Page 91 of Taking

“You’re twenty-one. Everything is now yours.”

The housekeeper reached out to squeeze Addilyn’s arm. “It’s good to have you home, Miss Addilyn.”

Home.

A huge house neither of us wished to keep—but memories of the staff tugged at my princess’s heart. Especially when we’d discussed what to do with the property once Lloyd’s ashes rested beneath the ground deep in the cave where we’d buried him.

Without a single tear.

Without a single word of remembrance.

Without a goddamn prayer over his grave.

We’d walked away, hand in hand, one in heart, mind, and spirit.

And we would move forward together in life even though we hadn’t spoken of our future.

As far as I was concerned, it was a given. Addilyn Reed was my princess, and no way in fucking hell would we be separated again.

“I’m returning home,” Addilyn told the housekeeper, “until I decide what to do with everything.”

“I understand.”

“And if and when Lloyd shows up, call the cops. That man is no longer welcome in this house.”

The housekeeper’s lips twitched again. “It would be a pleasure.”

“Would either of you care for some lunch?” She glanced between us. “I’m sure I can whip something up—nothing elaborate, but I won’t let you go hungry.”

“I’d be happy with a can of tomato soup and grilled cheese if you’ve got it,” Addilyn said, her tone revealing a smile.

I looked down to find her face shining with the kind of happiness and peace that wrapped around me like a warm blanket.

“And in the meantime,” the housekeeper said, “what would you have us do with Lloyd Destil’s things?”

“Box them up and set them out in the garage for when he comes back.”

“I owe the man money, so if he never turns up, I won’t be the slightest bit upset.”

“How much do you owe him?” I asked.

Her chin lifted again. “Too much to ever repay. Hospital bills for my daughter.”

“If you decide to stay on as housekeeper for Miss Addilyn and myself, your debt will be erased no matter when that asshole comes looking for money. No questions.”

The smile broke over her face. “No questions.”

I nodded. According to her tone and the glint in her eyes, our agreement was set in stone.

“Well then.” She lightly clapped her hands. “I’ll see about getting you both some lunch. Would you like us to ready the master suite for the two of you?”

The woman didn’t miss a goddamn thing.

“We’ll use Gideon’s old room,” Addilyn answered what we’d already discussed. “For now.”

“I understand.”

The woman scattered, leaving the two of us alone to take a trip down memory lane. Addilyn trembled against me, her hand tightening on mine the further into the house’s reaches we walked.

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