you know, the ones with the shifters in them. Hoping she’d find it romantic instead of freaky,” Roman said.
Riley laughed. “You’re something else. I’d have never thought of that. Did she say she’s enjoying them?”
“Yeah! I asked her if she’d read her books and she said she loves them and even lends them out to some of the other women when she finishes them. She asked me to send more. I’ve sent her eight or nine already. There’s a series of them that has males that shift into all kinds of animals. I sent her that one because a couple of them are Silverbacks.”
“Good thinking,” Riley said with a grin.
“So, anyway. I’m thinking we have a lot of talking to do, and a lot of getting used to each other and it would probably be easier if it was just me and her,” Roman said.
“Okay. If you’re sure. But if anything goes wrong at all, it only takes a call and Laz is minutes away if you’re in Ohio, and after one call I’m on my way as well, but it’ll be a bit before I can get there,” Riley said.
“I know. But I think it’s gonna be fine,” Roman replied. “And if it’s not, like you said, Laz is nearby. And if we’re on the way home and she freaks out, I’ll just calm her as best I can. At least I know she’s not going to jump out and run from me. She knows Darcie is home waiting on us.”
“That’s true, you do have that on your side,” Riley said.
Roman nodded, but Riley could tell he was still a little worried. “Don’t worry so much, Roman. She’s already said she loves you.”
“Yeah, but there’s so much she doesn't know about me yet. What if she can’t accept me and I lose her and Darcie?”
“That is not going to happen. Darcie adores you, and you’ve more than proven yourself. Take it easy, Roman. She’s got all the time in the world to get used to it,” Riley said, encouragingly. “Just tell her that we’re just like every other man out there, only better.”
“I will. Everything’s gonna be good. It’s gotta be good. I’m gonna keep believing that,” Roman said.
“You do that, and I’ll give Laz a call to update him about the court date and you being in the area alone if you need something,” Riley said. “By the time you’re on your way there, everything will be falling into place.”
“Alright,” Roman said as he followed Riley through the rest of the house while Riley made notes on areas they saw as needing to be renovated.
The adrenalin Roman had felt surge while speaking to Patrick began to fade and Roman began to think about what would happen to Darcie if she expected Talie to come home with Roman and he came home from Ohio alone. “I don’t think we should say anything to Darcie yet. I don’t want her to be thinking Talie’s coming home only to be disappointed if they don’t let her leave yet,” Roman said.
Riley turned to Roman. “I think you’re right. That’s probably for the best for now. Just in case, you know?”
Roman nodded. “And I’m gonna steel myself, too. Just in case they come up with some other bullshit.”
“That’s understandable, but I don’t think Mr. Rooney would have told you he believes this is it, if he didn’t really think this was it. My money’s on him being right. I think Talie is coming home with you next week,” Riley said.
~~~
“You promise it won’t be long?” Darcie asked.
“I promise. And until I get back, I need you to do your job and come to school every single day and do your best. Then I need you to go over to Aunt Yvette’s in the afternoon after your homework is done and read to the baby like you been doing. She says the baby gets really excited when you come visit and read to him,” Roman said.
Darcie smiled. “He likes me. You can see him kick her belly when I read his favorite book,” Darcie said.
“Which one does he like best?” Roman asked, already knowing the answer.
“He likes The New Potty. It’s a Little Critter book. I thought it was a good idea since he’s gonna be wearing diapers to get him used to knowing he’s gonna have to use the potty.”
Roman laughed. “I think that’s a great idea.”
“So, Aunt Maia’s picking me up today?” Darcie asked, getting back to what was most prevalent on