Page 142 of A Little Secret
“If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have made the calls,” Uncle Henry returns.
Relief and trepidation wash over me as I register his words and how weighted they really are. The combination is so potent I’m afraid I would’ve fallen on my ass if I hadn’t already been sitting.
“Seems you’re staying in Lockwood Heights, Griff. Congratulations.”
Seems you’re staying in Lockwood Heights.
I’m staying in Lockwood Heights.
I don’t have to move.
I don’t have to leave Fin.
I don’t have to leave the baby.
I get to stay.
I get to stay.
I get to stay.
But that means…
Shifting in my chair, a wave of nausea knots my stomach, and I ask, “What about Ev? Did he…”
Uncle Henry holds my stare as a muscle in his jaw twitches. “Not a miracle worker, but I’m looking at some options.”
It’s not a no.
It’snota no.
I hold onto the glimmer of hope.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He taps his knuckles on the coffee table, then turns to Jax. “And speaking of children, have you heard from Rory recently?”
Jax shakes his head. “No, why?”
Uncle Henry sighs. “Tatum put it in her head that they should go to boarding school together next year.”
“She’s leaving?” Jaxon demands.
“Mia and I are discussing our options. We’ve tried talking some sense into Rory, but…a fresh start is the only thing we haven’t tried yet.”
I’ve heard the rumors. After Rory’s brother’s death, she’s been in therapy and has a tutor to help her keep up with her classmates so she doesn’t fall behind. I thought it was going okay, but then she tried to kiss Jaxon, and that’s when things went to shit.
“Seems she’s pulling away from everyone,” Uncle Henrymurmurs. “Including you, Jax. And that was the last thing I would’ve expected, even after…everything.” His attention snaps to my big brother. “If you hear from her, or if she mentions boarding school, will you let me know?”
“Of course,” Jax answers.
“Thank you.”
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
FINLEY
It’s been a weird week. A good week but a weird one. We came clean to everyone about the baby’s paternity. No one even batted an eye. Pretty sure Everett warned them beforehand, but I’m not going to complain. Nope. Instead, I’m going to bask in the lack of drama for once because man, it feels like it’s been a lifetime since I haven’t felt on edge. If only it lasted longer.