Wrecked Palace (Wrecked, #3)

by Catherine Cowles

“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.”

“Tumbling, huh?” “Yup. I’m gonna go to the Olympics one day.” “I believe it.”

trying to ignore the reminder that typical relationships, ones that entailed friendliness with neighbors and acquaintances, weren’t for me. And that included brown-haired beauties who’d brought light into my world for the first time in years.

I reached out and squeezed her arm. I wanted to pull Caelyn into my arms, to hold her and tell her that everything would be all right, but that wasn’t my place.

I’d tried hard to instill the belief in my siblings that no feeling was bad or wrong. And neither was expressing those feelings, as long as you weren’t hurting someone else.

“This breakfast. You guys are good for my soul. And no one makes me laugh harder than my tiny terrors.” “And Griffin,” Mia added. “He makes you laugh, too.” My gaze locked with Griffin’s across the table. “Yeah. He makes me laugh, too.”

“The first year you came into the store, I think you scowled every time. I made a game out of trying to get you to smile.” “Seriously?” I shrugged. “You were scowling, but I could tell it was a front.” Griffin shook his head, looking out at the yard as Mia let out an especially high-pitched shriek. “I guess I’m not as much of a badass as I thought.” “That’s not such a bad thing. I like the real you better.”

“That’s your rainbow. So you’re a part of our family, and you never have to leave.”

It was Ava’s gaze that met mine in the rearview mirror. “It looks like you belong with us.”

“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.”

Caelyn was a miracle, giving me back my family without even knowing it.

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.”

“I just want her to be safe.

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.”

And as I looked over at Caelyn, who had lifted the kitten from Ava’s arms and kissed its furry head, my chest gave a painful squeeze. I hadn’t realized how empty my life had been. Not until they had filled it. Even if they did bring a devil cat with them.

🥹🥹🥹🥹

“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.”

“You came” “you called” 😭😭😭😭😭😭

“You’d all probably be vitamin deficient if it wasn’t for me.” I handed the basket to Griffin. “And you’d probably be halfway to a heart attack with all the crud you put in your body.” He brushed his lips across mine as he took the basket. “Thank God I have you to keep me alive.”

“See, completely protected. Now, go downstairs. Keep them calm.” “Griffin?” she asked. “Yes?” “I love you.”

“I love you. I just needed you to know that. I know you might not be ready—” I kissed her, quick and fierce. “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 are going to kill me.” “But it’ll be a good way to go, right?” Griffin brushed the hair back from my face. “The best.”

“We’re happy here. Even with all of the horrible things that have happened over the past few months, we’re the happiest we’ve ever been. And isn’t that what everyone hopes for? To have joy amidst all the trials. You give us joy, Griffin.” His gaze burned into me. “You have no idea the joy you give me. You made this wrecked palace a home.”