Wrecked Palace (Wrecked, #3)

by Catherine Cowles

I thought Griffin’s lip twitches packed a punch, but they had nothing on his chuckle. It was a little bit gruff as if coated in sandpaper, just like his voice. The tone seemed to skitter across my skin and sent a pleasant shiver down my spine.

Griffin grinned, and it was truly devastating.

She took a long breath. “Thank you. This is going to make a huge difference for us.” She studied me. “But you already know that, don’t you?” I did my best to soften my expression, the feeling just a bit foreign. “Good things should happen to good people.” “You have a kind heart, Griffin Lockwood. Even if you’d rather people didn’t see it.”

Will gripped the back of a chair. “He probably just wants in your pants.” “Why would Mr. Griffin want your pants? He wouldn’t fit in them. He’s a giant,” Mia offered helpfully.

“I made this for you. It’s an apology drawing. Sorry if I called you a giant, and it hurt your feelings. But I still think you’re a giant and you have magic. But that’s cool. You should be proud of that. Cae Cae always tells me that it’s the things that are different about us that are the most special.”

I couldn’t deny that the moments I got to bask in Caelyn’s light were the best of my week.

“Did I just threaten her with my muffin basket?” A grin split my face. “Honey, you scared the crap out of her with that basket.” A small giggle escaped Caelyn. Then another. And soon, she had dissolved into laughter. “I just threatened someone with baked goods. Who am I?”

Caelyn reached over, her palm coming to rest on my forearm. “You don’t owe me any explanations. You’ve shown me time and again how good your soul is.” Her touch, her words, they seeped into my bones. The warmth of them was so hot it burned. And I never wanted to forget the feeling.

Caelyn gave an awkward little wave. “Sheriff.” He smiled warmly. “I’ve told you time and again, call me Parker.” “I know. It’s just weird because the old sheriff was all about formal titles. But that doesn’t matter. From now on, you’re Parker. You know my friends and I call you Sheriff Hotstuff.” She let out a little squeak. “I can’t believe I said that out loud. When I’m nervous, I ramble. And this note has me really freaking nervous. I’m just gonna shut up now.”

I felt my cheeks warm as I stepped back. “Sorry about that. I just…” I didn’t have a clue how to finish that sentence. I was losing it. And I needed someone to hold me together for once. Griffin gave my shoulder a squeeze, letting his fingers trail down my arm before they fell away. “You’re allowed to need someone, too.”

Griffin kept his hand extended. “Keys.” I sighed, pulling my keys from my purse. “How quickly we return to one-word sentences and grunts.” Griffin plucked the keys from my hand. “Get in, smartass.” “Ooooooh, three words. Maybe all isn’t lost.” Griffin climbed into my SUV and pushed the driver’s seat way back. “I speak when I have something to say. I don’t waste words.” I buckled my seat belt as we backed out of the parking space. “That’s actually pretty profound. You should think about writing poetry.” “I think I’ll pass.” “I’m shocked.”

Mia held her arms out to me, and I picked her up. She burrowed into my shoulder. “Griffin?” “Yes?” “Will you come over after? I know it’s not Friday, but maybe we can watch a movie?” she asked, eyeing Caelyn hopefully. I glanced in the same direction, unsure if I’d overstayed my welcome. But the truth was, I wanted any excuse not to leave her or the kids. I hoped the note had been left by her spiteful mother, but I didn’t want to risk leaving them alone tonight. She threw up her hands. “We only live once, right? Movie night it is.”

As dawn crept in, I groaned and rolled over. When I did, I jerked back, my heart hammering in my chest. A grinning face met me, just inches from mine. Mia’s little legs swung back and forth as she sat on the coffee table. “I was waiting for you to wake up. Want to do gymnastics with me?” I rubbed at my bearded cheek. “What time is it?” “Almost six. I tried to stay in bed, but I was really excited.”

Of course, I’d go with her if she asked. Because this little spitfire had me wrapped around her finger just like her big sister.

Griffin shifted in his seat, seeming to search for the right words. “I hate the idea that one of you might be hurting.” Mia reached out and laid a hand on his arm. “Everybody has hurts sometimes. But they don’t last forever.” So wise for such a little one. I felt my eyes filling again.

Mia waved a hand, not stopping her bold strokes on the wall. Ava sent a small smile my way. “Thanks, Griffin. This is really cool.” Why did that simple statement make me feel as if I’d won the damn lottery? These kids were worming their way into my heart one day at a time. I shoved down that faint voice that said it was a risk to let them into my life, to let myself care for them. Because I knew just how easy it was to lose it all.

“Here!” Mia held out something in my direction as Will hopped into the front seat. “What’s this?” I took the brightly colored item from her small fingers. “That’s your rainbow. So you’re a part of our family, and you never have to leave.”

“I love it,” I quickly cut in. “Can you put it on me?” Mia beamed as a teacher scowled at us for holding up the line. I didn’t give a damn. I’d hold everyone up for hours if it meant Mia felt safe and secure. Her small fingers tied the ends into a very thorough knot. “I made it giant-sized.” I chuckled. “Good thing.” I held up my wrist. “What do you guys think?” It was Ava’s gaze that met mine in the rearview mirror. “It looks like you belong with us.” Something in my chest cracked at her words, the simple sincerity of them. And for the first time in a long time, I did feel like I belonged.

But Mia saw me immediately. “Griffin,” she wailed. “I want Griffin.” I don’t think I’d ever moved so fast. In an instant, I was taking her from Caelyn’s hold. “It’s okay, Little Bit. You’re safe.” I said the words over and over, as much for myself as for her.

As Crosby and Ford headed out, Kenna appeared with two juices in her hands. “You want some apple juice, Mi?” She shook her head. “Want my giant.” Kenna gave us a watery smile. “Looks like you’ve got him.” Mia clung even tighter to me.

“I don’t know,” Caelyn began. “I don’t want us to invade your space and—” “Please,” Mia cut her off. “I want to stay with my giant. He’ll protect us.” I felt a burning sensation deep in my chest—a mixture of pride and fear. I rubbed a hand up and down Mia’s back. “I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe.”

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.”

My heart did a funny flip in my chest. That this man would do anything to make my girl happy. Even sign up for a lifetime with a devil cat.

“Sometimes, people try and take photos of me. They go places they shouldn’t be.” Her eyes widened. “Because you’re a magic giant?” I chuckled, a little of the tension leaving my muscles. “They’re curious because of my family.” “Because they died?” she asked hesitantly. “Yeah, mostly because of that.” 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.” I swallowed hard as I met Caelyn’s gaze over Mia’s head. Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes, but she smiled. “She’s right. I’m afraid you’ve been claimed.” I didn’t mind one bit.

“Do you hate me a little bit right now?” It was on the tip of my tongue to say that, no, I loved her. The urge shocked the hell out of me. But it shouldn’t have. “Not even a little bit.” “I’m glad.”

The last one stole my breath. A picture I’d had no idea someone had taken. I had an arm wrapped around Caelyn’s waist and was gazing down at her. I couldn’t remember what it was she’d been saying, but I was rapt. Caught up in the pull of her. As I stared at the photo, I realized one thing. I was in love with Caelyn O’Connor. Had been for months. A woman who I hadn’t even kissed. The knowledge had me questioning my sanity a bit. But it didn’t change the fact that nothing in the world could make me walk away from that bit of crazy.

He moved so fast, I could barely blink before he pulled me into his arms. “Thank you. Those words aren’t enough. But nothing I can think of is either. You’ve given me so much, and you just keep piling it on. All this goodness and light and life.”

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

“Are you okay?” My lips curved just a bit at the genuine worry in his voice, the care. “I’m fine, but I’m wondering if you can meet me at the high school. It’s okay if you’re too busy and can’t make it. It’s not that important.” “Caelyn,” he growled. “I’ll be there in ten minutes.” “You will?” “Yes,” he said. “You didn’t even ask why.” “I don’t need to know why. You asked me to come, so I’ll be there.” Emotion, swift and fierce, clogged my throat. I swallowed it down so I could get out two words. “Thank you.”

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

“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.”

“Next summer, you, me, and the kids are going to Europe. And every place we go, you’re taking a cooking class.” Tears stung my eyes. “My dream.” His lips brushed my hair. “I love making each and every one come true.”

“This is paperwork to file with the court. To make me a guardian of the kids.” My tears spilled over, tracking down my cheeks. “We want to make it official in every way possible that we’re family. Will, Ava, and Mia, too. Crosby can file them next week. If you want.” Griffin let the papers fall to his desk and framed my face with his hands. “I want.” He slid his lips against mine in the most tender kiss. “You’ve given me my dream, too.” “What’s that?” I asked. “A family. Forever.”