Page 166 of The Forgotten

A Day in the Life…

Chapter

One

WREN

“We won’t stay long,”Ambrose mumbles to us, his arm wrapping around Flynn’s shoulders.

Flynn takes full advantage of being cuddled, making me hide my smile as Shaw knocks on Cian’s front door. I’ll also take any excuse to be held.

Cian invited some of the packed up mafia families to come over for a picnic today. Life has been really busy, and I have to admit that it’s a really nice thing for him to do.

Not everyone will accept the invite, and since it’s outside I won’t feel overwhelmed by people and sounds. It’s also easier for Flynn to be in public if we’re surrounded by nature. The agoraphobia is beginning to ease up after being kidnapped five years ago. Our therapist is fucking incredible, and worth her weight in gold. She’s done a lot of really good work with Flynn and I.

She’s always willing to do an extra session online, even if she’s had her own drama happening. Dr. Alys Edwards has kept things locked down for her patients.

“You made it!” Aisling says, smiling as she opens the door. The last few years have helped us all heal. “Come in, Morgan is making food on the grill.”

“That’s so domestic of him,” I giggle. I love that Cian is settled down. I’m sure things aren’t perfect, but then, no one’s relationship is.

Everest’s warm nutmeg and heather scent fills my senses as his hand settles on my lower back as we walk into the house.

“I’m sure Cian cracks the whip around here,” he murmurs.

“Dad’s been exceptionally happy,” Aisling says, leading us through the house. “He seems more relaxed now, and Morgan and he share some of the same interests. Kevin is super sweet and not who I thought he’d end up with. It's funny how things work out.”

Everest glances at Flynn with a small smile, nodding. Flynn has a bloodthirsty side of his own, but he also loves being the peacemaker.

Walking outside through the patio and into the garden, I see that Cian has blankets laid out, chairs under huge umbrellas, and there’s even kites being flown in the massive yard.

“Cian’s garden is amazing this year,” I sigh. There’s tulips, roses, lilies, and more blooming happily under the brilliant blue sky.

“You know what the secret to his garden is,” Aisling says, winking at me. It’s a very well kept secret that his dead wife keeps his garden going.

There’s a winding path through the yard that leads back to a collection of tables for those who want to eat there, as well as fruit, vegetables, breads, and dips.

“I do indeed,” I say, but she’s already rushing away.

“Come sit,” Flynn says, taking my hand to make a beeline toward a blanket in the shade. There’s a huge oak tree out of the way, and it also lets me people watch.

There’s a giant body pillow for him to settle on so I can curl up between his legs and lay on his chest. Damn, Cian really knows what omegas like.

“This is better than any formal party,” Flynn sighs happily, his arms wrapping around me.

I’m wearing a pair of brown shorts and a flouncy off the shoulder top with sandals that will help me not overheat. With the added shade, I have to agree with Flynn.

“Do you smell fire?” I ask, twisting my body to find the scent. It doesn’t smell like a grill, because I can see Morgan by the house making food. No, this is something completely different.

“Kane, stop playing with fire!” Adira yells.

“Of course,” Flynn chuckles. “Is he spitting liquor into the air?”

I watch as Kane spits something into the air and then lazily pulls a fire laden torch through it. It looks like he’s performing, but this is just Kane keeping himself busy.

“It looks like fun,” I say, smirking. “I don’t think it’s a smart idea with the kites though.”

Kane makes a face and hands his fun over to Morris, who gives him a kiss and wink for being a good boy. There are toddlers running around playing, babies nursing, and it reminds me that life moves on despite the rough patches it gives us.