Page 84 of Eclipsed Heart

A hand caught mine, turning me back toward him. He smirked. “Mom.”

“Yeah, honey?” She faced us, taking her attention off Jasmine. “What’s wrong?”

I blinked.You’re telling on me? Why?

He chuckled.You’ll see.Then he said out loud, “Callie just informed me that she’s going to go talk to Dina so the rest of us can spend time together as a family.”

“What?” Janet screeched and placed her hands on her hips.

Rolling my eyes, I lifted my hands. “I don’t know what he’s doing, but you just said—”

“That my family hasn’t been together in months.” Janet marched over to me, pointing a finger in my face. “Which means if you traipse off to see Dina, I won't get to enjoy this moment anymore.”

My back flattened against the wall. “But you said months.”

“Becauseyouonly officially became family a week ago, so the time before now was before Jasmine left for the University of Chicago.” She crossed her arms. “Don’t test me, Callie. You’re just as much my daughter now as she is. You and Bodey can call Dina from here. If you need to talk to her in person, she can come see you. I won’t have all of you here tomorrow, so today is family day. Got it?”

Chest expanding, I nodded. My eyes burned as my vision blurred. I’d never expected to have anyone care about or talk to me that way…and I fucking loved it.

Samuel snorted. “You do realize she’s your queen?”

“Not right now.” Janet softly patted my face. “Right now, she’s my daughter, and she needs to know that she belongs. And we all feel that way, so don’t try sneaking off again when I want you here with me. I just need a moment to feel complete.”

A tear escaped, and I nodded. “I promise.”

And Bodey wrapped his arms around me and linked,I’m not the only one that feels this way about you. I needed you to see it for yourself.

Thank you.And for the first time, I felt like I had a complete family.

* * *

Later that night,Bodey played guitar for me out on our lower deck while Janet and Jasmine cleaned up in the kitchen and Samuel and Michael watched some game on television.

We sat at the edge of the deck as he played “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain. His voice was smooth as his fingers strummed the notes. I hung on every word and drank it all in as his full lips sang promises to me and his arm muscles bulged with each chord change. His gorgeous blue eyes stayed on me the entire time, ensuring that I knew the song he sang was from his heart to mine.

When he finished, the back door opened, and Janet, Michael, and Jasmine strolled out.

“We’re off to our house for the night.” Janet yawned. “Everything is cleaned up, so you two can get some rest. I’m a little surprised that Stevie hasn’t made it back.”

I grimaced. “She’s staying with Jack.” I was pretty certain that they would be mated by morning, and I reminded myself to be happy for them.

“Right.” Michael chuckled. “Well, good night, you two. See you in the morning.”

Janet and Michael hurried off across the yard while Jasmine squatted beside me. She bumped her shoulder into mine and linked,I liked hanging out with you tonight. We’re going to be besties before Bodey knows what hit him.

I laughed.I’d like that.

Bodey wrinkled his nose. “Why do I feel like you two are talking about me?”

“Because we are.” She stuck out her tongue and linked,And I like how he is with you. He’s almost a different person…more relaxed. So I’ll need your help in the morning.She jumped to her feet and headed off while calling out, “Night.”

Wait. What do you mean?I asked.

You’ll see.She glanced over her shoulder, her strawberry-blonde hair hiding half her face as she winked.

I snorted. I already suspected what it might be.

Bodey stood and helped me up. “Finally, they’re gone.”

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