Page 42 of Remiss

“Lucas?” she murmured, stirring in bed. A moment later, she flicked on the lamp light and blinked at him, her pretty eyes unfocused and groggy. Her hair fell all around her, framing her gorgeous face. “What are you doing here?”

“Aunt Bay?” Cove called, sticking his head from under the covers. He’d be five in a few weeks, the youngest of the Banks’s children, and an all around adorable kid. Like all of Mort’s nephews, he had Bunny’s hair and eyes lighter than Digger but darker than Bunny’s. The little boy looked at Mort and his eyes rounded. He gasped. “I didn’t say anything!”

“It’s okay, baby.” Bailey looked at Mort uneasily. “I know you didn’t. Go back to sleep.” Once the little boy complied, she gripped the covers. “Don’t tell anyone we’re here.”

Grinning, Mort shook his head. “Why you not in LA with them?”

“You know?”

He smirked at her. “I guessed. Your reaction confirmed it, so tell me how the fuck they got you to help them when you’ve been so against Meggie and everything club related?”

“Are you angry with me?”

“Bailey, I’m so fucking happy and proud, I could do fucking handstands.”

“They wanted me to come,” she admitted, “but…Mark JB and his brothers didn’t want to take sides, so I, uh, I volunteered to stay behind. Lou and Kaleb decided to stay with me. I-I didn’t force them. I told them they could call you as long as they kept the secret.” She dropped her gaze and started fidgeting. “Outlaw was really unfair to Meggie and Bunny’s upset with Digger for some reason. She asked if…if I’d mind if they used the house even if I didn’t go, so I called the staff and set everything up.”

“Why?” He had to know.

“Because I miss our family. I miss us. I miss being a part of your life and their lives. I miss it all.”

Suddenly, his world didn’t seem so bleak, but he kept his expression neutral. “Where Chester?”

She eyed him.

“Val devastated. He didn’t do nothing, baby.”

“And you did?”

One step forward, two backwards. “I’m Outlaw best friend. What doyouthink?”

She glanced at him through her lashes. “Guilt by association. The same can be said for Val.”

Folding his arms, Mort lifted a brow.

“Zoann’s in LA. She asked if it was okay if she took Harley. I think she enjoys having a daughter.” She sniffed. “If she decides she wants another baby, I’m sure Val will comply.”

Irritation surged into Mortician but he ignored it. “So she is gone. Damn.”

“Only so Harley wouldn’t feel left out,” she grouched. “She and Harley are coming back tomorrow because there are two weeks before the play and Harley’s needed here for a full grade.”

Mort had almost forgotten about that. “You going?”

“Zoann said I should. Harley still hasn’t apologized to me.”

Refusing to get into that argument, Mort remained silent. “I’ll let Val know.” He turned to leave.

“I miss you, Lucas.”

“I miss you too, Bailey.” He waited a moment, praying she gave in just a little. Agreeing it wasn’t the right time to bring another baby into their lives. Admitting she’d been wrong about CJ. Conceding Harley had disrespected Mort just as much. But…nothing. She remained silent, so he had nothing else to say.

Sitting in the den, Ryan absorbed the silence, hating every moment. A feeling he didn’t quite understand since on many occasions, the house was just as quiet. But he knew Mom and Harley would arrive and fill his surroundings withgirlness. Mommommingand fussing over him and Dev, asking about their day, reminding them of chores, smiling and joking and somehow controlling the chaos of their lives.

Mom loved music. She liked to dance, though they all knewit was because of Aunt Meggie. That woman had some moves on her, infectious and fun-loving. Suppose she decided not to return?

Would Mom stay away too?

“Patricia found her suicide note and broke into the bathroom before she hurt herself.”