Page 74 of Coming Home

“I’m so sorry, Shelby. I had no idea you could feel all that. I just didn’t want to burden you with all this, too,” he said, and I knew he genuinely meant it. In some warped way he was just trying to protect me.

“I get that, Ben, but things are different now. You can’t just hide something like that or ghost me and think everything’s going to be okay.”

“I know. I’m actually stateside, but I just can’t leave until I know Crawley’s going to be okay.”

“Is it safe there? We could try to get him transferred over to where your parents are,” I said.

“Um, that’s where he is already,” Ben confessed.

“Oh,” I said, not knowing how to handle that. “Your parents didn’t mention that.”

“That’s because I didn’t visit them,” he said softly. “I just couldn’t, Shelbs. They have enough on their plates without worrying about me, too.”

I didn’t even know what to say to that. He was only a short flight away and hadn’t said anything to me, but to be in the same building as his parents and not even check in on them was something I just could not fathom.

“I know in a way I’ve been selfish, but honestly, I’m just trying to get through this. It’s hard,” he said, and the turmoil in his voice nearly broke my heart.

“I have two days left of school before break. Do you want me to come?”

“You’d do that?” he asked.

“Yes, you idiot,” I said. I felt relief and happiness expand through our bond. “Did you really think I wouldn’t want to be there with you?” I asked before I could stop myself.

“I don’t know,” he said honestly. “I knew I couldn’t handle you saying no if I asked you to, and I knew you were already tied up with my brothers and school and everything. I couldn’t bring myself to ask.”

I was so frustrated with him, but I knew he was hurting and needed me.

We hung up and he promised to call and check in every day, no matter what.

The next morning I arrived to work early and headed straight to the main office. I didn’t waste any time giving my final notice. I didn’t explain much, just told them that I wouldn’t be staying in Collier much longer. I knew they would find a good replacement or realign the classes to cover mine with no issues. I’m sure it wasn’t the top thing on anyone’s holiday list, but I had to move on.

“You’re certain about this?” my boss asked.

I nodded. “Yes, and I’m so sorry. Different circumstances and I’d have probably stayed here teaching forever. I love it, but I love my mate more and our life together is leading away from Collier.”

With no more ties to cut, I had a few phone calls to make and then my parents and sisters to face. I asked them all to come to dinner the next night. When Peyton learned I was planning on cooking, she begged me to spare everyone’s stomachs and let her do it. Of course, I’d been counting on that already and readily agreed.

I made certain the dampener was on in my bedroom as I called Maddie.

“Hey Shelbs, give me two minutes,” she whispered. I could tell she laid the phone down and could hear rustling on the other end before she returned. “Sorry about that. I was just putting Sara down when you called. What’s up?”

“You know about the offer Patrick made to Ben, right?”

“Yeah, he’s due to report next week actually. Did you decide to come with him? We weren’t sure since Ben insisted on a trial period.”

“I’m coming, but I need to make arrangements for a place to live during this trial.

“Done, with options,” Maddie said. “Liam and I have already been discussing this. You’re welcome to stay at the lodge, but there’s also a small vacant house just down the road from us. We’d be neighbors!” she exclaimed. “Not that I’m pressuring your decision in any way. It’s a three-bedroom rancher, nothing fancy, but if you like the location and decide to stay long term, you could always rebuild on that site.”

“That sounds perfect, actually,” I said, thinking of the benefits of living next door to my sister and getting to watch my niece and nephew grow up. “I love that idea. Thanks! I’ll reach out to Kyle to get approval.”

“Do that, but it’s already been sorted. He knows Ben’s coming and already gave permission should you come with him.”

“Your doing?”

“Maybe,” she said. “I’m trying not to get too excited, but I love the idea of you being here. Having Lizzy half the year is great, but she’s always so busy and so caught up in Cole that I barely see her when she’s here.”

“I’ve struggled a little with the thought of leaving Collier, but having you there definitely helps soften the blow.”

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