A Crown Of Smoke And Ash - Sloane Murphy Page 0,92

Colt scowls at him.

“That she is,” Fallon agrees when Everly appears in the doorway.

“Dinner’s ready! Oh, where is his grumpiness?” She asks hands on her hips, and Roman barks out a laugh.

“He stepped out a bit ago. I’m sure he’ll find his way down here in a few minutes.”

“You’re damn straight he will. Insolent Angel,” she huffs, but her eyes sparkle, and I know she doesn’t mean it with any malice. She loves Levi fiercely.

“I’m here, insolence and all.” Levi appears behind her with a smile.

“Good, now then, let’s get everyone seated!”

We follow her through to the kitchen where the table has been extended, and more chairs have appeared from god only knows where, but the woman seems to live to cook and entertain. She’s a magician all of her own. I sit in my usual spot, and everyone else finds a seat while Everly finishes flitting about the island counter plating up whatever that beautiful smell is.

She starts bringing plates over, and Colt stands to help her. She pats his shoulder but accepts his help. A plate of creamy tomato chicken pasta is laid in front of me, along with a salad and yes, more garlic sticks. This woman really knows how to feed my heart.

“All these carbs are going to ruin me,” Roman huffs with a smile.

“You shut your dirty mouth,” I say laughing. “Everly, this looks amazing as always thank you.”

Everyone tucks in, and groans round out as they taste the amazingness Everly has crafted for us yet again.

Eventually the table falls into comfortable conversation, and I sit, joining in, but quieter than usual as my heart expands with joy at having everyone together. Even Levi seems to have calmed a little. Kain squeezes my thigh beneath the table without even looking at me, and I know he can feel how happy I am. The content feeling from Roman tells me he can too. I’m so happy that they’re all at least trying. I know bringing Colt here was a big step, especially after everything that happened, but I know how he feels about Fallon, even if he hasn’t told me. I know that what we’re trying to do helps him as much as anyone, and I know he’s on board with that.

“That was amazing, thank you Everly,” Colt says, rubbing his now very bloated stomach. He had thirds, so I’m not surprised.

“Well I hope you’re not full. I made cake.”

“Oh Everly, you really do spoil us,” I tell her, and she beams.

“I enjoy cooking, and feeding you all makes me happy. I enjoy the life in the house again.” She says before starting to clear the table. Creek and Colt both help her while Roman and Kain grab small plates for dessert. Levi watches me from across the table, and I can practically feel the tension rise. He’s not quite forgiven me yet, but he’s trying, and I appreciate that.

Thank you I mouth to him and he nods, while Fallon lets out a gasp and fans her face.

“The sexual tension at this table,” she coos, and I laugh, my cheeks heating.

“What’s that?” Colt asks as he sits down next to her, and I want to disappear.

“Nothing,” I tell him, and Fallon grins. The others join us, and Everly appears with the biggest chocolate cake I’ve seen in my life.

“Goddess, this woman is a goddess.” Fallon sighs, and the guys chuckle at the joy and wonder on her face.

“Everly, will you marry me?” she sighs, and I shake my head at her.

“And you call me dramatic,” I say.

“This isn’t dramatic. I love this woman,” Fallon says cutting me a look, and I laugh harder.

“If I wasn’t dedicated to what I do, I’d marry you in a heartbeat.” Everly winks at her, and Fallon pouts, before looking to Levi.

“Can I at least move in here?” And Levi laughs for the first time all night.

“I’ll think about it,” he tells her and raises an eyebrow at me. “I have no idea what Remy’s plans are after everything.”

“If there is an after,” I sigh. “I haven’t even thought that far ahead, can we just enjoy cake and not focus on that?” Heaviness weighs on me and Levi looks at me, almost sorry for turning the tone of dinner.

“Well, I will be here with you, no matter what,” Everly tells me and pats me on the shoulder before slicing into the cake and handing me the first piece.

“You’re mine tonight, Angel,” Levi whispers into my ear as we close the front