Page 119 of Freeing Denver

“It’ll get bigger,” Denver says, smiling. She’s in an overstuffed chair in the sunroom, her legs stretched out on a footrest, and Holly is cuddled up next to her.

We decided to come out to the Hamptons for some quiet and to be with Holly. The large, gray-bricked beachfront home belongs to Helena and Finn, but we’ve all visited with the kids over the years. Wilder hated the beach, but Marnie would spend hours building sandcastles with Holly, Callie, and Amy. It’s where Helena, my mom, Holly, and Wesson have been staying while I attempted to clean things up in the city.

Now, Denver is here. It’s strange to see her in a home I spent so much time in as a teen. Not because she doesn’t fit in, but because she does. It feels as if she’s always been here.

“When will it come out?” Holly whispers.

“After summer. Then you’ll need to help me look after them.”

My niece brightens. “Like I look after Wesson?”

“Exactly.”

My heart is full as I watch them together. The three of them.

My future.

My family.

I wish I could have brought Marnie home.

Taf tortured Eli for days, and just before his throat was cut, Spider’s nephew finally confessed that Marnie didn’t live past six months. She was too much of a risk to keep around, especially considering how Wilder was tearing apart the city looking for her. Given the tactics Taf used to get the confession, I believe Eli is telling the truth, but I’ll keep looking. For Wilder, I’ll never stop looking.

“I’m gonna get my tablet,” Holly says. “We can watch movies with the baby.”

She slides off the chair and runs off, Wesson following, his golden tail wagging enthusiastically. He never leaves her side, sitting patiently while Holly dresses him up or makes sandcastles. He’s her shadow.

“Hey,” I say as I approach Denver. I lean down, gripping the back of the chair to kiss her, and she hums happily against my lips. “How you feeling?”

“Icky. Morning sickness is becoming afternoon sickness.”

“You’re pretty when you vomit, though.”

She grins. “Shut up. I just want to sleep, puke, eat, then sleep some more. Can we—” The doorbell rings and she sighs. “Shoot them.”

“Gladly.” I walk past the living room where JJ, Taf, and Lewis are screaming at a football game. I’d smack them all for not getting the door, but Denver insisted they get some time off, too. The only reason Ronan is still in the city is because he’s making up for lost time. He’s recovering a hell of a lot quicker than I did and keeps reminding me of it, too. Ass. I pull the heavy front door open and rest my hand against the frame. “Hello, Kitrick.”

Kitrick Marshall has his arms folded, car keys dangling from his hand, and frowns at me as if I shouldn’t be answering myown damn door. He’s dressed casually, T-shirt and jeans, and it’s unsettling, given his job. Beyond him is the long, gravel driveway, and two of my men give me the signal that they’ve searched him, and he no doubt flashed his badge, too.

“You don’t seem surprised to see me,” he says.

“Well, your guys aren’t exactly subtle. I’m surprised they haven’t asked if they can use the bathroom.”

Cops tailed us out of the city, and at least one undercover car has been sitting near the gates since we got here. I don’t care. They’re protecting us for free.

Kitrick tuts as if disappointed in their inability to hide. “Are you going to invite me in?”

“Why would I do a thing like that?”

“Because I need to speak to Denver.”

I fold my arms and lean against the doorframe. “Then extra no.”

“Kitrick?” Glancing over my shoulder, I watch as Denver approaches. She crosses her arms too, brow furrowed. “Colt, are you not being hospitable?”

“To a badge?” I ask, gesturing at him. “You don’t invite the devil in without a warrant, Del.”

Denver rolls her eyes. “Come in, Kitrick.”