Reaper's Fall

“It changes everything.”

We sat there for a while, him playing with my hair and me thinking over what the detective had told me. Then I glanced at the clock and saw what time it was.

“Shit,” I said, sitting up fast. “We’re supposed to be out at the Armory right now. I promised Loni I’d be there by four to collect Izzy. She’s got all the food to organize for the party.”

“I texted her, gave her a heads-up,” Painter told me. “We can skip the party—they’ll understand.”

I considered his words. Did I want to visit with people tonight? Em and Kit were in town . . . and Marie had a car seat she’d offered to lend me. Not only that, I’d promised Dancer I’d give her boys a ride home later so she could stay and party with Bam Bam.

“No,” I said, shaking my head. “We should go. I want to see everyone—be around people.”

“Are you sure?” he asked. “This is a lot to take in. Nobody would blame you.”

“It’s not about them blaming me,” I replied slowly. “But hearing something like this—it’s a lot to process. She was my mom, my family . . . But Loni’s kind of my mom, too. And now we have a new family. Not just you and me and Izzy, but the rest of them. I really think I’d rather be around our people tonight.”

Leaning over, he kissed me.

“All right,” he said. “But if you need some space, let me know.”

I smiled.

“I will. I think I’m fine, though. Really. You’re my family now. I still miss my mom and I always will, but I’ll get through it. And I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

I would be okay. We would be okay.

And we’d live happily ever after.

For real.