Page 107 of Callum
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Fiona tiedthe helium balloon to the lantern. The balloons were gold and heart shaped. As jobs went, this one wasn’t terrible.
Two weeks had passed since the kidnapping, and tonight was Cassie and Aidan’s engagement party. The entire Blue Halo team was here helping with setup. She’d been assigned to tie three balloons to each black lantern, then divide the lanterns over the tables.
Her gaze wandered around the room. It was busy with movement, everyone with a job of their own—even Willow and Blake’s daughter had the task of coloring some of the signs.
The women had been amazing since the attack—stopping by Callum’s house with meals and treats, calling and texting to take her mind off everything. Not a day had passed in the weeks following the attack that she hadn’t had a visitor. And the men had been as protective as ever, always checking in on her when they came around.
She was so lucky to have everyone.
She moved on to the next lantern.
Fiona hadn’t spoken to Stacey, and honestly, she didn’t know if she ever would. Trust had been fractured, and they’d never again have the relationship they used to. Stacey had always been the one family member she was closest to.
Callum had pushed for her to press charges a couple more times, but Amanda had already ratted Stacey out to the family, telling everyone what she’d done. It was an attempt to get sympathy for herself but had also made everyone turn against Stacey. That was enough punishment.
“You’re doing an awesome job,” Cassie said from behind. “Thank you so much for helping.”
Fiona straightened. “Of course! I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. All ready for tonight?”
“Yes.” Her eyes softened as they moved across the room. Fiona didn’t need to follow the woman’s gaze to know she’d found Aidan. “Honestly, I just can’t wait to marry him. Every day brings us that much closer.”
Oh, that was so sweet. “Well, I think tonight will be perfect. A beautiful pre-wedding celebration.”
Cassie’s gaze moved back to her, then she reached over and squeezed Fiona’s arm. “Thank you. And remember, if you need to sit down and rest, or go home to lie down—”
“I’m okay. I want to be here, helping.”
“Thank you.”
“Cassie, how do you want these?” Courtney yelled from the flower display.
Cassie had just moved away when warm, muscular arms wrapped around Fiona’s waist. She leaned back into Callum, humming when he kissed her cheek.
“You sure you don’t need a break?” he asked.
“Well, Iwassure, but if my break involves your arms around me, I’ll take one.”
Another kiss, this one closer to her mouth. “If my arms are enough to make you take a break, I’ll keep them around you all damn day.”
“Don’t tease me.” She turned in his hold. “But also, I’ve been resting for two weeks. I’m okay. It was only a concussion.”
“A second concussion in a short period of time.” The anger in his words was as fierce today as it had been two weeks ago.
The smile slipped, and she gentled her words. “I’m okay.”
“Good.”
“So…” She ran a hand down a crease in his shirt. “You sick of me yet? Living together. Home most days together. Your friends nowmyfriends.”
“Nope. Don’t even think that’s possible.”
She laughed. “Oh, I think it is. Just wait until I get back to work, you start returning tattered books again, and I have to ride your ass about it.”
She was taking a month off. And even better, Rick had left. Yep, that was right. He’d made the decision to leave Cradle Mountain. She wasn’t sure of all the details of what went on between him and Olivia, but she knew that the woman had used him. Filled his head with negative gossip about Fiona, probably while sleeping with him. And when Rick had learned the truth, it had just been too much—and too embarrassing—for him to deal with.
“I told you, I’m going to look after my library books from now on. I have to, living with a librarian.”
