Chapter 821 Chapter 821
Jake looked at the house again. There were so many people inside right now he couldn’t breathe in there. Beth and Kelsey had shown up, followed by Cooper and Mari. Most of the men were at the back, making sure the bridge was out of the water. He’d had enough river for one day, so he stood there staring at the house instead.
If they hadn’t been back there and Rory had been alone— He shook his head and paced the other way. He couldn’t think about that.
Pryce and Ronan ran out of the house and went over to the big tree in the yard. Someone had tied a rope to it, and the boys spent a lot of time seeing who could climb the furthest. He watched them for a minute, trying not to think about one of them falling out of the tree or off that bridge.
Jake blew out a breath and looked at the ground. His cat moved through him, conveying that he should go and check on her. He glanced at the door. There were enough women in there looking after her, that she would be fine.
He needed to do something. He needed to talk to her about Chicago but now was not the time. He should probably talk to her more about them as well. She had to have felt the connection when he was carrying her back.
Noah’s truck came up the drive. It wasn’t even done moving when Emersyn was out the door and running into the house. Noah finished parking and got out. He walked over to Jake. “Is she all right?”
Jake nodded. “Yeah. She was soaking in the tub last I heard.”
Noah stopped and shoved his hands into the pocket of his jacket. “Are you all right?”
Jake snorted. “No. If we hadn’t been back there—” He waved his hand. “I shifted and jumped into the water, Noah. I didn’t even hesitate.”
The only reaction was Noah’s brows rose. “That happens when its them.” He shrugged. “I jumped into a hole in the ground after Emersyn.”
Jake remembered Blair telling him about Noah’s crazy move.
“They have to be safe,” Noah whispered.
Jake puffed out his cheeks and then exhaled. “It’s been, what? A day?” He paced away and then spun back to look at him. “All I do is wonder if she’s okay.”
This time, Noah snorted. “That doesn’t go away.”
“How do you do it? How do you go off with the teams and leave Emersyn here?” He couldn’t ‘t even bring himself to walk away from the house right now.
Noah ran his hand through his hair. “It’s hard, but I have to.”
“Well, you’re a stronger man than I am.” He pointed to the house. “Right now, I’m ready to go haul her out of there. Pack up her thousand suitcases and drive to Chicago.”
Noah looked at the house. “You should do it.” He looked over at the kids. “I don’t think she’s comfortable here. It’s easier if you know they’re happy where they are. If they’re content with where they are.”
Jake sighed. “She’s not.”
Noah looked at him. “Call Zain, talk to him about her coming with you, and then tell her your idea.”
Jake looked at the house again. “What if she doesn’t want to go to Chicago?”
“Then you’ll figure out something else.” He shrugged. “I have to go back to the shop.”
Jake nodded but continued to look at the door of the house. Call Zain. Talk to Rory. Seemed like a solid plan.
Pulling out his phone, he opened his contacts list. Gone were the ten contracts he’d always had. Now, he had over a hundred. That was definitely a sign of changes in his life.