Sisters of Summer’s End

by Lori Foster

  “Maybe.” Daron glanced at him. “So what?”

  Damned if Royce knew how to articulate it. “She comes from wealth and privilege.”

  Suddenly Maris was there, rudely shouldering her way in around him. “What does her background matter?”

  Without waiting for an answer, she grabbed Daron for a lusty smooch. “Hey, babe. Miss me?”

  “Every second,” Daron said.

  Great. Just what Royce didn’t need to see: nauseating happiness. “I should go,” he said. “Let you two do—” he looked at them, all clutched together “—whatever you plan to do.”

  “Not until you explain,” Maris said, turning to pin him in her gaze. “Joy is going through hell right now and you decide to bail? Don’t you think she deserves better?”

  Every muscle clenched in pain. “What do you mean, she’s going through hell?” Yes, she’d been upset Monday night, but the entire day had gone wrong for her. By the end of their visit, she’d pretty much decided to reunite with her parents.

  Plus he’d asked her to call him if she needed anything.

  She hadn’t.

  “Hello,” Maris said. “You met her mother. Would you be happy to deal with the Arctic Circle?”

  Incredibly bothered by the idea of Joy still upset, Royce murmured, “Joy can handle her.”

  “Yup. My girl is badass. But she shouldn’t have to do it alone.”

  No, she shouldn’t. Tension gathered in his neck. “If she wanted my help, she’d have asked me.”

  “If you care,” Maris shot back, “she shouldn’t have to ask.”

  If he cared? Jesus, he loved her. “I didn’t want to impose.”

  Daron choked, and gave him a pitying look.

  He was starting to think he needed the pity. “All that money didn’t faze her,” he said defensively. Yes, Royce’s own mother had made a nice living off her art, but she hadn’t been wealthy. He knew nothing about a lifestyle where half a million dollars was chump change. “Know why it didn’t faze her?” Maris asked, her tone sharp. “Because the money doesn’t matter to her.”

  “Case in point,” Royce barked back. “Who the hell doesn’t care about that kind of cash?”

  Shaking her head, Maris turned away. “You don’t know half what you think you know.”

  “Maris,” Daron said, chiding. “Let up a little. The guy’s suffering, if you can’t tell.”

  She stopped, drew a breath and nodded. “Okay, fine.” She turned to Royce again. “Why. Are you. Not. With her?”

  Instead of answering, Royce asked a question of his own. “Are you saying she turned down the inheritance?”

  “Nope. But you’d already know that if you were talking to her.”

  Of course she hadn’t. The money would go a long way toward taking care of Jack, securing his future, giving him things she couldn’t give him before. Things Royce would never be able to give either of them. “I just settled in here, Maris. If she’s moving back with her family—”

  “Are you for real? Acknowledging her folks and moving in with them are two very different things. Joy’s happy here. She wants no part of that world.”

  Okay...wait. How could she take the inheritance and not be a part of it all? Confused, Royce said, “It’s her world. She was born to it.”

  “So what? I came from poverty. My folks took handouts for food, hand-me-downs for clothes, and they didn’t mind us being the neighborhood charity case—but you don’t see me embracing it still.”

  That stopped Royce cold. Maris’s family had been poor?

  He couldn’t imagine the proud, independent woman standing before him forced to live that way. He glanced at Daron and got his nod.

  Shit. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be,” she said with a shrug. “Made me who I am, and Daron likes me.”

  “I love you,” Daron corrected. “Because, rich or poor, you’re amazing.”

  Maris patted his cheek. “See, Daron gets it.”

  Yeah, he did. And they were so damn happy.

  Wishing it could be that easy, Royce said, “This is different.”

  “No, it’s not. Joy is the same. Her situation remains the same. You’re the only one making it different.”

  Daron gave him another look. “She’s not wrong, man.”

  Royce’s heart suddenly pounded, his breath going shallow. As if to back them up, Chaos barked, turned a circle and stared at him. “No,” he admitted. “Maris isn’t wrong.”

  God, he’d let Joy down. He’d been so busy trying to second-guess things, assuming he couldn’t fit into her rich lifestyle, he’d really screwed up. No matter what, Joy was a beautiful person, and he loved her.

  That was the only thing that mattered.

  Lifting Chaos into his arms, he said, “Thanks, Maris.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Royce turned on his heel to walk away.

  “Are you going to her?” Maris asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Great. Give her my love,” Maris sang after him, her tone rich with satisfaction.

  Yeah, he would—right after he gave her his own.

  * * *

  Standing at the stove, Joy moved the hamburgers to a plate, making sure to keep Jack’s away from the onions she loved. He’d helped her with the mac and cheese, and he’d chosen applesauce as an additional side dish, whereas Joy would have a salad.

  They were ready to eat when the knock sounded on her door. Jack started to dart away from the table, but she said, “No, I’ll get it,” which at least slowed him down a little.

  It might be Maris. Joy had made an extra hamburger just in case. But regardless, she didn’t allow Jack to answer the door without her.

  As she went to the window to peek out, he stuck close to her side.

  It wasn’t Maris.

  Royce stood there, his expression stern. Maybe worried. He held Chaos in his arms, and at least the dog looked excited.

  “Is it Royce?” Jack asked, his tone hopeful. “It’s Royce, isn’t it?”

  Her smile felt a little sad. Jack had really missed seeing him the last few days. She’d planned to contact Royce later tonight, hoping she’d have a handle on things before Jack saw him again.

  Now here he was, and she had no idea where they stood.

  “Mo-om,” Jack complained, tugging at her shirt.

  “Yes, it’s Royce.” She hesitated, wondering what to expect.

  Jack squealed, bouncing with excitement. “Open the door, Mom!”

  “All right. Hold your horses.” Laughing, she opened the locks and, trying to be casual, greeted Royce. “Hi.”

  Jack ducked in front of her. “Royce!” He grabbed him around the legs, still bouncing, making Royce brace his feet apart or topple.

  “What a welcome.” Shifting the dog to one arm, Royce hefted Jack up with the other to bring him eye level. Grinning, he asked, “Did you miss me?”

  “We did, didn’t we, Mom?”

  When Royce’s dark-eyed gaze touched on her face, Joy avoided answering by stepping back. “Come on in.”

  “You can have dinner with us,” Jack offered. “I helped cook it, didn’t I, Mom?”

  “Yes.”

  Royce hugged Jack close. “Bet it’s perfect, then.” Chaos was whining and wiggling, so Royce bent to lower both boy and dog to the floor.

  No matter how many times they’d visited, Chaos always did an immediate inspection of the apartment. Nose to the floor, looking much like a furry vacuum cleaner, he began his excited tour.

  “Jack,” Joy said, “why don’t you close the bedroom and bathroom doors so we don’t have to worry about Chaos getting into anything?”

  “Okay. C’mon, Chaos.” They took off in a run together.

  Normally Joy would have reminded him to come right back f
or dinner, but instead she looked at Royce. “Is everything okay?”

  “No.” He inhaled, filling his lungs, then slowly let out a breath. “I mean, I hope it is.”

  Joy tipped her head, confused but starting to feel as hopeful as Jack.

  “Screw it.” Royce brought her in close and bent his head to hers.

  His lips brushed over her mouth, once, twice, opened just a little so his tongue could tease her bottom lip...and she felt herself turn to putty.

  She’d missed him so very much.

  “Joy?” he whispered.

  She heard longing and apology in the way he said her name, and it did her in.

  “I’m sorry.” He feathered kisses against her cheek, over to her ear. “So damn sorry. God, I was an ass and now that I’ve realized it, I just...”

  Hands to his chest, she looked up at him. “You just what?”

  “I want to make it right.”

  Jack came flying back in, saw them together and slammed his brakes. “Whoa.”

  Chaos looked around in confusion, wondering why everyone had gone so quiet.

  Flustered, Joy started to retreat, but Royce didn’t let her go. “Do you mind if I talk to your mom for just a minute?”

  Jack blinked at each of them in turn. “Are you going to stay for dinner?”

  Royce looked to Joy, and she said, “There’s enough if you’re not too hungry.”

  “Yes,” he said immediately, “I’d love to stay.”

  “Okay, then you can kiss her.” Jack watched, making Joy snicker.

  “Um...” Royce shifted. “How about you show Chaos your room again instead?”

  Skeptical, Jack said, “All right. But I’ll be right back.”

  “Don’t let him chew anything,” Royce called after him.

  They watched boy and dog disappear down the short hall.

  The second Jack’s door closed, Royce framed her face in his hands. “I love you.”

  The declaration took her breath away.

  “Who knows when he might come charging back in here,” Royce explained, “and I needed you to know.”

  Trying to fill her lungs, Joy gasped. “I... You took me by surprise.”

  “It took me by surprise, too. But it’s true.” He pressed a firm kiss to her mouth and said again, “I love you, and I love Jack, too.”

  She steepled her hands over her mouth, suddenly overwhelmed. “Royce—”

  “Just so you know, the money has nothing to do with it.”

  That made her blink. “What do you mean?”

  He shook his head. “The money does matter. Hell, the idea of you inheriting that much spooked me. I thought it would change everything. Where you lived, how you lived.”

  That’s why he’d acted so funny?

  “I just meant that it’s yours. Yours and Jack’s. I want nothing to do with it.”

  “Never, not once, did I think the money would be a draw for you.” But then, neither had she known that it would turn him away. Thinking about it now, she could see how disconcerting her cavalier attitude about a million dollars would be.

  “Good.” Royce cupped her shoulders in his hands. “Whatever you have going on with your parents, we’ll figure it out. Maris said you had no interest in moving, but if you did, I’d fix up the house and sell it. I want you to know that. I wouldn’t expect you to pass on better options—”

  Laughing, a little giddy with happiness, Joy put her fingers over his mouth. “Better options than you? Not possible.” She opened her hand against his jaw. “I’m in love with you, too, Royce. But I’m not moving away from the area. This is home.”

  She saw the relief that stole the worry from his gaze, the way his big shoulders loosened. He crushed her close, lifting her off her feet to spin her in a circle, then setting her back again. After a big exhale, he admitted on a laugh, “I’m glad, because I like it here. I just need you to know that I could be happy anywhere, as long as I’m with you, and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that sooner.”

  That meant the world to her. “I was going to call you tonight, after Jack went to bed. I had it all planned, everything I’d say. Mostly that I loved you.” Beneath her palm on his chest, she felt the steady thumping of his heart. “I was a little nervous about it, so thank you for telling me first.”

  “Maris was ready to kick my ass if I didn’t.” He grinned. “She and Daron—hell, everyone at the park apparently—knew I was making dumb assumptions.” Royce put his forehead to hers. “I’m sorry I put us both through that.”

  She didn’t yet know where their relationship was headed, but he loved her and that was a good start. “Before Jack returns, you should know that I turned down my mother’s money. That was always a given. I’m ready to work with her, to try to have a peaceful future together, but that’s as far as it goes.”

  He smiled. “Sounds like a generous compromise to me.”

  “I gave it a lot of thought.” Talks with Maris had helped. “The bulk of the inheritance from my grandmother will go into a trust fund for Jack, with me as trustee so I can ensure that when he turns eighteen, he doesn’t blow through it.”

  “No crazy fast cars?”

  She grinned with him. “Exactly. He’ll have options for college, trade school or an art academy if he’s still into that when he’s older.”

  “He will be,” Royce said with assurance. “I’d bet on it.” He ran his hand over her hair, tucked it back and traced her lips. “I want a future with you, Joy.”

  Those words did more to brighten her than any amount of money ever could. Smiling, her eyes a little misty, she nodded. “I want that, too.”

  Jack crept in this time. “I’m getting hungry,” he said as a bold hint, his gaze scrutinizing them both.

  Accepting that details for their future would have to wait, Joy got another plate and served the food while Royce helped with drinks.

  Thankfully, Chaos found a comfortable spot by the window and curled up to nap.

  She’d gotten her very first bite in her mouth when Jack announced, “I have a grandma and grandpa.”

  Keeping his tone neutral, Royce replied, “I heard about that.”

  “Maris is going to have a party so I can meet them. Mom’s getting me a cake.”

  “That sounds nice,” Royce said.

  He shrugged and glanced at Joy. Sotto voce, he asked, “Did you invite him, Mom?”

  She bit back her smile. “I was going to call him tonight, but since he’s here, you can invite him yourself.”

  Shy now, Jack muttered, “Will you come to the party?”

  “Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.”

  “Really?” Grinning, Jack said, “We’ll all be there, right?”

  Royce nodded. “Are you excited to meet your grandparents?”

  Pushing his fork through his applesauce, his gaze on his plate, Jack said, “I’d rather have a dad.” He cast a coy glance at Royce to gauge his reaction.

  “Jack,” Joy said softly. “I explained—”

  “He’s not here,” Jack insisted in a burst, rushing out with, “Maybe Royce could be my dad?”

  Clearly stunned, Royce dropped back in his seat, his fork suspended, his gaze locked on Jack.

  Uncertain now, Jack whispered, “Would that be okay?”

  Without a word, Royce nodded, swallowed heavily and then finally, finally, he smiled. “That would be incredible. Thank you.”

  Jack grinned. “For real?”

  “No matter what, I’d love to be your dad.”

  He looked at Joy. “I’d also love to marry your mother.”

  Joy covered her trembling mouth. That was the most roundabout proposal she could imagine, but she loved it just the same.

  Jack turned to her. “Will you, Mom?”

  Smiling, Royce set aside his fork and sa
id softly, “I love you, Joy. You love me. We both love Jack.”

  Jack grinned.

  “Will you marry me?”

  Nodding hard and laughing, Joy said, “Yes.”

  “Yes?” Jack asked, wanting it confirmed.

  “Yes,” they both repeated.

  And Jack whooped so loudly he woke Chaos.

  * * *

  For the first time, of what Royce hoped would be many, he helped tuck Jack into bed.

  “Will you be here in the morning when I wake up?” Jack asked.

  “No.” Royce wouldn’t ask to stay the night until after he and Joy married. It was an old-fashioned idea, but Jack had enough new ideas to deal with right now. Royce didn’t want to throw too much at him at one time. “I can come back over before you go to school, though.”

  “Okay.” Jack hugged a stuffed dinosaur and turned on his side. In a hushed whisper, he asked, “When can I call you Dad?”

  Unsure how to answer that, Royce deferred to Joy.

  She smoothed Jack’s hair. “Whenever you want to, honey.”

  His sleepy eyes grew heavy and he yawned. “Okay.” Snuggling into his pillow, he grinned. “Good night, Mom...” He peeked one eye open. “And Dad.”

  Royce knew he’d never grow tired of hearing that. “Good night.”

  Joy took his hand and led him from the room. On the couch, she leaned against him, both of them quiet for a moment. Finally she said, “What a week it’s been.”

  “I’m so damn sorry I made it worse.”

  “All in all, I think you made up for it. Jack loves you very much.”

  Every time he heard it, Royce liked it more. “I feel the same about him.” He pulled her closer, saying, “He’s such a happy kid, I’m surprised he missed having a dad.”

  “He didn’t,” Joy whispered, “until he met you.”

  “Then we’re even. Kids are the biggest commitment of all, and I didn’t think I wanted anything to do with them—until I met him.”

  She smiled, and pulled out her phone. “I only need a second.”

  Amused, Royce shook his head. “I’m not going anywhere.”