Page 115 of Rex

“Craig said your debt is paid off, and you don’t owe him any more money. Mine is too. It’s a win for both of us,” Aria states while placing her cool palm against my forehead.

“That’s great. I wonder how long it’ll last before I incur another debt, though. The kid is ruthless.”

“I’m going to let everyone know you’re awake and doing better. Be right back.”

Aria leaves, and a minute later, I hear loud cheers from the main room. Footsteps follow, and my room is suddenly full of people. It’s nice to be back with my family.

“The funeral home let me stay during the cremation process. I have her ashes, and we can decide later what to do with them. Maybe bury them or spread them somewhere nice,” Candy explains. “Reeves and I found a company to clean the office building. They’re discreet and did a great job.”

“Thanks for all of that, Candy. Not sure what we’d do without you,” I say sincerely.

“I didn’t do much. There were so many men available to kick in the door I decided to stay back with Luke and Craig. Figured if I left them alone, Craig would have definitely found his way into the middle of the fight.”

“No doubt,” I agree.

“If you’re up to it, there’s some little people waiting in the main room that want to see you,” Candy says as she stands.

“Yeah. I am. It’ll be nice to see them again.”

Candy leaves and shows back up with the kids. Liam gets help onto the bed from one of the twins and sits on the edge, staring at my many bruises.

“Kithin door?” he asks, and I smile.

“Not this time, buddy. How’s everyone doing?”

That’s all I need to say, and the kids start chattering. The twins, Mia and Zoe, start in with a story about their donkeys, Moose and Matilda. When one pauses, the other takes over. It’s cute to watch just how identical they are in some ways.

Little Alex is sitting on the other side of the bed near my head and is telling me all about her little sister, Charlie.

Chasin, Gunner’s youngest, and Kalea, Vex’s daughter, are being held by their moms at the foot of the bed. Luke and Craig are sitting on the dresser, signing to each other, totally ignoring the chatter. Some of the guys are near the door, with Chubs and Lucy just inside it. The room is packed with the people that mean the most to me, with only a few not present. While nodding encouragingly at Liam, who I can’t always understand yet, my eyes meet Aria’s, and hers soften along with a small smile touching her mouth. I’m home. We’re both safe, and today is the beginning of our future together.

While it was nice to be at the clubhouse, I’m glad to be back at my place. While there, Aria always had others around to help when she needed it while taking care of me. Now that I can walk, not well yet, but I’m more mobile, I said I was ready to go home. Aria took charge and made it happen even over the protests of some of the others.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather be at your place instead?” I ask as Aria sets plates on the bar.

“No, not really. Lisa and Lucy went there yesterday and packed a lot of clothes and things I need and brought them here. Unless you’d rather be there,” Aria answers.

“No, I’m good. I just know how much you wanted to reclaim it after the Dale situation,” I state and watch her closely.

“I did reclaim it. I stayed and showered and felt at peace. Now, I’m here, and I’m happy about that. If I weren’t, I’d tell you,” Aria replies with a grin.

“Okay. When we decide to move in together, we can discuss which place we want to keep.”

“Rex. Really? Dude, we are living together, and we’re doing it here,” Aria answers with a laugh.

“I thought you were just here to help for now,” I mutter while feeling like an idiot.

“I can do that if that’s where you’re at in our relationship,” she says in a hesitant voice.

“No! No, not at all! I’m way out in front of that with us. I just didn’t realize you were too.”

“Are you sure?” she asks, voice still tentative.

“Positive! If I hadn’t been injured, we would still be sleeping in a bed together each night. That’s where I’m at in our relationship,” I answer with a grin.

“If you’re positive, I’ll find a moving company to pack up the rest of my place and bring it here or put it in storage for now. No sense paying for two homes,” Aria responds, and I love how practical she sees life.

“It’s official then. We’re official,” I say and laugh at her eye roll.

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