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“When are you coming?”

“I don’t know. I’ll see Ben tomorrow and we’ll discuss it. He’s going through some shit right now and trying to handle everything on his own. I just want to show him he doesn’t have to anymore.”

“So you’re lining up the move and then telling him about it?”

“Basically,” I confessed.

She laughed. “You’re crazy, and I love you. Can’t wait to see you soon. I know it’s all going to work out no matter what he’s going through right now, because you guys aren’t just mates but best friends. Remember that and you’ll be just fine.”

We hung up and I quickly called Kyle. Being so late, I chanced calling him at home.

“Hello?” a female voice answered.

“Kelsey?” I asked

“Yes, who’s this?”

“It’s Shelby Collier,” I said.

“Shelby! I was wondering when we were going to hear from you. Maddie’s been busy lining up housing and relocation plans for you and your new mate. It’s all she talks about right now. She is so excited to have you here.”

“She’s the best,” I admitted. “That’s actually why I’m calling. Ben’s been a bit tied up dealing with a tragic accident from his old unit, and I don’t know how much of all of this he’s had time to deal with. Maddie says there’s a house next door to her available, but that’s most definitely in Westin territory.”

“Kyle’s already approved it, but I know you’ll feel better hearing it from him. Hold on,” she said.

“Shelby?” Kyle asked as he took the phone.

“Hey, Kyle.”

“Everything’s good. You and Ben are welcome in Westin territory anytime and I have no problems with you taking over the vacancy. I hate having a good house just sit there.”

“Thank you so much, Kyle.”

“Do you have a move-in date yet?”

“No, but I’m meeting up with Ben tomorrow and will figure that out. I just wanted to get everything in order first. He’s been dealing with a lot and I’m not sure how much he’s managed to line up.”

“Yeah, he’s been minimally in touch with Patrick, enough that we’re aware of the situation and send our condolences. I pray his friends pull through. I won’t lie, we’re a little concerned with his mental capacity to take on a new unit right now. Maybe he needs a little downtime first.”

“I’ll talk to him and let you know for sure, but I think moving on right now would do him some good. A new focus will help him push through his funk.”

“I can certainly appreciate that, too. Keep in touch and let us know what you decide.”

“Thanks, Kyle. Talk to you soon,” I said, hanging up the phone.

I took a quick shower and my phone was ringing when I got out. I smiled when I saw it was Ben. We talked for about an hour. His friend Bulldog was doing much better and Crawley was finally stabilized. I could see his relief and feel the stress melt from him. I didn’t tell him about my talks with Kyle and Maddie though, or that I had quit my job. There would be time for that when I saw him in person.

I went to bed feeling better than I had in a week.

My final day of classes was harder than I thought. I made it a fun day with a holiday party for each class followed by a tearful goodbye. I had worked hard to wrap up all outstanding grades and surprised them with no assignments over the holiday break. I didn’t feel it was fair to have stuff hanging out there for the new replacement to clean up.

When my final class walked in, it was with long, gloomy faces.

“Word already spread, huh?” I asked them.

“You’re really quitting?” Caroline asked.

“I’m afraid I am,” I admitted.

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