Page 208 of Eight Years Gone

She nodded as her eyes grew teary, and her voice grew quiet with emotion. “He was a good man.”

Taking the picture and setting it on the bed, he wrapped her up, holding her tight as she clung to him. “He was.”

Time ticked by before she sighed, burrowing her face against his neck. “You always make me feel better.”

He exhaled a quiet breath as he rubbed his hand up and down her back. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there with you guys today.”

She shook her head as she eased back enough to hold his gaze. “Todd needed your help, and I’m glad Colton and I had the chance to go together. He got to see that there was a different side to our dad, and I got to say my final goodbyes. I made sure we grabbed those pictures from the mantle since we won’t be going back.”

He stroked his knuckles along her cheek. “That was a good thought.”

She nodded. “I’d say we’re officially ready to put the condo on the market. It doesn’t make sense to hold on to it any longer.”

“I know that’s not an easy decision to make.”

She shook her head. “But I want to move forward. I want all three of us to move forward.”

“That sounds good, Gracie.”

She kissed him before she eased back again, keeping her arm hooked around his waist as she looked at the bed. “I see you’ve made a huge dent in the packing while we’ve been gone.”

He shrugged as he glanced at the clothes he’d washed and left folded on the comforter and the toiletries that still needed to be organized and dealt with. “Mostly, I made a mess, but everything’s here and ready for the suitcases, thanks to your list on the iPad. I figured you would want to deal with your camera equipment, so I left that stuff alone.”

“Thank you for doing this, Jagger.”

“Hey, it’s Montana or bust.”

She nodded as excitement filled her eyes. “Tomorrow.”

“For real this time.”

They grinned at each other as Colton walked in with his black duffel bag slung over his shoulder. “I’m heading over to Aunt Maggie and Asa’s. I’ll see you guys in a few days.”

Grace nodded. “Do you have everything?”

Colton shrugged. “I think so, but I know where the house is if I don’t.”

Grace wrinkled her nose. “You make a good point.”

Colton smiled. “My mom texted while I was packing. She’s coming up tomorrow to take me and Amanda out for lunch and a movie.”

Grace beamed. “That’s great. I’m glad things seem easier between you guys.”

He nodded. “Amanda was thinking we could take Mom to that brunch place since it’ll be Sunday and all.”

Grace walked to Colton, hugging him. “Amanda’s a keeper. Tell your mom we’ll plan to get together for dinner when we get back. Have a great time while we’re gone.”

Colton hugged her back. “I will. You guys have fun, too.”

“Don’t forget you have Jason’s number if there are any problems,” Jagger said as he moved to where Colton and Grace stood, extending his hand to fist-bump Colton’s. “But I don’t think you will.”

Colton shook his head. “Nobody’s contacted me, and I haven’t seen anyone hanging around.”

Jagger nodded, content that Ray seemed intelligent enough to stick to the agreement. “Jason’s number is just a precaution, but I truly believe we’re done with all that.”

Colton nodded this time. “I’m heading out. Aunt Maggie and Asa invited Amanda over for dinner.”

“Bye,” Grace called down the hall as her cell phone started to ring. Pulling the phone from her pocket, she frowned as she looked at the screen. “It’s Marjorie Nickels. The principal at the high school.”

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