So Rare (Boys of South Chapel #3)

43. Hunter

Chapter 43

Hunter

NOW

“We have arrived,” Gerald announces dutifully as he puts the vehicle in park. He exits the car but doesn’t open any doors. He won’t until we give him the signal.

This is it.

No more running.

Even though every cell in my body is screaming at me to move, to leave, to flee.

I can’t. I won’t.

This isn’t just about me anymore.

It’s not just about Magnolia.

This is about the four men in this car. This is about our future and all the what-ifs I so desperately want to turn into happily ever afters.

I made a promise.

No more running . We’re going to stay. We’re going to fight. We’re going to win .

Spence insisted Gerald drive us to Dr. F’s house, and I’m grateful for it. It allowed all four of my men and me the ability to focus, which is critical to the success of this plan.

I’m situated in the third row of the large SUV, between Greedy and Sione. They’re both touching me, the contact keeping me grounded as my heart threatens to riot out of my chest.

Spence turns around from his place in one of the captain’s seats, and Levi matches his posture. The heaviness of the moment is suffocating.

Forcing air into my lungs, I unbuckle my seat belt. I don’t plan on moving until I have to, but I need a distraction.

Spence rests his ring-adorned hand on my knee and halts my movements. “Wait.”

At his command, I freeze.

“Look at me, love.”

Obediently, I lift my head and home in on him.

“Look at me, all of you.”

Not a single argument goes up, not even one in jest. The guys give him their undivided attention.

“We’re going in there together. We are walking out together. Whatever happens in between, I can assure you with everything I am that it will be okay. Have faith that it’s all coming together exactly as intended.”

Greedy attempts to interject now, no doubt desperate to know what, exactly, Spence has planned.

Before he can get more than a single unintelligible syllable out, Spence silences him with one raised finger.

“Please. I’m asking—no, I’m begging—you all to trust me. There are a few ways this could play out, but I swear, each path I have plotted is uniquely designed to rid us of Magnolia’s hold on Hunter once and for all.”

His words are ominous, the hints of action a threat as much as they are a promise.

When Greedy silently, reluctantly nods, I squeeze his hand in appreciation. This is hard for all of us, but for him, it’s even more of a challenge. We aren’t just facing my mother today. We’re facing his father, too.

“Whatever transpires inside those doors, know this: I’m aware of all possible scenarios and outcomes. We are prepared. We are in control here. We will get through this. Together.”

Anticipation wells inside me so violently I start to tremble.

Sione senses the shift and instantly wraps his arms around my shoulders protectively, kissing the crown of my head.

“Let’s go,” Levi, whose leg is bouncing so vigorously it makes the entire SUV move.

We’re all more than ready to get this over with.

Spence raps his knuckles on the glass twice, and a heartbeat later, Gerald opens his door, then moves around to the other side of the vehicle.

With a hand held out, Spence guides me out next. Once I’m steady, I reach behind me for Greedy’s hand.

“You okay?” I whisper, turning to face my first love and trying like hell to reabsorb the tears welling in my eyes.

“ We’re okay,” he assures me, the two words full of a hope I don’t dare allow myself to feel. He cups my face and kisses my forehead, then releases me into Levi’s waiting arms.

Spence and Greedy lead us up the circular driveway. Levi keeps me tucked under one arm, holding me close. Sione hums softly as he brings up the rear.

As he approaches the door, Spence steps aside so Greedy can enter first. Once inside the mudroom, he calls out to announce our arrival.

Our parents know we’re coming. They’re expecting us, based on the text Greedy sent to his dad last night at Spence’s instruction.

What I wasn’t expecting?

The joyful, childlike jubilation that greets us when we find Dr. Ferguson and my mother waiting for us in the kitchen.

“We’re a match!” Magnolia cries. “We’re a match! We’re a match! We’re a match!”