Chapter 22

Two days flew by as Matt watched Mary's movements and they got ready to meet her. Paisley stayed largely out of any plans they were making except for once when she said they shouldn't all go at the same time because it might scare her.

While he agreed, it wasn't safe otherwise. After talking to Cade and Ryker, they decided that they'd hang back but not far. Paisley had agreed to that and didn't press anymore.

Garrett's personality was really starting to shine through more and more over the last few days and Luke was thankful for the distraction that was providing. They were both so engrossed in Garrett that their troubles had remained at bay.

Luke still worried that Paisley might have another panic attack with everything happening. She hadn't shown any signs of being that nervous or concerned, but he still kept a watchful eye on her.

Catherine was coming to get Garrett soon and she and Lauren were watching him along with Jake in case anything happened. It was great to have so many close friends ready to help out and make his family feel safe and protected.

"You almost ready?" Paisley asked.

Luke nodded as he took in her simple outfit of jeans and a graphic T-shirt that said caffeinate and continue on. It must have been from before she'd moved in because he'd never seen it.

"Nice shirt," he commented, using it to pull her close.

"I know I have nicer clothes upstairs, but I don't want to come off as trying to look like I'm better than her. It's enough that I'm showing up with a fiancé that's got more money than I can wrap my head around and his equally rich friends."

"It's not bad," he assured her, rubbing a hand up and down her back. "You never need to hide that you are happy and doing well."

"In this case, I think it's better if I do." She backed away from him to pick up Garrett. "I just want her to see the old me and maybe that will give her more reason to trust me."

"It's not a bad idea. I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

"I don't." Bouncing Garrett on one hip, she looked back at Luke. "I want to do this."

"I'm so ready for this to be done so we can move on."

"So much same," she agreed.

A distinct knock at the door had Luke going to answer it, knowing it was Catherine. She heard several people come in and waited in the living room for them to join them.

Surprisingly, April came in carrying an infant carrier.

"Oh my gosh." Paisley squealed. "I didn't know you were coming! How are you feeling?"

April smiled as she took the baby out. "I'm doing really well. I had to twist this one's arm to let me out of the house." She used her thumb to point at Cade.

"I'm just trying to keep you both safe." He groaned.

"You aren't safe for much longer if you don't back off with your bubble wrap self," she said while wagging a finger at him.

"Overprotective men are kind of a requirement of this group," Catherine said.

"I can see that." Paisley giggled, watching April stare down Cade who was really almost twice her size. "I think she can take him."

Catherine threw her head back with startled laughter. "I agree. My brother will never see it coming."

"So, we are going to stay here considering both babies, if that's okay with you two?" April pulled her attention from Cade.

"Sounds great. You know where everything is." Catherine took Garrett so she took the chance to coo over the new baby. "I guess there will always be babies around for a while."

"Catherine and Kayla are next," April said.

Catherine blushed and ducked her head.

"Oh. My. God," Lauren spit out, having just joined them. "You're pregnant!" It was a quiet whisper but Catherine still hushed them.

"I haven't told Ryker yet," she admitted. "I'm not looking forward to the overprotectiveness just yet and I thought it best to wait until after this was settled tonight."

"I can't believe it." Lauren quietly squealed.

"Shh," she hushed them but brought a hand to her stomach.

"I'm so happy for you," Paisley said, giving her a hug.

"Look how many cousins our babies will have," Catherine said. "They will never want for friends."

"Probably will fight like siblings," April joked.

They chatted for a few more minutes before the guys joined them. "Ready?" Luke asked.

She nodded and gave Garrett a kiss on the head before telling him she'd be right back and following the men out the door. Who knew what this evening was going to bring? But she was eager to move on from this part of her life and only look forward.

If Mary didn't accept the rehab, then Paisley was moving forward as she had been. There was no looking back and wondering what she was up to anymore. This was a chance that she needed Mary to accept.

"It's going to be okay," Luke whispered in her ear as they settled into the back of the SUV.

"Is Mr. Smith meeting us there?" she asked.

"He's on his way there now. He will be joining us, and Matt said Mary went in about an hour ago and hasn't left," Cade answered.

Ryker was driving them there in a vehicle that was entirely too obvious. She would have preferred if they parked away from the shelter, but Ryker drove right up in front instead.

"We are going to wait for Mr. Smith before getting out. He wants to be there when you make the offer to her in case she has any questions." Cade watched her in the mirror.

Paisley bit her lip. "I really don't want her to feel overwhelmed with all of us. You guys are . . . a lot." She struggled for a better way to describe them but that was the best she could come up with.

Luke chuckled. "I promise to ease off if we need to, but we are here to keep you safe first and foremost."

She nodded, surprisingly very nervous now that they were there. She'd been waiting for this to happen for days and no nerves had hit her.

Luke squeezed her hand. "It's going to be okay," he told her.

"I'm just worried about her and about what your father might have tempted her with," she admitted. "What if his offer was better than ours?"

"I don't think she took whatever it was. She wouldn't still be here," Ryker told her. "Besides, Matt said she has a job now so maybe she was already working on cleaning up."

"Not only that, but I'd be willing to bet that Father played to her addiction instead of offering her a way out like we are. Means we are more compelling if she wants to get clean already." Cade was staring straight ahead, watching people come and go from the shelter doors.

She nodded. Those were helpful, hopeful words that she might save Mary and ruin whatever plans that Mr. Hawkins had for them all.

"Luke," Cade started. "I wanted to ask, and since we are all stuck here right now, I thought I'd go ahead. Do you want to change your name to match Catherine's and mine, maybe before you two tie the knot?"

He looked shocked next to her, and it was her turn to squeeze his hand.

"I—" He cleared his throat. "I hadn't considered it."

"Catherine and I spoke already and we would be happy to support both you and Ashley changing your names," he said firmly.

Luke's eyes watered and he sniffed once before speaking. "I will talk to her," was all he said in response.

"As touching as this sibling moment has been, I think that's Mr. Smith pulling in behind us."

Cade was the first to get out of the car. Ryker was right behind him. She and Luke stayed for a minute.

"Would you mind if I did that?" Luke asked.

"Of course not. I'm thrilled for you that they want you to be a part of their family publicly." And she was. This was great news for him, and she didn't care what her last name was when they did get married, only that it was his. "Talk it over with your sister."

"I will." He nodded. "Let's go."

She slid out onto the curb, Luke right behind her. He turned away from the group, composing himself before taking her hand and joining the other men and the new woman.

"Everyone, this is Dr. Jones. She's an expert in addiction treatment and I wanted her to be here to answer any questions Mary may have." Mr. Smith gestured to her.

"It's Nikki. I'm happy to do anything I can to help," Dr. Jones said.

"Thank you for this," Paisley told her sincerely.

"I understand what it's like to have a family member that keeps getting in their own way. I will do what I can to encourage her if that's needed."

"Cade." Mr. Smith looked at him. "I'm happy to see that the apple fell far from the tree in your case. I hoped you wouldn't continue his cycle of crazy."

"Glad not to disappoint. Any news on the lawyer front?" Cade asked.

"Actually, that should be happening right now. I will update you once the hearing regarding the lawyer's license to practice is over. And since he's the only one outside of family able to visit the prison, that should put a stop to things."

"Thank you," Luke said. "For all of this. We appreciate it more than you know."

"I'm glad to have any chance to get you boys back on the right track. I think you're all going to do great things. Even Ryker here with his security venture."

Ryker glared at him but didn't say anything.

"Quiet as always," Mr. Smith acknowledged. "I suppose it keeps you out of trouble to just keep your thoughts to yourself until it comes up."

"I appreciate the help," Ryker grunted out.

Paisley fought back a smile. It was hilarious to see Ryker uncomfortable. She'd seen him holding her baby looking every bit the family man, and she'd seen him upset and broody, which looked more like his natural nature. Now, awkward under the praise of this nice man, that was new.

"Are we ready to go?" Mr. Smith asked.

Everyone nodded and they made their way to the building.

"Matt is watching everything to make sure we don't need help," Ryker informed them.

"I assume there are other men waiting in the wings just in case?" Mr. Smith asked.

Ryker glared at him.

"I expected nothing less. Let's get on with it." Mr. Smith, with a smile on his face, moved to the front of the group as they reached the doors to the homeless shelter.

It was the beginning of something new—she could feel it. Hopefully, that meant a new life with Mary in it and not without her completely. Only one person could answer that, and it was time to find out.

"Can I help you?" a woman greeted them from behind a table with papers in front of her, a check-in/out system, Paisley assumed.