Page 121 of Inked in Bloom
“Monroe is teaching us how to make our own flowerpots,” she says, hopping back to her seat and lifting a slightly lopsided pot. “Do youlike it?”
“It’s amazing.” I take my time admiring each closely as the girls show them off. “They all look incredible.”
Lilly pinches around the edges of hers, then picks up a tool, smoothing it out. “Will you fill them for us when they’re done?”
“Of course.”
“Daddy can do yours,” Taylor says, that preadolescent attitude in full effect. She looks next to her and grins. “I want Monroe to do mine.”
“Sorry, Daddy.” Lilly grimaces and focuses on their impromptu art instructor. “Monroe, can you do mine too?”
She beams at them. “I’d be honored.”
There’s a twinkle in her stare, but she turns and mouths “sorry.” I shake my head at her. There’s nothing for her to apologize for—I couldn’t be happier.
Once Monroe stopped hating me long enough to give our bond a chance, I worried telling her about my daughters would scare her off. But that fear was eclipsed by the knowledge that Fate had entwined our paths. She didn’t do that without reason.
Loving Monroe came easily, not just to me but to the girls. They adore her. Even though she isn’t set in her decision about our future, it’s important Monroe knows she has a place in our family no matter what she decides to do about the mate bond.
Monroe helps the girls finish up and sends them to the bathroom to wash the dried clay off their hands. She sidles up beside me at the sink, washing hers. “How was the meeting?”
“Pretty uneventful.” I pull out a pot and griddle in preparation for our weekly grilled cheese and tomato soup night. “After the meeting was another story.”
“Oh really? What happened?” She towels off her hands and leans back against the counter. “Never mind, you don’t have to tell me.”
“I don’t. And I probably shouldn’t…but you’re my mate, so I’m going to anyway. I’m sure Dani will tell Cherri.”
“That sounds ominous.” She scoots closer so I can whisper while I pull slices of bread out of the bag.
“I’m afraid it is. Hoping I’m wrong.” I glance over my shoulder, ensuring we are alone. “Skylar’s missing.”
“What?” Her concern slams into me. “Could she have been snatched up by the Storms?”
“Maybe?” I purse my lips. “It seems early for that. Normally it’s been during the overlap. It’s still a bit too soon for summer in Patagonia.”
“Does Corrigan know?”
“No. And Fate made it clear she’s not to be made aware of the situation,” I mutter. “If she’s sensed any distress from Skylar’s end, she hasn’t let on.” Monroe starts on the soup while I prep the sandwiches. “I know my sister comes off a bit thorny, but she’s not heartless. She would’ve told us.”
“Corrigan may not have liked me when she was keeping tabs on us last spring, but I’m certain she wouldn’t have let any harm come to us. Even if she refuses to accept the bond, she still cares about Skylar.” Monroe stops talking as the girls run past, but once they are in the living room, she continues. “So what happens next?”
Her nerves press against my ribs, as if trying to burrow between them. And while I hate she’s worried, the realization that she hasn’t tried to reel back the emotion from my reach brings me a strange sort of comfort.
“If she’s not located in the next few days, Fate is sending Dani and I there. A Rescue Rider mission we can’t tell theother Radixes about. Not without risking it getting back to my sister.”
Monroe swallows and her nerves prickle through me. “How long will you be gone?”
“I’m not sure.” I wrap my arms around her, nuzzling her nose with my own. “Fate said if we don’t find Skylar by the end of this spring, we’ll have to leave her behind.”
Monroe stares up at me. “That doesn’t sound like something a Rescue Rider would do.”
“It’s not.” For the first time since I was given this task, it hits me how much I don’t want to go. I know it’s my duty, but I’d rather remain here with the people I love. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
Monroe’s cheek rests on my chest. Her apprehension wriggles through our bond, but she keeps her tone calm. “So you and Dani might not be back before the claiming ceremony?”
“I’ll make sure Dani’s back.” I know how hard she’s worked to ensure everything is perfect. Even though I won’t be attending, there’s nothing that would stop Dani from claiming their mate, and nothing I won’t do to ensure they’re able to. “Don’t let Cherri worry, okay?”
Monroe gives me a small smile. “I’ll try my best.”
