Page 4 of Dissonance

Of course he does. In his world, proximity equals protection. After years of contracts and ex-managers keeping him everywhere but here, it’s understandable he wants them close now. He needs it.

“And we appreciate it, honey,” Holly says, glancing over her shoulder, spotting her grandson in my arms, her face transforming. “I’ll never say no to living next door to that little cutie.”

“And look at you, all handsome,” Declan’s mom coos, stepping closer. Ziggy stirs when she brushes a light touch against his sock-clad feet, making a small noise. Without thinking, I pass him over, my arms feeling oddly light as I watch her tuck him against her shoulder and sway gently. “Think I know who’s on babysitting duty from now on.”

“See?” Cooper says from behind me, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “Natural.”

“I’ve already got my hands full with you,” I mutter. “Think I’m covered.”

“Rude,” Cooper gasps, heading for the fridge and grabbing a water. “And after I painstakingly had my poor architect redraw the security specs three times. Do you think he just magically guessed you’d want sightlines from your kitchen to the main house? Or that you’d insist on reinforced glass on every window on the property? Did you really think someone from Taunton Falls would try to break in?”

“It wasn’t just people from Taunton Falls, Cooper. You’re a household name; anyone could—” He gives me a look, and I sigh, scrubbing a hand over the back of my neck. “Anyway, I told you that wasn’t necessary.”

“No, no. Nothing but the best for my bodyguard. Gotta make sure he’s happy with his new digs.”

“I was happy renting—”

“And I told you that wasn’t an option.” He twists the cap off and takes a long drink.

“Cooper—”

“You’re family, Lockie.” He says it simply, like there’s no version of this conversation where the answer is different. “If I’m building houses for everyone else on my land, why wouldn’t I do the same for you?”

The professional instinct—the one drilled into me my entire career, telling me to keep the line between work and personal firmly in place—wants to push back. Cooper and Declan just got married, had a kid and started the life they spent years fighting to have. The last thing they need is me loitering outside their front door.

But then Cooper has to drop the family bomb, and I’ve never once been able to argue with something I know he believes is true.

“I think you just answered your own question, babe,” Declan teases, pressing a quick kiss to Cooper’s cheek before stealing the water and handing it back empty.

Cooper scowls at the bottle. “You’re unbelievable.”

“And yet you love me anyway.”

Ignoring the sickeningly-in-love duo, I glance around, noting the windows, the angles, the quiet stretch of land leading up to the surrounding gates.

“Okay, boys,” Holly announces, wiping her hands together before zipping up her coat. “We’re off.”

Cooper shrugs out of Declan’s hold, arms automatically reaching for his son.

“Oh no,” Declan’s mom says as she grabs the diaper bag. “We’ll keep him tonight. You three enjoy yourselves and eat something that isn’t microwaved, okay?”

“Text if you need anything,” Declan says, brushing back Ziggy’s curls one more time.

They sweep out together, grandson bundled securely between them, voices trailing off down the path. Declan shuts the door behind them and exhales loudly, leaning back against it.

“How much more have you got?”

I take stock of the room. Couch in place, boxes stacked along one wall, a lamp waiting to be plugged in.

“Enough to justify ordering food and calling it a day,” I say, pulling my phone from my pocket.

“Good man.” Heading for the TV, Declan lifts it and sets it on top of an unopened box. “Puck drops in twenty.”

“Of course it does,” Cooper groans, throwing himself onto the sofa.

“Capitals versus the Leafs, babe,” Declan adds, flicking on the screen.

“Like that’s even a rivalry,” Cooper mutters.