His answer, nope, not happening. He didn’t feel like he knew any of them. Kindra was going with Morrigan, wherever that was. But he knew she’d be around. That was fine. He wouldn’t have to deal with her constantly.
Cora moved in with Druciela, and he didn’t mind her being close. In fact, he hoped he would run in into her often. She had been a good friend, and he hoped they could get that back. And Valen would be there soon.
Clint leaned against the counter. “So, your kid, did you realize he’s a carpenter?”
Mark glanced up. “What are you talking about?”
“I looked up Valen Woeller. He’s a carpenter. A damned good one. And if he’s moving out here, well, we could use a carpenter.”
Mark froze, his head cocked. “Why are you looking into my kid?”
“Well, I didn’t get the chance to meet him yet, and I wanted to.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Probably why I’m stalling.”
“Right, well, that’s okay. He’ll be here soon. I hope he doesn’t wind up hating me.”
“Why would he?” Clint asked.
Mark shrugged. “I don’t know. He wasn’t around me growing up. What if I’m not what he wants in his life?”
“Oh, I have a feeling you are. You’re that guy who would give your shirt off your back to help someone out. Who wouldn’t want a dad like that?”
Mark rolled his eyes.
“You did save the bitch who nearly killed you.”
“Don’t remind me.”
“But it was the right thing to do,” Clint pointed out.
“Yeah, doesn’t make it feel any better, but she is Valen’s mom, and she was brainwashed.”
The doorbell rang.
Gina ran down the stairs. “I got it.”
Mark was already moving to the living room where she threw open the door and hugged Valen, who laughed.
He ducked his head with a grin. “Hey, Gina. Dad. This is Melanie.” Stepping back, he put an arm around his wife.”
“Oh, you’re cute together,” Gina blurted out.
Mark chuckled. “Come in. It’s a pleasure.” He took Melanie’s shoulders, then hugged her. Strawberry blond hair, green eyes, and freckles. She stood at about Valen’s height and wore a beaming smile.
“I have to say, I already like you better than Anders-Gerard, whoever he was.”
Mark grinned. “I’m glad.”
“Me too,” Valen answered.
Gina took Melanie’s arm and brought her toward the kitchen.
Clint cleared his throat. “Hey.”
Mark nodded to one of his closest friends. “This is my business partner, Clint. In fact, he mentioned you’re a carpenter.”
Valen held his hand out to Clint. “A pleasure.”
“All mine, and if you’re looking for work out this way, we could keep you busy.”
“I’m told you all build houses,” Valen answered. “I’m sure we can arrange something.”
“I’m so happy,” Gina said. “I really do hope you both move closer to here.”
“We’re looking for a house, so it’s very possible. But I’ll leave it up to Melanie, who is my world.”
“Edenton is beautiful. And if it will make you happy to be closer to a man worthy to be your father, I’m more than happy to be here,” Melanie answered.
Mark glanced at Clint. “Are you staying for dinner?”
He glanced at his watch. “Nope, Emily will be home soon. I just wanted to meet Valen.” He waved and hurried out the door.
Valen turned to Mark. “He seems cool.”
“He’s a good friend.” He glanced at Gina and back.
Gina nodded. “One of the best. Come, eat. Mark has been cooking all day.”
Epilogue
Seven months later they were gathered in Mark and Gina’s house. The enforcers and their women were there. Robert and his loves, Preston and Dacia. So were Morrigan, Badb, Valen, and Cora. Hell, half the town seemed to be in his back yard.
It was Gina’s baby shower. Something he still could hardly believe. He couldn’t be happier, though, knowing she was going to give birth to their child. The pregnancy was as normal as they came. Everything was good. And he loved Gina’s rounder body as much as when he first laid eyes on her.
Gina came outside with a smile. “Come here, baby,” she said.
Mark immediately moved to her and covered her belly. The baby kicked against his hands. She refused to let the doctor tell them what they were having, and his only complaint was he didn’t know how to decorate the room or what kind of clothes to get.
Not that he cared. He was going to be happy no matter what they had.
“I love you, Gina.”
“Love you too.”
Valen came over, carrying his little girl. “You’re going to have an aunt or uncle soon,” he murmured.
The baby reached out to Gina’s face, just grinning.
Mark held out his hands. “How is my little munchkin?” he asked.
Gina giggled. Mark was going to make such a good dad. Better than what she remembered of hers. Everything had finally settled where it should.
Smiling back at Gina, he bounced his granddaughter.
Valen nudged her shoulder. “How are you doing?”
“Good, very good. Where did Melanie go?”
She came out with a big gift bag. “Bringing in the gift. Valen knew you two would want to see Cassie.”
“Always,” Gina said. “You’re part of the family.”
About Brandy L Rivers
Brandy L Rivers is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is kept busy writing the Others of Seattle, Others of Edenton, Combustible, and the Pine Barrens Pack series.
An avid reader, Brandy has always loved writing. She became serious about it as a stay-at-home-mother. With every story her world of characters expands, pulling her new directions.
Living in rainy Western Washington with her husband and three kids, Brandy is already working on future stories in each of the series, and several other projects.
To keep up with upcoming releases and news visit me at my
Website – Facebook - Twitter
Or join my newsletter
Or reading group Rivers’ Shenanigans
Also by Brandy L Rivers
Others of Edenton
New Beginnings
In Too Deep
Shadows Fall
Shadows of the Past
Fated Love
Falling Into Place
Breaking Free
Mending Scars
Labor of Love
Light in Darkness
Blissful Agony
Deep Trouble
Entangled Darkness
Blood Bound
Woven Fates
Others of Seattle
Nights Embrace
Storm Mistress
Accepting Fate
Red Queen
Seductive Solutions
Changing Destiny
Coming Together
Storm Wrath
Twisted Bonds
Darkness Binds
Untitled (coming 2019)
Nights Embrace Spin Off
Summer Rhythm
Branches of Emrys
Sleepwalker
Dreams of Change
Finding Hawk
Chasing Dove
Untitled (coming 2019)
Pine Barrens Pack Co-Written with Rebecca Brooke
Cursed Vengeance
Vengeance Unraveled
Shifted Vengeance (Coming 2019)
Combustible
Heart on Fire
Falling Star
Sweet Tooth
Backburn
Love Behind the Scenes
The Callback
The Long Shot
To keep up with upcoming releases and news visit me at my
Website – Face
book - Twitter
Or join my newsletter or reading group Rivers’ Shenanigans
Woven Fates Page 27