Page 72 of Pretend it’s Forever

“And we will all be doing new checks on our planes,” Aston said dryly.

“Damn straight,” I agreed.

By the time we finished lunch and went over the final paperwork for another partnership between the Woods and the Cages, everything felt fucking fantastic. I had a literal new lease on life, and I was going to be heading to Sophia soon. Not home, no, not yet.

But I already had a line on a decorator to help outfit one of the spare rooms into the girls’ room. Because while Sophia might not be ready to move in, hell, I wasn’t even sure where I was on that, other than the fact that I wanted her in my life at all times, and I wanted the girls to know that they had space with me.

It might be moving too quickly, but then again, I’d almost lost her. And I’d almost lost myself. So perhaps I wasn’t moving fast enough in the end.

As I made my way to my SUV, footsteps sounded behind me. I turned to see Flynn jogging towards me, an odd expression on his face.

“Hey there. Did I miss something?”

“No, I was wondering if you could drop me off at Sophia’s? I figured you’re heading there.”

My lips twitched. “I am. Are you going to start another interview?”

“No. I promise. I had to take my car to the shop today, as it was making a sound, and I’m not a mechanic. And while I could use one of the company cars, I figured you could drive me to her place, and then I’ll order a ride back to mine.”

“Why do you need to see Sophia?” I asked, confused.

“Because I’ve been kind of an asshole to both of you. And while I haven’t quite apologized to you, I am going to fully apologize to her.”

“I should be angry that you would even dare be a jerk to her, but I know you were just being the big brother. As someone who’s an asshole and a big brother myself, I understand it. Come on, I’ll drive you.”

“I promise I won’t stay long. Though it is nice to see my nieces.”

“They’re pretty amazing.”

“I’m glad you understand that. Because their father sure hasn’t.”

As we pulled out onto the main street, my hands tightened on the steering wheel. “I know you have good lawyers, but I’m going to add mine to help out. I want that man nowhere near Sophia and the girls.”

“Any help is appreciated. I hate the laws in this country most days now.”

“Cale deserved far more than he got, and I’m not going to let him at that family anymore.”

“Especially since I have a feeling you’re going to be part of our family now,” Flynn said dryly.

“I love her,” I said simply. “And I’m not going to change that. So yes, you’re stuck with me.”

“I like you better than Cale. You don’t have a veneer over yourself. You are who you are.”

“Damn straight I am,” I said with a growl. “Being any different would just hurt us in the end.”

“You’re right about that. After everything that happened with her ex, well, I may be an asshole, but I have my reasons. And I’m glad that she has you.”

I didn’t know why Flynn thought of himself like that, nor what was going on in his head. I hoped one of his brothers did. Flynn was a good person, and while we fought at the gym, it was for a reason.

All I knew in this moment though was that I needed to get to Sophia. I missed her like hell.

When we pulled into her driveway however, I frowned. “I thought her last class was over? Her car isn’t here.”

“Weird. Maybe she’s running late?” Flynn asked. But without another word, we were both out of our seats and heading towards the front door, which was open.

“What the fuck?” Flynn asked.

“Call the cops,” I said, alarm prickling, the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. Because her alarm was off, the door was open, and the girls were screaming.