Page 126 of Stay

When Sutton comes back alone around lunchtime, saying Scarlett and Grinny are at the house with Owen and Tracy, he looks like a man on a mission.

“I was hoping I could have a word with the three of you,” he says, looking at me first and then my parents.

My mom shoots me a look likehere we go—lawsuit!

“I talked to Wyatt last night and he let me know about them keeping you longer. First, I want to assure you that your job is secure with us as long as you want it.” His eyes heat through me when he says this, and it’s obvious to me that he would say this a lot differently if my parents weren’t here. “Best-case scenario and what I’m hoping for with all my heart, is that you recover completely and right away, and that has nothing to do with the job. I want you to take as much time off as you need to recover. I insist on it, actually. Owen will be covered.” He leans in, his forearms dropping to his thighs. “That being said, because Wyatt also said that ideally, he wouldn’t want you to make the trip to Silver Hills for a while, or anywhere else, for that matter, I’ve gotten the guest room on the main level ready for you.With the size of my family, there will be someone who can help with whatever you need, whenever you need it.” He looks at my parents. “And the room above my garage where Felicity has been staying is available to you at any time…or the whole time she’s recovering, should you want it.”

My parents look at him, stunned, and my mom speaks first.

“That’s very generous of you. But don’t you think you should come home, honey? I’m sure you’ll be better in no time, but it’d feel good to be home, wouldn’t it?”

“I’d like to stay here. This is my home.” My eyes shift from my mom’s to Sutton’s. “I won’t need a babysitter though. I’ll be fine.”

My mom lets out a long-suffering sigh and nudges my dad.

“Well, we’d rather you be home,” he says. “But since you’re an adult?—”

“How about you let us talk about it with Felicity,” my mom interrupts.

“Mom—”

Sutton is already standing. “Sure. I’ll give you time. I just wanted you to know the offer stands.” He smiles at me and moves toward the door, turning to look at my parents one more time. “I really care about your daughter.”

And with that, he leaves.

“Felicity?” My mom faces me. “What did he mean by that?”

I close my eyes. “He’s a generous man.”

My mom sputters and I could put her mind at ease by downplaying my relationship with Sutton or I could tell her everything, but I’ll wait to see where Sutton stands when it’s all said and done. It took a lot for him to say what he did to my parents, but will he ever let himself love me completely?

I’m just not sure. All I know is that my feelings for him…they’re vast.

He makes me wish for forever.

I fall asleep and dream of him.

Two days later, Sutton and Owen lead me into their guest room. Since seeing it once, I haven’t been back, and it’s evident that they’ve added some loving care to it just for me.

A massive bouquet of flowers sits next to the bed, and on the dresser, there’s an overflowing basket of goodies. I gasp when I see the soft pajamas, cozy socks, a green zip-up hoodie, one of Ruby’s emu water bottles and a mug, snacks galore, and a gift card for audiobooks.

“The girls helped us with the pajamas and socks…and Ruby’s merch, obviously,” Sutton says, hovering over me like I’m about to fall.

“And I picked this out,” Owen says, touching the hoodie.

“I love it. This is so sweet. All of it. And the flowers are beautiful.” My voice wobbles and Owen stares at me and then his dad in alarm. “I’m okay. Remember they said I might be a little extra—” I point at my face and the tears starting to fall. “Don’t worry,” I tell them both.

“Everyone wants to help,” Sutton says. “Just tell us when we’re too much. Wyatt had a family meeting last night after he talked to you…we all just want to make this as easy for you as possible.”

That makes me cry harder, which makes my head hurt more, but I keep that to myself.

“I can’t believe how great you are. The whole family. Thank you.” I wipe my face. “But I really don’t want to be a bother to anyone.”

Sutton waves me off. “You aren’t. We all care about you, and this is what the Landmarks do when we love.” His eyes gleam when he saysloveand my stomach flip-flops.

He doesn’t take the word back either.

For the first two weeks, when Sutton’s not here, there’s someone else in the house at all times. My parents and Weston are here all the time. Olivia comes once with my mom. And everyone in Sutton’s family, and I do mean everyone, even Pappy, comes and sits with me while Sutton or another family member takes care of Owen. They’re quiet and let me rest, but they also keep me fed and stay after me to drink my water.

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