Page 86 of Where We Call Home

“Aw, I’ll always need you, Gussy.”

“Thank God,” he muttered, tossing the keys at me across the desk.

Technically, I didn’t need to stay here. I could just leave and let my mom have her moment. They needed to go out already—it’d been years of lingering gazes and playful words.

“Hey, Gus!” I called from the garage bay, leaning out with my car door open.

“What now?” Gus grumbled, his voice tinged with irritation.

“Instead of me paying you, how about you take my mom out on a date? She’s free tonight.” I gave him a playful salute before sliding into the driver’s seat.

From where I sat, I could see my mom’s expression. Her jaw dropped, eyes wide with shock. I couldn’t help but laugh as I fired up the engine. The car roared to life with its familiar purr, and my heart fluttered with relief.

Rhodes had done it—he’d fixed it. Was there anything that man couldn’t do?

I pulled out my phone and sent him a quick text before pulling out of the shop and heading home.

Me: You really are good at everything, aren’t you?

Rhodes: the cars good?

Me: Yup, she’s purring perfectly

Me: Idk how I’ll ever thank you

Rhodes: no thanks needed : )

Thirty-Two

**TheoTheGreat09 Wants To Start A New Game With You**

**TheoTheGreat09 played BORED for 8 points**

**TheoTheGreat09: PLAY ME BACK!

**TheoTheGreat09: What if I said please?

**TheoTheGreat09: On your way home, can you grab a milkshake? Chocolate please? The baby wants it.

**Rhodes2324: Of course

**Rhodes2324 played NEEDY for 9 points**

Logan and I were on repair duty for the day. There was a hole in the back of the chicken coop that needed fixing to keep predators from sneaking in and slaughtering the brood.

Lately, Logan had been my shadow. Everything I did, he mirrored. With the transition approaching, it was time for Logan to get more hands-on experience alongside me, broadening his skills to solidify his role as my second-in-command. He’d soon take on the same role I had with Boone once I stepped into full leadership.

Life was good. I was happy. I found myself smiling more when I looked in the mirror, finally recognizing the man staring back. My work was improving, nights were less daunting, and I knew part of that was because of Theo.

What we had—still undefined—was working. Together, we fit seamlessly. Touches lingered, kisses were stolen, and our time together felt unmatched. We’d built a life entirely our own.

At work, I thought about Theo. At home, I wanted Theo. At night, I dreamed of Theo.

Little by little, I noticed a spark returning to her eyes. She wasn’t hiding anymore but showing herself—to me and the world. Just the other day, she went out for a girls’ day with her friends. Whatever this was between us, it seemed to be good for both of us. The thought of it ever ending churned my gut with dread.

I wanted to tell her she was a part of my happiness.

I wanted her to know she never had to look for a new place.

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