Wrecked Palace (Wrecked, #3)

by Catherine Cowles

“I didn’t even know she had kids.” “She doesn’t.” “But you just said—” She waved a hand. “Oh, forget it, I got enough drama with my shows.

What is it about me that’s so unlovable?” My arms spasmed at her words, flinching and tightening around her. “There isn’t a damn thing about you that’s unlovable, Caelyn. She’s the one who’s broken. And you can’t take on someone else’s brokenness. That’s theirs to carry.”

“Will you keep her, Griffin? Please? I’ll take care of her. You won’t have to do anything. I’ve been saving my allowance, and I can pay for her food.” Griffin looked at me with panic in his eyes. “How do you ever say no to that face?”

it launched itself at him, locking its claws in Griffin’s jeans and beginning to climb. “Ow, shit,” Griffin winced. “I’m naming him Lucifer.”

“I am going to have to put a bell on you, I swear.” “Only if it’s a pink sparkly one like we got for Luci.”

You might like them, you know.” “If I don’t, I’ll just sic Luci on them.”

“We need to figure out how to clip them.” Caelyn held up both hands, backing away. “You’re on your own for that one, buddy. I like my eyes where they are.”

“Are you trying to dig gossip out of me right now?” “That would be Crosby. He’s worse than the island knitting circle.

I made a mental note not to tell Crosby anything important.

“I could always threaten them with a muffin basket.”

Mia snuggled into my chest. “I’m sorry you lost your family. But you’re in our family now. That’s what the rainbow bracelet means.”

No reporters allowed on-premises, violators will be tased, things had calmed way down.

“All right. I promise to call you with my location twenty-four-seven. Would you like to inject me with a tracker, too?” I started walking towards my SUV, Will following. “You know, that’s a great idea. Let’s stop by the vet on the way home. I’m sure they can work you in.”

“I’ll make my best surprised face.” “Let’s just hope you’re a better actor than Caelyn.”

Will elbowed me. “You’re working that surprise thing a little too well.”

“Griffin?” I turned to see Ava approaching hesitantly, a small, wrapped package in her hands. “Hey, Avs.” She hovered a few steps away, and I patted the chair next to me. As she lowered herself into the seat, she handed me the gift. “Happy Birthday.”

Hopping up, she threw her arms around me. “Love you, Griffin.” My throat constricted. “Love you, too, Avs.”

what did you say to a woman who had given you everything and didn’t even realize it?

I’d fallen in love with the broody man and his heart of gold.

“Hey, Griffin. You’ve got a little drool there.” I gave a small jerk at Will’s voice, my coffee sloshing out of my mug and running down my hand. I glared in his direction, which only made Will laugh.

“That’s a five-point-five,” Mia chirped. I sank to the grass, sweat dripping down my face. “Five-point-five? That was at least an eight.” Ava covered her mouth as she giggled. I turned my focus to her. “I thought I could at least count on you to have my back.”

“Fine—ow, shit! What the hell?” Claws dug into my back as a paw took a swipe at my ear. “Don’t move, Griffin! It’s Luci,” Mia begged. “Get this devil cat off me, please,”

“I’m staying.” My gaze locked with Will’s, his expression stubborn and defiant. I cleared my throat and gave him a pointed look. He looked down at his shoes, rethinking his plan of attack. “I mean, I’d like to stay.”

“I swear I’m going to break that door in half,” I muttered. “What did it ever do to you?”

“Love is the most terrifying jump you’ll ever make. But I promise you, it’s worth it.”

“Never be ashamed of feeling deeply. It doesn’t make you weak. It makes you so incredibly strong.”

I want to go to college. I want to take architecture classes and see if I like it. I want to see more of the world than this island.” I smiled and knew it stretched my face so wide it was probably scary. “Then let’s chase those dreams.”

“Well, Griffin might be grumpy at times, but he’s also really freaking smart, so I’d listen to him if I were you.” Will let out a little laugh and pulled back. “True.” Griffin scowled at both of us. “Who are you calling grumpy?”

She scrunched up her face. “I shouldn’t have said all. I should’ve said I’d eat one vegetable.” Will popped a piece of egg bake into his mouth. “Rookie mistake.”

“I love you. I think a part of me loved you from the first moment I saw you. Some part of me recognized that you were the one person who could understand me. Who could help me find my way back.”

“You have no idea the joy you give me. You made this wrecked palace a home.”

Mia glared at him. “I’ll put your hand in warm water while you’re sleeping.” Will’s eyes widened, handing over the donut. “Vicious, I like it.”

“Hey,” Will said, studying the box on the table. “Did you eat the Boston cream?” She shrugged. “You snooze, you lose.” I held out a hand to Ava, and she gave me a high-five. Caelyn groaned. “You’re all hopeless. A little sugar, and you turn into maniacs.”

Griffin: Stay where you are. I’m coming. Parker: Griffin, do not engage. We’re two minutes out. Griffin: I’m armed. Let your officers know.

“Take care of them, my tiny terrors. Promise me you’ll take care of them.”

love you, too. And I’m going to show you every day for the rest of your life. You’re the most important person in the world to me, and you’re not going to leave us.”

“I love you. More than I thought possible. I didn’t think I could ever let anyone in again. But you and those tiny terrors… You wormed your way into my heart.

it’s that we shouldn’t waste any of the precious moments we’re given. Marry me, Caelyn. Start forever with me right now.”

“What do you say?” Griffin asked. “How do you guys feel about being stuck with me forever?” Will grinned. “I think I can struggle through it.”

“Brown Eyes. Stop walking so fast. Something could happen to the baby.” She rolled her eyes. “Do you hear him? It’s not like this little lady is going to just drop out of me.”

“Love you, guys,” I whispered. “Sisters of my heart.” “Always,” Bell echoed. Kenna sniffed. “You two are always making me cry now.”

“I love you so much. I never thought I could love a person as much as I love you.” He smiled. “Okay, that’s a little better.”

“You’ve given me my dream, too.” “What’s that?” I asked. “A family. Forever.”