Page 16 of Fragile Sanctuary

The almost pleading tone to Shep’s words had the tiny hairs on my arms standing on end. “I’m sorry. As long as he doesn’t play ninja again and scare the crap out of me, I’ll be nice.”

Shep’s lips twitched. “I’ll have a word with him about making noise when he walks.”

My fingers drummed the outside of my thigh. “Maybe I could get him a bell. You know, the ones they put on cats’ collars so they can’t surprise birds.”

Shep choked on a strangled laugh. “I’m sure Anson would just love that.”

I bit my lip to keep from outright grinning at the image of the broody bastard wearing a kitty collar—something in a glittery pink.

A horn let out two quick, light bursts as a sedan sped down the drive. I didn’t miss Anson’s scowl at the intrusion of noise and dust. It only had me fighting my smile harder.

The blue car stopped a few feet from us, and my best friend got out of it in two seconds flat. Fallon made a beeline for me, and even though she was tinier than I was and certainly willowier, she nearly took me out with the force of her hug. Honestly, it was more like a tackle.

“I’m so sorry I’m late. My home visit went longer than expected. Are you okay? How was it? Do you need anything? You know you can come stay with me if you want. I’ve got that extra room. We can move a bed in there and?—”

“I’m good,” I said, cutting her off. “Swear.”

Fallon released me, her eyes surveying like Shep’s.

I threw up my hands. “I’m not going to crumble. I’m good. If I’m not, I’ll come stay with you while reno is happening.”

Shep, taking pity on me, pinched Fallon’s side. “What am I, chopped liver?”

Fallon rolled her eyes. “I saw you this morning at the bakery.”

“I still deserve a hello,” he argued, looping his arm around her neck and giving her a noogie.

Fallon squealed, smacking at him. “Get off, you Neanderthal!”

“What? You don’t like the new ‘do?” Shep asked, laughter in his voice.

Fallon glared at him as she patted down her hair. “The last time you did that, it took me an hour to get the tangles out.”

As annoyed as Fallon was with Shepard at the current moment, it only made warmth spread through my chest. I loved their closeness and teasing care.

A series of tones sounded, and Shep pulled out his phone, scanning the screen. “Aw, crap. I gotta run. Issue on our other jobsite. See you guys for dinner?”

Nora’s dinners were legendary and frequent. She had an open-door policy where everyone was welcome, and the food seemed to never end.

“Yup,” I said.

Fallon scowled at our brother. “If I can untangle my hair in time.”

Shep sent her a mock salute. “I believe in you.”

Fallon stuck her tongue out at him.

He just laughed as he jogged toward his truck.

Fallon didn’t even wait for him to get behind the wheel. She simply grabbed my arm and tugged me toward the porch steps, pulling me down. “Tell me how you’re really doing.”

The late-afternoon sun cast a golden hue around the property, encircling us like a warm blanket. “I really am okay. Wasn’t sure I would be when I first pulled up, but Lolli brought me a dick flower, and that helped.”

Fallon’s brows just about hit her hairline. “Did you say a…dick flower?”

A chuckle left my lips. “Her newest diamond art creation. It’s now hanging over my mantel.”

Fallon dropped her head into her hands. “You aren’t seriously putting a—” She drastically lowered her voice as she stole a quick glance at me. “—penis over your fireplace?”

---