Page 106 of End Game

“It might be for a while. She has a cat.”

“She and Crispy may sleep here as long as necessary.”

Of course Grams would know about Crispy. Unlike him, she’d spent the past two years getting to know Kayla, rather than avoiding her.

“Or as long as she likes,” Lynette added.

“As may you,” Grams said.

“And face Zeke’s disappointment every day? No thanks.”

“Perhaps it is time for you to tell him the reason you changed your name when you left,” Grams said.

“And all but disappeared when he needed you most,” Lynette said.

Both precision knife cuts were delivered without inflection, without judgment. He didn’t bother asking them how they knew. They would no doubt give him the look, making him feel like an even bigger ass.

“I will, but it’s not going to change anything. The hurt is too deep.”

A large, vertical plaque hanging above the mantle of the second enormous fireplace caught his eye. A combination of sans serif lettering and cursive words layered on top of each other covered the white-washed wooden panels.

Noting the direction of his gaze, Lynette said, “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Our Lena made it,” Grams added, “at Zeke’s request.”

Family first...

Through blood

Through hate

Through fear

Through joy

No exceptions.

It was the “Through joy” that produced the drop of moisture that bubbled at the edge of his lower eyelid. They’d kept his unsolicited contribution, after all. Zeke had added the line even though Ash had nothing to do with BARS, not to mention how raw his brother’s feelings had been at the time.

“Still think a conversation won’t change anything?” Lynette asked.

The too-heavy tear fell over the rim and tracked down his whiskered cheek.

51

“Sorry to interrupt this happy moment,” Lynette said, her gaze landed on Liv and Zeke, “but there’s a situation we need to discuss as a family.” She motioned for everyone to join her, Grams, and Ash near the fireplace. “Gather around. You too, Kayla.”

Kayla’s eyes caught Ash’s, and he gave her a small nod.

Cruz and Phin finished refilling their glasses from the extensive selection of amber choices. Zeke pushed away from the mantel at the opposite end of the Hall. Kayla, Lena, Maddy, Cilla, and Liv popped up from the plush leather couches and took up identical positions on this side of the room. Everyone was present, except for Rohan.

Noticing her fourth son’s absence, Lynette looked at Lena. “Would you mind texting?—”

“Already done.” Lena smiled and winked at the older woman, who gave her an appreciative smile in return.

The front door slammed, and Rohan appeared. The rumpled nature of his dark hair and the laptop hanging at his side were testaments to what activity he’d been engaged in.

Lynette waved him forward. “Come sit, m’boy. Better yet, grab a glass of something that will ease the strain around your eyes.”

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