Page 87 of Loving You

Eric’s voice was cold as ice even as his posture remained as casual as it had been a moment ago. “Let’s get one thing clear: I let your first question slide after hearing who you were to the Carrigan family, but if you continue to address April in that tone, we’re going to have a problem.”

Patrick’s lip twitched, and he scratched his temple.

“Additionally, April did nothing wrong here,” Eric went on, “and it sounds like you’ve been absent enough that she didn’t feel comfortable coming to you with this. Considering how well I know her, and I’ve never heard of you, that’s pretty clear. So, why don’t you take a step back from that brotherly role—trust me, it’s beyond filled at this point—and give us an update on the situation with Cliff in a more professional tone.”

Patrick held Eric’s stare for a long moment. So long, in fact, that I almost raised my hand and asked if I could be excused.

But then he chuckled—actually chuckled—and aimed his gaze at the ground between us as his head shook from side to side. “Well, all right, then. Let’s start over.”

And so, we did.

Patrick pretended he’d only just walked up and he gave me a hug—a one-armed one since Eric had clutched my other hand firmly in his own—before saying he was sorry I’d had to deal with a dick like Cliff.

Then, he explained the questioning they were doing at the station, what would likely happen next for Cliff—and us, as far as the restraining order went.

By the time we were done speaking with Patrick, I was dead on my feet, and all I wanted to do was go home and curl up with the man who’d had my back through it all.

Home.

It sounded so freaking good I could cry. Eric’s home wasmyhome.

We hadn’t officially ditched my apartment or moved my stuff into his house or anything yet, but I still slept in his bed every night, and that was all that really mattered.

And right now? I could practically feel those masculine dark-blue sheets calling my name from all the way across town.

“Can we go home now?” I asked after Patrick said his goodbyes, promising to let us know when he heard more about Cliff. He wasn’t the one handling the case, but he’d still keep us informed now that he was back in town.

Something Itotallywanted the tea on later. Not now, because fuck that noise, but definitely later.

And once I had said tea, I’d be sure to spill it all over my older sister. If June had known Patrick was back in town, she hadn’t let on, and I desperately wanted to be there when she found out so I could make sure she was okay beneath what would probably be a measured reaction.

“Let’s go check in with the family, and then yes, let’s get you home.”

I nodded as he led me back inside, where we were surprised to find the lobby completely deserted. I avoided looking at the spot by the stairs where Cliff had grabbed me and then fallen when Eric had struck him down.

“Where is everyone?” I asked, frowning up at Eric.

He squinted out the door that led to the reception, then shocked me with a blinding smile. “Out there.”

Confused by the pure joy that’d taken over his intense face, I followed his gaze, then my jaw dropped.

They were on the dance floor.

All of them.

Jackson dancing with Jenna. Sammy and Will with their wives. Connor holding baby Lea with her face nestled into his neck, and the bride and groom staring lovingly into each other’s eyes as they swayed from side to side.

The Walker family, happy as could be despite my drama effectively ruining this wedding, gathered on the deserted dance floor while Brenna sat on the small stage with her acoustic, singing a lovely rendition of a popular 90s country song.

Even my sisters and my mom were out there with them—dancing with each other, the former still in their work clothes because they hadn’t been official guests at this wedding—and the sight of our two families making the best of this night together was too much for me to bear.

Tears sprang to my eyes, and I didn’t even bother wiping them away. “They— They’re so amazing. They’re not letting me ruin this night for them.”

“You’re amazing,” he said, turning me in his arms and cupping my face with his hands. He used his thumbs to brush away my tears. “And now that they know you’re okay and Cliff is right where he should be, nothing is ruined. In fact, it’s better than before because tonight we can all rest easy knowing you’re safe.”

I sniffled and managed to nod even with his firm but tender hold on my face. “Thanks to all of you, I am. But I’ve felt safe since that first night at your house, Eric. Thank you for that and for everything else. Thank you for so many things I don’t even have the words to list off right now.”

His eyes bulged and he leaned back. “Whoa, hang on. April Carrigan doesn’t havewords?”

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