My heart warmed, and the trepidation I’d been feeling about their reaction to us turning up unannounced melted away. They’d expected us to come here. They’d prepared for us. Because that’s what family did. And it felt so good to be part of their family once again.

Chapter Forty-Five

KENNEDY

Liam and I spent Sunday at his parent’s house, playing Scrabble and fielding visits from every one of his siblings except Connor, who sent a message but didn’t turn up in person. It warmed my heart to know they cared.

At the end of the day, Nate informed us that the police were still going over Liam’s house, but that he’d arranged for someone to come over when they were done and install new locks. Meanwhile, we’d stay where we were. He also let us know that they hadn’t been able to confirm an alibi for Aiden or determine whether the missing paparazzo was still in the country, nor had they had any luck calling around local accommodation providers and inquiring about their guests.

On Monday, Liam and Heather both had to go to work, and Eugene was called in to cover for Bailey, who was at home with a cold. He invited me to join him at the pub, but I didn’t feel like being out in public, so I organized to spend time with Blair instead. He was alone because Tyler had signed up for an adventure tour that Blair wasn’t interested in.

I dropped Liam off at the fire station and drove to the cottage. Blair was standing outside, waiting for me. The moment I got out of the car, he raced over and swept me into a crushing hug.

“It’s only been a day,” I protested as the air left my chest in a whoosh.

“Feels like a month,” he said, releasing me. “I’m glad you’re still okay.” He drew back and studied my face. “I hope the Braddocks are treating you well.”

“They are.”

“Good.”

We walked up the path to the cottages and stopped outside mine. We’d decided that it made more sense to set up there since there were security measures in place, even if they hadn’t been completely effective in the past. I unlocked the door and tapped the code into the alarm box but left the security camera running. I strode inside and flopped onto the sofa, then pulled my laptop out of the overnight bag I’d packed what felt like a lifetime ago.

“I’ve got some photos to edit,” I told Blair.

“Cool. I have a song to write.” He pulled a notepad from his pocket.

“Want a movie on in the background?” I asked. “Or will that distract you?”

He hummed thoughtfully. “Something we’ve seen before would be fine. That way it’s just background noise.”

“Sure.”