“I agree. Doug and I always considered Ace the lone wolf of the bunch. We only met him a handful of times, but each time, he was quiet and standoffish. He had this edge about him that was dangerous and mysterious. Then we come here, meet you. That weekend, when he cornered me about helping you find a builder, I almost fainted. He is a different man,” Celia tells our group.
“Agreed, Jim and I noticed the change in Ace that weekend as well,” Cindy, Major’s mom, pipes up. “We should all be thanking you.”
“Why?”
“Our sons have a solid, impenetrable connection among them. They decide as a group. When Major told us they were getting out and moving on, I didn’t know what they’d do next. Then, when he told me they were all coming to Nashville with Ace, I felt relief. The choice to come here was driven by Ace’s determination to get back to you. You helped find them a home.”
“I’m not sure that’s how it went. Ace and I weren’t exactly on the best of terms. Giving me credit is a stretch.”
“She’s right, sweetie. And we’re all thrilled they are closer. Nashville is the perfect location. It’s a simple drive and flight, which is nice.” Talon’s mom, April, toasts her glass in the air. “Plus, we get you in the deal, which is a bonus.”
My skin prickles and heats with the praise, and I flash her a crooked smile. “I’m pretty fortunate, too.”
I glance at Sandy, who’s barely holding back her emotions. Tonight has meant a lot to her. Meeting the other parents after all these years and being able to share this with Pete and Achilles finally at peace.
“I hate to bring it up, but can we address the elephant in the corner?” Celia’s attention lands on me. “Have you heard anything new?”
“No, as far as I know, there has been no more communication. Achilles promised he would tell me.”
“Ford’s sisters made him promise the same. They wanted to be here this weekend, but it didn’t work out. They’ll be crashing in soon.”
“Maybe Willie’s original team uncovered nothing and the head’s up call was unnecessary. He got everyone worried for nothing,” Jewls voices her opinion.
“I’d love for that to be true, but Achilles says these things take time.”
“These men are the best at what they do. And God forbid they are called back, we will band together to support each other.”
“We sure will.” Mom reaches for the pitcher of margaritas, topping mine off before hers. “Now, let’s talk about houses. Do you have any idea what you want?”
“Hold that thought—Grandma Lucy has released her prey,” Jewls updates us eagerly.
Grandma heads our way while Achilles joins the men by the fire pit. His eyes meet mine, and a slow, sexy grin forms on his lips. Whatever she said has him amused.
“Do I still have a boyfriend?” I ask Grandma when she sits.
“Hopefully not for long.”
“What did you do?”
“I’m a hip old broad. You millennials like to go against the grain, but there are a few traditions that should withstand time.”
A knot forms in the pit of my stomach at the implication. “You didn’t…”
“Told him he can build you a fancy house, but there better be a ring on your finger before any great-grandbabies get here.”
“Oh, God,” My chin falls to my chest.
“Harley, why do you act surprised?”
“Because we’ve been dating a short time.”
“He’s Usain Bolt,” Jewls proudly relays her ridiculous name. “Ace went from lone wolf to speed king.”
“He is rather fast when he gets going, but considering this has been in the works for over ten years, he’s not quite that fast.” Grandma pins me with her deep blue eyes full of wisdom.
“You knew how he felt?”
“Of course, I did, sugar plum. It was obvious. I also know why he did what he did and walked away. The eighteen-year-old Achilles Kingston was carrying too much on his conscience to be good enough. Now, he’s ready to atone for that time lost.”
A lump forms in my throat, and I avoid peering at Sandy.
“So, what did I miss?” Grandma changes the subject, pouring her own drink.
“Talking about the house. I’m getting my own guest suite,” Jewls informs them. “And I’d like it to overlook the pool deck.”
I roll my eyes, take a large gulp, and say a silent thanks Mom was generous with the tequila. “I picked up a few magazines to get ideas. This whole thing is surreal and hasn’t hit me yet.”
“Do you have any idea what style you’d prefer?” Celia asks.
“Not at all.”
“What does Achilles say?”
“He has four demands. A three-bay garage, a media room, a sizable back yard with an outdoor kitchen, and a large master suite. That’s all I have to go on.”
“They can definitely save room on the kitchen, considering Harley can’t cook shit,” Jewls snickers, throwing me under the bus.