Page 69 of Chloé

Ethan took her other hand, and together the three of them headed across the street to her grandparents’ house.

* * *

CHLOÉ’S HAND FELT so small in Zayne’s as they crossed the lawn of the quiet suburban home, and as they got closer to the front door, her fingers tightened around his.

She was staring at the house as though she were in a trance, and for once in his life, he didn’t know what to say. A quick, witty comment wasn’t what was needed in moments like this, and nor was a smart, funny one. What was needed was understating and compassion, and while he had the compassion, it was the understanding he lacked.

He’d never lost a relative, nor did he feel like he’d have any kind of emotion if he did. You had tocareto feel sadness in moments like this, and that ship had sailed a long time ago with his family.

Zayne glanced over Chloé’s head to Ethan, and knew this had to be stirring up memories that he usually kept buried deep.

From what Ethan had told him, he’d been in the hospital when his parents were buried. By the time he got out, all he got to say goodbye to was a naked plot of land with newly disturbed grass. The excuse given to him by those who’d planned the ceremony: no one knew if or when Ethan would wake.

As if he could feel the weight of Zayne’s stare, Ethan looked over at him, his expression neutral as Zayne searched his features for any sign this might be getting to him. But Ethan was a master at hiding his emotions, and today he’d make damn sure that no one was looking him. Not when it was their girl who needed the support.

When they reached the door, Zayne leaned down to say by her ear, “Remember, if you need anything, you come find me or Ethan. We’ll get it for you.”

She tried for a smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Thank you. And I probably should say sorry in advance.”

“Sorry?” Zayne frowned.

“Yes. There are a lot of us, and most of the time we’re a lot to take. I’m not sure how it will go today, though.”

“No matter how it goes, we’ll be fine,” Ethan assured her. “And if worse comes to worst, I’ll just shove Zayne their way. He’s the charmer out of the two of us.”

That got a small smile out of her before she knocked on the door. “You have no idea how much you sounded like my papa right now.”

Just as the words left her mouth, the door was pulled open, and standing right in front of them was the man himself. Priest, dressed in a fitted black suit, took one look at his daughter and then pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head.

“Chloé,” he whispered as he held her tight. “You’re finally here.”

She wound her arms around his waist and nodded. “Yes, Papa, I’m here.”

“I’ve been so worried. I know how close you were to your pop, and that you stayed with the restaurant…” His voice trailed off and he shook his head. “We should’ve just closed and had you come up here with us.”

“No, no.” She pulled back, shaking her head. “It was a good way for me to keep busy and to help you all out. I was more useful there than I would’ve been here, and—”

“That’s not true.” He stroked his hand down her arm to her fingers and squeezed. “You’re helpful wherever you are. But I know yourpèreappreciates what you did. We all do.”

He then raised his eyes to Zayne and Ethan.

“We can’t thank you enough for looking after her.”

“Of course,” Ethan said as Zayne added, “Anytime.”

“And for bringing her up here to us. We could rest a little easier knowing she was with the two of you.”

Priest’s eyes shifted between them, the sincerity in his words rendering both Zayne and Ethan speechless. He wrapped an arm around Chloé’s shoulders and guided her inside the house.

Zayne stepped in closer to Ethan and took his hand. “You okay?”

“I’m good.”

“You promise?”

Ethan nodded. “I promise.”

They headed inside, where they were introduced to Chloé’s nonna and were able to pass on their condolences. Then they followed Priest and his daughter through to the living room, where the rest of the family had gathered.

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