“No apologies necessary,” Stacy waves her hand. “Things happened how they were supposed to happen. As hard as all that was.”
“You doin’ okay, though?” I ask her. “You and Grey? Because you lost your brother and he lost his bio mom and as awful as they both were, it still has to be… emotional?”
“I am more than okay,” Stacy says. “The biggest part of that being because of Grey. And the second… knowing my old pack is in good hands under Brody’s leadership.”
“Brody’s awesome,” Leona agrees.
“And dreamy…” Aud muses.
“And soon-to-be taken,” Stacy adds, showing she’s protective of Addy.
“I know, I know, “Audrey says. “Wonder what me and Leona will be left with is all. A lot of the good ones are taken now.”
“Your cousin isn’t…” Leona wiggles her eyebrows.
Aud rolls her eyes. “Lee isn’t Bailey-level crushing on her best friend’s brother but not far off.”
“Not true,” Leona says with a pout and then changes the subject. “Have you guys seen the state of Sherry? She’s a wreck. Now, I’m not her biggest fan…”
“None of us are,” Roxy mutters.
Leona goes on, “But she should not have had to go through that.”
“She helped me,” Stacy defends. “Sherry did her best under the circumstances. She helped as best as she could when he kidnapped me. I should go see her.”
“You seem like a genuine, sweet person, so word of warning: Sherry Creed is toxic,” Roxy states. “And most folks are saying she got what she deserved. No offense.”
Stacy gives her a tight smile. “She’s family now. Even though her and Wy were only together a few days, we’re trauma bonded.”
“Just watch your back,” Roxy advises, then turns to me. “Wouldn’t be shocked if she’s still got a whole lot of bitch under all that trauma. Anyway, gotta get back to prep for the lunch rush, but hang in there, Bail. Give him hell.”
She opens her arms and I step up for a hug. “Thanks, Rox.”
She whispers, “Big hell. He deserves it. And you deserve that happy ending. I hope you get it and he soon realizes what a gem you are.”
When I break free of the hug, Jase is walking in, Grey behind him.
“Hey,” I greet my brother.
“Hey. Joel’s comin’ over. Wanna dig in and see what we can find out about Jared’s pack. You still down to help?”
“Absolutely,” I say.
“She needs to eat first.” Jase is unpacking the box Roxy sent, but he looks at Grey’s mate. “Those cookies for us, Stacy?”
“Um… actually they’re for Bailey. She can decide if you deserve any of them.” She flashes a smile.
My new sister-in-law is fantastic.
Jase chuckles good-naturedly.
“Do the right thing and I’ll bake you two dozen, Jase,” Stacy adds.
“And what’s the right thing?” Jase asks.
“Respect her,” Stacy says simply.
I roll my eyes.