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“Not as much as Callan, but I did for a while. Clyde was no use and, toward the end of their marriage, Mum wasn’t bearing up well. It’s how he got the courts to agree to his petition for sole custody.”
“To cut the ties between mother and sons like that—so cruel.”
I crack my knuckles. “Sums him up.”
She slots her fingers with mine. It takes me back to when we were in Loki’s stall. Her silent support and comfort got me through some of those rough times.
I brush my lips over her knuckles, watching her small smile and finding a different kind of solace there than I ever did when we were younger because she’s mine now.
That small smile is for me and it means so much more when it comes from Zee, my wife, than Zee, my sixteen-year-old friend.
“You never told me what this is.” I gently tug on her necklace.
“You never asked.”
“I’m asking now.”
“Tee’s nonna gave one to each of us. It’s St. Christopher. He’s the patron saint of travelers. Tee, of course, lost hers about three days into owning it, but I always wear mine.”
“Didn’t it remind you of home?”
“Sometimes.” She cups my cheek. “I think I am a masochist.”
I snort. “Then we’re in the same boat. I also told Cole about the will.”
“Figured as much. What did he say? Aside from causing this mess.” Her thumb gently swipes along my busted nose.
I’m grateful I found some antibacterial wipes in the glove compartment or she’d have been greeted with blood too.
“They’ll probably serve my ass on a plate at the BBQ for lying to them, but his big mouth will spare me from having to tell Callan and Cody everything.”
“Will they forgive you?”
“Eventually.” I scratch my jaw because the last thing I feel like doing is grilling hamburgers. “If you hear fighting, leave us to it.”
“You’re grown men!”
“We’re brothers,” I mutter. “It’s how we deal with feelings. Fists and banter.” She pulls a face then settles her forehead on mine, careful around the damage to my nose. “It’ll be a fresh start. Of sorts. But if it means Cole will leave you alone, it’ll be worth it.”
“No, Colt, I?—”
“Everything’ll be fine. I have you.”
Her throat bobs but she whispers, “You do.”
“Then that’s all I need.”
And I seal it with a kiss.
Zee
“ZEE! Butch Cassidy stopped writing to me!”
I’d recognize that voice anywhere—even if she’s later than expected.
My head whips to the side as I find my BFF standing on the small step of the truck that helps short-asses like her climb aboard. In her hand, there’s a white sheet of paper and she hollers, “WHAT. A. JERK!”
I’m too accustomed to her outbursts to be embarrassed that the whole Korhonen family as well as my own is lingering around the BBQ.