Page 93 of Lorcan
Yet I’d still read the yearning in his expression. The deep-seated need to be needed. I could rely on him, but his soul called for something more. To, in his words, give back because of the grace he’d been shown.
Lorcan threw himself into my arms. A little awkward with the center console between the two of us. But clearly he didn’t care. He shook. “And we can keep her forever?”
I kissed his temple as I held him tight. “If she’s a good fit. Carter and Byron are prepared to take her back—but they’re not suitable for her as a permanent home.”
“Rosebud?” He said the name on a laugh.
“Yep. Turns out she’s super jealous. Who knew?”
“She’s a cute dog. They’re all cute dogs.”
“And, if she’s a good fit, then Mei will come home with us.”
“I’ll take care of her, Cody. You know I will.” He pulled back to meet my gaze. His eyes were extra dark with only the crappy pink halogen light from the streetlamp.
“I know you will, sweetheart. I don’t have a single doubt. But know this—she belongs to both of us. I’ll do just as much. She’s a present for both of us.”
“To make us a real family?” He blinked.
“Yes, a real family.” He rarely spoke of anything that had come before Stephen and, as time passed, he spoke less of his ex.
I’d told him I didn’t mind if he did—twenty-eight years was a fucking long time. Turning off those memories would be impossible.
He pointed out that now that Stephen was dead—and a real resolution was at hand—he could truly move on.
Whatever moving on looked like.
“Are you ready?”
“Yeah.” He vibrated with excitement. So often he had this wonder about life—as if he’d never seen things this way before. Which made me briefly wonder about the life he’d led. But that didn’t matter—he was with me now, and I’d make his life the best yet.
We hopped out of the car and hustled to the house.
Byron was at the door, holding it open for us.
I gave him a quick hug, then moved to give Carter another one. “Merry Christmas.”
“And to you.” The young man grinned. “Glad you were able to make it.”
“The snow’s been nuts.” I winced. “We should’ve brought dessert or something.”
“Of course not.” Byron closed the door. “We have everything we need.”
“We’re out of eggnog.” Carter arched an eyebrow.
“As I said, we have everything we need.” Byron gave him a small smile.
“Oh, eggnog’s the best.” Lorcan grinned. “Heated? With nutmeg? Oh God, how perfect!”
Which was why we had several containers in the fridge—enough to last at least until the new year. I met Lorcan’s gaze. “We’re ready to see the hounds.”
None had come to greet us, but that was partly because Rosebud would occasionally do a runner—more so now Mei was in the house. Byron hoped those impulses would disappear once their houseguest did. For now, they kept them safe whenever the front door was open.
Once we were safely inside, Carter opened a door that appeared to lead to the basement, and three dogs barreled out.
Sheffield immediately rubbed against Byron’s leg.
Rosebud yapped excitedly and circled around Carter continuously.
