Always You (Adair Family 3)

“I did volunteer.”

“I know, but I doubt you thought it would go on this long. I’ll talk to Lachlan tonight about giving the boys at work a bonus to guard Arro on rotation. How does that sound?”

Jock exhaled with relief. “Perfect. I can’t take another argument with Will.”

“Sorry about that.”

“Not your fault. Totally mine for not thinking the whole thing through.”

I clamped a hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “I’ll have this all sorted out tomorrow, but know you don’t need to come back on night shift for this tomorrow night. Take the rest of the week off, and we’ll get you into the rotation from next week.”

“Och, you don’t have to do that, Mac.”

“I do. You earned it. Spend some time with your family.”

He gave me a grateful, tight-lipped smile. “Thanks.”

Getting back into my SUV, I gave Arro’s bungalow one last long look. Lights glowed behind the living room curtains. I wondered what she had on the TV and if there would ever be a time again when she cuddled into me on the sofa to watch a film. Something I’d indulged in, taken very much for granted in the past. Ignoring the familiar ache that flared in my chest, I pulled away.

Not even ten minutes later, I drove down the narrow country road toward the water in Caelmore, toward the Adair homes by the sea.

Pulling in behind Lachlan’s Range Rover, it did not surprise me when his front door opened and his body appeared as a haloed shadow from the light flooding out behind him. I’d texted him earlier to say I needed to talk.

“Everything all right?”

“We’ve got a few things to discuss.”

“Coffee?” Lachlan asked as he stepped aside to let me in.

“Please. Decaf.”

As I walked down the narrow corridor that widened into an impressive open-plan living space, Robyn jumped off the couch and strolled toward me. “Dad.”

I hugged her harder than usual, more thankful for her than ever after these last draining weeks of therapy. Robbie had been the person I talked to about it afterward, the person who understood.

“How you doing?” she asked as we dropped our embrace.

“Good,” I promised her. “Really good.”

“I’m so glad.”

“Is there something I’m missing?” Lachlan asked from the kitchen, peering at us with a crease between his brows.

“Uh—”

I cut Robyn off before she had to lie to her husband. “I’m seeing a therapist.”

Lachlan looked up from the coffee machine, both eyebrows raised. “Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

He seemed a bit dazed, and I fought a twinge of embarrassment. While I might have been wary and uncomfortable as fuck going into those sessions, the entire experience had opened my mind. Not even my friend could make me feel ashamed that I’d needed to talk to someone.

“Lachlan.” Robyn’s tone held a warning.

“No.” He held up a hand, waving her off. “I’m not being judgmental. I’m just surprised.” His gaze met mine. “You’ve never been one to talk about things unless you’re drunk.”

I snorted. “Perhaps that was the problem.”