chapter 46

Joe I’ve been waiting with Marcus at Everly's place for hours since Marcus brought me here after getting the kids from school, yet Macey still hasn't returned home, and I’m beginning to worry. She hates leaving me alone and has always stuck to her times. One thing about Macey is she’s never tardy, and her not being here when she said she would only adds to my anxiety. Marcus pecks my temple as he passes me where I’m cutting up vegetables. We’re making the kids dinner when Taylor came over, looking out of place without her mother; I feel out of place without her or Everly here. “Can you try Mom again?” she asks, pulling a stool from the counter and climbing up on it. I glance at Marcus, who chews his lip, before I smile and nod to her. “Of course, sweetie,” I tell her, about to retrieve my phone when Marcus slides his to me. ‘Have you notified Valen?’ I mind-link him, and I see him nod out of the corner of my eyes as I dial her number. ‘Any word from Kalen?’ I ask him via the mind-link,