Will straightened next to me. “You’ve got a great place here.”

Griffin looked up at the house. “I’ve got a long way to go. But it’ll get there.”

“I don’t know much about repairs, but I can paint and do basic stuff. Let me know if you need any help.”

Pride filled me at Will’s words as I battled tears for the second time in a matter of minutes. He was such a good kid. And he would grow into an incredible man.

Griffin met Will’s gaze, seeming to assess him in a different light. He hesitated for a few beats; the silence just shy of awkward. “I’ve been thinking I could use a second set of hands around here. It’s tough work and it can get tedious, but I’d pay you for your time.”

“That would be amazing. I’ve actually been looking for a part-time job so I can start saving for college.”

“I’d be happy to have the help if it’s okay with your sister.”

Will glanced at me with a pleading look. “What do you think? Is it okay?”

I tugged on a loose string on my jeans. I wanted Will to have whatever would make him happy, but I couldn’t help but notice that Griffin was coming to our rescue all over the place. If things didn’t work out for whatever reason, the rug would be pulled out from under not only me but also the rest of my family. “How are you going to get out here?” Will had his license, but we didn’t have an extra car.

“I’ll ride my bike,” he offered instantly. “It’s only two miles.”

“I can give you a ride home when we’re done at the end of the day.” Griffin looked to me. “If you’re comfortable with that.”

I sighed. “Why not?”

Will gave me a quick one-armed hug. “Thanks.”

“I want to help, too,” Mia whined. “I can paint.”

I rubbed at my temples. If Mia helped paint, Griffin’s house would look like a rainbow-colored Pollock painting. “You know what would probably be a huge help?”

Mia looked at me doubtfully. “What?”

“If you drew lots of pretty pictures for when the house is done.”

She mulled it over for a moment. “Unicorns?”

“Of course,” I answered.

“I’m definitely going to need a lot of unicorns in this house,” Griffin said. “Rainbows, too.”

Will choked on a laugh. “Just don’t say anything about glitter. That shit will be in your house forever.”

Griffin’s eyes widened a fraction. “Duly noted.”