Page 119 of Broken Skulls

She gives me a side hug. “He’ll come around.”

“What’s the longest he’s stayed down there?” I ask her.

“Ten days.”

“It’s already been eight, and I don’t think he sounds anywhere ready.”

Jesse steps out onto the porch. “Your music stopped. Do you want me to start something else? I promise to pick something that will really drive him nuts.”

Lily gives me a questioning look.

I shrug. “Just a little tactic I learned from him.”

She chuckles and shakes her head.

“Go for it!” I yell to Jesse. She gives me a thumbs up before heading back inside.

The day wears on, and we get so much done. Another day of work and I think we’ll have it licked.

I’m sitting by the bonfire the guys lit when it starts to get dark. Everyone is relaxing after a hard day’s work, beer in hand. Life feels good. The only thing missing is Jacob. I’m staring into the flames when Petey sits down beside me.

I sit up straight.

He shakes his head. “I’m not as mean as I look,” he jokes. “Relax.”

My shoulders fall. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend.”

“No offense. It’s what I’m going for … most of the time,” he adds.

“Well, you and your wife are a good match. She scares the fuck out of me.”

He laughs loudly, throwing his head back. “Me too, girl. Me too.”

His hands clasp together, and he stares at the ground. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Okay.” I bite at my nail, wondering what he could want to talk to me about.

“I was inside, and Lily told me that Charlotte painted the dragonfly on the fridge.”

A little poof of air rushes out of my mouth as if I was punched in the gut. “Oh,” I say, hoping he doesn’t notice.

“My daughter is talented at many things, but she is no artist.” He stares into the fire. “I’ve been out here many times, and I’ve never seen that painting on JD’s fridge.”

“Um.” I scratch my head, trying to think of a way out of this.

He reaches out and wraps one of his big hands around mine. “Hey. I’m not asking for an explanation. I’m just letting you know that if you have a little someone out there, and you need help getting them back, you let me know.”

I take a deep breath, staring at the flames dancing in the reflection of his dark eyes. He’s dead serious.

He glances around, making sure no one else hears us. “Your secret is safe with me.”

And I believe him. Petey is a man of his word.

“They aren’t little anymore,” I answer, giving him my honesty and trust.

He nods, satisfied with my response. “The fact it’s hanging on the fridge in there tells me you love them. Grown babies are still babies.”

Tears pool in my eyes, and again it feels good to be able to acknowledge her. “I do love her,” I whisper.

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