Spectrum (Stone Society #14) - Faith Gibson Page 0,58

and I want to assure our future leaders have the best possible chance at leading our Clan. If I cannot have my own children, I will gladly be a guardian for all the others.”

“Are we there yet?” the three children asked in unison, giggling when they did. Lorenzo grinned, and Remy rolled his eyes, but he was thrilled Rain had two friends to bring out the kid in him.

North Georgia was worlds away from New Atlanta. Sure they had suburbs, and the area where most of the Gargoyles lived was somewhat rural with lots of acreage, but the farther away they got, the more scenic the landscape became. Autumn in the south was different than in California, and Remy found himself feeling a bit homesick for his French vineyard home. When he lost his little family of two, Remy couldn’t remain, so he traveled to the States, hoping to function without memories beating him down every moment of every day. He had Rain back, but Remy didn’t think he could return to their home without Isla.

He was doing his best to be everything Rain needed, and most days he felt he succeeded. There were some days, though, his doubts crept in. He would never have another mate. Never love another female, but didn’t Rain deserve to have a mother figure guiding him as well? No! No. Remy would have to be enough. He couldn’t even think about bringing someone else into Rain’s life. Into his own life. He would have to be enough.

Everything about their outing was perfect. The weather. The location. The owner of the vineyard had introduced himself, and when Rain mentioned their vineyard in France, the human had taken time to speak with Remy about grapes and processes and bouquets and all the other things that went into a great bottle of wine. It was easy to get lost in the business aspect of having a vineyard. When the owner’s wife joined him, Remy excused himself to join the others in the reason they’d taken the trip. He rolled up his pants and stood barefoot alongside Rain. His son wasn’t much taller than the last time they’d shared a vat of plump, purple fruit. Rain had been held inside during his captivity, not getting the needed daily allotment of fresh air and sunshine. Remy tried not to dwell on the trauma his son had endured. Instead, he made the most of their time together.

After cleaning up, the adults sat around the table to enjoy the included lunch and wine tasting, while the kids alternated taking bites of food and playing in the cool sunshine. Amelia was always a ball of energy, and her constant need to move was enticing to Rain and Connor. All three children had been through more in their short lives than most adults, but with the Clan’s love, they were thriving. The females in New Atlanta had taken Rain into the fold, especially Abbi. Maybe it was because she, too, had endured being held captive. Remy had heard Abbi’s story. The mates never hesitated to share what they had gone through. They each had come out the other side better for finding their intended Gargoyle. Remy only wished Isla had her own happy ending.

Tessa, who was talking about one of her cousins, stopped mid-sentence just as Amelia yelled, “Izzy!”

Isabelle and Dante rushed to where Connor was standing frozen. Remy had never experienced one of the young boy’s visions. Amelia became another child altogether as she ran to her mom and sat quietly, watching her cousin. Abbi pulled Amelia onto her lap as they both waited. Rain hadn’t moved from Connor’s side. He stood silently as Dante and Isabelle knelt beside their son. When Connor came out of his trance, he placed his forehead against Dante’s. The two spoke silently for several long seconds, then like nothing happened, Connor returned to his former animated self.

Isabelle led both boys to the table and encouraged them to eat. “It’s getting late. Please finish your lunch.” Connor did as he was told, and Rain walked over to where Remy was sitting. Mimicking Amelia, Rain climbed onto Remy’s lap. He was quiet as he ate, and Remy wasn’t sure whether or not to be worried. As far as he knew, Rain had never witnessed Connor’s visions either. If he had, he hadn’t mentioned it to Remy.

“This was an excellent idea, Remy. Thank you for inviting us,” Dante said. The normally laid-back male had joined in the festivities, even