Page 120 of Knot a Bad Idea

“Ah. Hunter mentioned a game room, and River and Ben lost their minds. They’re playing pinball.”

I nod. “That sounds about right.”

Our house has a gaming room, complete with pinball machines, retro video games, and floor to ceiling shelves lined with board games.

“This place is fucking amazing,” Skylar adds. “I mean…wow.”

I look at her and frown. “You don’t think it’s too much?”

She looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “Uh, you know Devyn and I are going to be living here, right? It’s definitely not too much.”

I laugh. “If you say so.”

“Can I be honest with you?” Skylar asks, cocking her head. “Like, a thousand percent honest?”

I frown. “Aren’t you always?”

“True. Well, what I was going to say is…shut up and be happy. Like, embrace this.Enjoyit. You’re allowed to.”

I smile softly. “If you say so.”

Donovan findsme later in the backyard, sitting by myself at the glass table while the sun sets. Like the packhouse in Stone County, there’s also a gazebo and greenhouse, albeit a bit smaller.

“You’re out here by yourself.”

I look up at him, noticing the slight frown on his face. “I am.”

He nods, then takes the seat next to me, his ocean scent washing over me. “Is there a reason for that?”

The guests are still inside, lively chatter coming from everyone, but I needed a break.

“Just wanted to think for a moment,” I admit. I turn to Donovan, his eyes icy but unguarded.

Ever since the mating bite, he’s been more open with me. Sometimes, I can still sense the walls he tries to build, but even when that happens, he still stays near me.

It’s impossible for the four of us to stay away from each other for long.

I long for them, even when I want moments of alone time.

Donovan doesn’t press me for information. He just sits with me, and takes my hand from under the table, squeezing it.

“You’re got a lot of people that care about you,” he says slowly. “You’re very lucky.”

There’s almost a hint of wistfulness as he says it, and I squeeze his hand back. “You do too, now,” I say. “My family is yours. You know that, right?”

He nods, and a ghost of a smile spreads across his face. “If you say so. I’m not sure if I deserve it.”

I laugh. “No one deserves a Tammy Waters. But she loves you becauseIlove you.”

His scent deepens. “I am honored,” he says slowly, “to be a part of your family. And…I’m sorry.”

I shake my head. He’s apologized so much since our time on the yacht, and I’ve assured him over and over that he doesn’t need to.

But he didn’t listen. He opened up to me about everything in his past—about his complicated relationship with his mother, and his regrets and the pain he still carries with him. We visited her grave together and left flowers there.

He’s continued to be vulnerable with me, sharing the parts of his life that he used to be ashamed of.

“Your actions are your apology,” I tell him simply.