Montana Desire

Chapter 34

Cori

“I think that’s everything,” Lena called from across the yard. “Minus the massive amounts of redecorating you’re going to have to do. Honestly, if you were going to choose one of these houses, you’re choosing the wrong one.”

I laughed as she climbed the steps. “I know. But paint is a thing that exists, and Grant already owns this house.”

She made a face. “I know, I know.”

Grant would be here in less than an hour. The last four days had been an absolute whirlwind in the best way. Neither Grant nor I wanted any distance after this. And living next to each other made it easy.

Though my rent was great and I loved my house, the decision was simple. We would move in to his house, and I had completely free rein to decorate the house as I chose.

We picked out which furniture we’d keep from each house, and once we’d decided, the Resting Warrior guys made it happen. Moving had never gone so quickly or smoothly. The decorating would take time, but the house was completely put together. No tripping over boxes or things that didn’t have a place.

Lena looked around the living room. “Not half bad for four days. You know what you’re going to do yet?”

“I’m not worrying about it at the moment,” I laughed. “Not until everything is a little more settled.”

She pinned me with a stare. “If you end up having hot paint sex, I want to know about it.”

I flushed pink, because Grant had already made it clear that was going to happen. Not that I was going to tell Lena that. Yet.

“Okay,” she said. “I’m going to drop by some stuff for you guys later. I’ll leave it on the porch and text you because I don’t want to interrupt.”

“Lena.” I rolled my eyes.

“Girl, it has been almost a week since you’ve been able to jump that man’s bones. You don’t think I know that’s exactly what’s going to happen?”

I sighed, but it was through laughter. “You’re the worst.”

“And the best!” She blew me a kiss as she ran down the stairs.

I shut the door and sank down onto the couch. Noah was bringing Grant home, and I was about to go crazy. But they’d wanted to bring him to make it easier for me.

My phone buzzed, and I grabbed it, expecting a text message from Grant. But it wasn’t.

It was a phone call…from my sister.

“Alice?” I answered. My sister and I were on decent terms, but I hadn’t heard from her in a while. And we definitely weren’t phone call people.

“Cori,” she said. “Hi. I’ve been trying to call you. Mom and Dad are on the line too.”

“Oh,” I said. “Hi.”

In the whirlwind of all this, my birthday had come and gone. I hadn’t told them about my decision, but it was pretty clear that I’d been occupied. The search for the Pearsons and what I’d survived was national news.

Luckily, the Resting Warrior guys were excellent at keeping the press away.

Graham and Joel had been caught. They had been at a racetrack a few states away, attempting to establish an alibi for the fire. But since I’d survived, and the cops had tracked down Kevin, neither of them had a leg to stand on.

I was glad that, other than the statement I’d made to the police, I didn’t have to think about them ever again.

“Hello, Cori,” my mother said.

“Stellar, Mom,” Alice said, sarcasm dripping. “Cori, I’m really glad that you’re okay. And that they caught those assholes. I wish I could say that I can’t believe it, but I can.”

My father sighed. “Graham is a good man, Alice. We’ve been over this.”

“No, Dad,” I said. “He’s not. He was poisoning his horses, tried to kill me, and did nothing even though he knew his son tried to rape me. So, no, Dad, I think we’re not going to take that stance.”

There was nothing but silence. Good.

“Yeah,” Alice said. “It’s been real fun over here. But I’m so glad you’re okay. And Grant?”

“Yeah,” I said, unable to keep the smile off my face at even the mention of his name. “He’s coming home in about an hour.”

“That’s fantastic. Obviously, if you need any surgical help…”

“I know,” I said with a laugh.

Alice sighed. “But this call is actually not about that. This call is a chance for Mom and Dad to apologize to you, even though they don’t want to.”

I stared at the wall in shock. “Why?”

“Because,” Alice said. “No one else knew that they were trying to force you back into medical school. And even though the rest of us think you would be an absolutely brilliant surgeon, this field isn’t for everyone, and no one should be forced. Let alone blackmailed.”

“Oh…wow,” I said. “I’d made my decision. I wasn’t going to go back. With everything happening, I haven’t had a chance to let you guys know.”

Silence stretched over the line.

“Go ahead,” Alice said.

My mother clearly wasn’t happy. “We aren’t changing the terms of your trust. You now have full access to it. Our lawyers will be sending over the papers later today.”

“Really?”

“Really,” Alice confirmed. “You should have heard the phone call where the rest of the family told them what they thought about that.”

I had to cover my mouth to conceal the laughter. That would have been awkward as hell, and I was kind of glad I hadn’t been a part of it.

“Thank you,” I said. “All three of you. That money will go a long way toward supporting my clinic.”

“If you ever reconsider…” my father said.

“I won’t.”

“Well, then. I guess we’ll say goodbye. We’re glad you’re recovering.”

They dropped off the line entirely. “That was awkward.”