistance. I was the same way, but they are awesome people.”

“You were engaged, pregnant, and building a house when you lived there.”

“This is true, but regardless of my situation, Doug and Celia didn’t blink an eye. They know these guys.”

“I get the jitters thinking about staying there with them visiting.”

“Get over it. Word of advice—stop holding out if you want to pack your own things. And decide what you want in storage for your house.”

“My house?”

“Shit,” she curses under her breath. “Listen, you’ll meet the Whitmans next weekend and understand. Major just got home, so I’ll see you tomorrow. Don’t be late!” She disconnects before I can prod further.

My stomach churns at the reminder. All the families are coming to Nashville next weekend for Rowan’s bridal shower. The next day is a baby shower for Harley.

Few of the many social events on the calendar Jewls created.

That’s not the issue.

The issue is Talon’s parents will be here.

Parents usually don’t scare me.

But April and Mark Simms are the parents of the man I’m madly in love with.

Not to mention, Talon invited my family, so it’s an introduction of the families.

A new incoming call chimes through the car with an unknown number on the dash screen. That’s the fourth today without leaving a message.

I decline the call. Last time I answered an unknown number, it was a solicitor claiming to want to buy my house. The man was persistent to the point of annoyance.

It’s not even my house to sell, and anyone doing research would know this.

I’m not in the mood to be annoyed this afternoon. It’s been a great week.

Talon’s birthday was one of the best days of my life, from the way it started to the night of being worshipped as Talon showed his appreciation.

Absolutely flawless.

And I can’t stop thinking about Rowan’s invitation to be in her wedding.

A huge deal… a mammoth fucking deal.

Rowan asking me to be a part of her special day is another layer of my place in Talon’s life.

Being with him has extended my family.

And tomorrow night will be another party for Finn and Declan’s joint birthday celebration.

I’m deep in thought when I mindlessly pull into my parking spot and exit my car. It’s not until a familiar cologne waifs in the air that my insides freeze.

Joseph is standing on my front steps. His haggard appearance is highly unusual, but it’s the vacancy in his eyes that has my skin crawling.

---