Chapter 60

Francis was on the top of the world right now. His famous smirk worked well with the humor and smugness in his eyes. I would have been smug too if I shocked someone as much as he did to us.

"What's up, guys?" he asked, rocking on the heels of his shoes with a high head.

The casualness in his voice and carefreeness... it was Francis. It was how I remembered him from years ago and when we briefly saw each other when we drifted through Ohio. It made this moment more surreal. This was him and he was here.

"What are you doing here?" Luke asked in an incredulous voice. My eyes still stuck on taking in his brother, I couldn't see Luke's facial reaction yet. It had to be close to my slack jaw and wide eyes.

Francis held out his arms dramatically. "What do you think I'm doing here? I'm here to save the fucking day!" Arms dropping, he casually walked over to Luke, smirk turning into a genuine smile. He gave him a brotherly hug, patting his back.

Yes, as it turned out, Luke was as stunned as me. Brows scrunched with lost eyes, he was in a frozen state. It took a moment for Luke to pat his back in return with an unsure hand.

When Francis stepped back and faced me, my mind was still blown. Looking not much different either from the last time I saw him. Hazel eyes behind square frames, brown wavy hair pushed back behind his ears. Wearing jeans and a loose red shirt with a faded cartoon on it. And he just... came waltzing through the door! I mean you guys see him after all this time and try to say, 'What's up dude, let's get drunk tonight.' It was crazy! He was here, now nearing me with extended arms.

When he gave me a hug, wrapped his arms around me, I instinctively hugged him back. He felt real with welcoming arms and his scent that took me back in time. Yet, I could feel my face was still contorted in a dumbass fashion. "If this is another damn nightmare, I am done," I mumbled after he took a step back.

"You've been dreaming about me, huh?" he teased, bringing a lightness to the air.

"You wish," I scoffed.

Why was he here? What was all this— Fucking Jackson! Duh. My eyes naturally set our unexpected visitor shot to Jackson. He stood by the door, leaning against the wall and appearing bored. The man's strong and powerful eyes caught mine and it almost zapped me. I hated, hated, looking at him, but I couldn't look away. For whatever reason, Jackson dragged Francis into this.

Jackson was scum, but I did not expect him to stoop to this level. Whatever reason Francis was here, it wasn't good enough to jeopardize his future. The balls Jackson had to walk in here – that alone pulled my nerves! Realizing he interfered in Francis's safe life... well, there is always the gun under the couch.

Before I could resort to the gun (hopefully fucking loaded like it should be), I kept my cool for now. Fists balling at my side, I took a deep breath and marched up to the stone-faced prick. His face revealed nothing. Maybe I needed to punch him again.

"Why?" I demanded. He had zero right to bring him into this! Out of everyone, not Francis, the guy who has done more than enough for my sake. Who has been shot, risked his life, been there for me and his brother when he had a daughter at home.

Jackson didn't appear to care. His blank stare didn't change.

Digging my nails into my palms, I spoke with venom. "Why is he here?"

He finally answered. "We have just over a month to find this place. The more people searching, the better."

"That gives you permission to recruit him?" Luke jumped in with a raised voice.

"I volunteered," Francis corrected.

"Of course you did," I groaned, head dropping.

We should have suspected he wasn't forced into this mess. The last time he got mixed up in my drama, he didn't just volunteer. Despite fighting him on it, he still involved himself last time. However, Jackson should not have gone to him in the first place. It was still unacceptable. Luke and I were on the same page.

My rage building when I looked back up to Jackson's disgusting face, I heard determined steps approaching. Luke swept into my sight and made sure Jackson was flat against the wall.

"You go to my family looking for help?" he asked slowly, staring evenly into relentless stone.

Stone that hardened more across Jackson's face. "Who else? What other option?" he snapped back, jutting his hands into Luke's shoulders and pushing him back.

"Any other option!"

"Maybe I didn't miss the party," Francis muttered.

He sure didn't miss the party. It was just getting started. Seeing Jackson slowly walk up to where Luke was not backing down, I swiftly headed into the living room. Attempt number two with a gun....

Towing it out from underneath the couch, I returned to the two pent up men. Before they continued pushing each other like children, I stomped between them, turning to Jackson. Being this close, I angled the barrel up under his chin. Even though he rolled his eyes, he froze in place. His tense body showed he knew I meant business – and wasn't bluffing. After all, I did pull the trigger on the other gun I thought was loaded.

"You are going to back down." The temptation was real. Even though he made the strong case that we needed him, my buttons were pushed. "If you were so desperate for help, maybe you shouldn't have murdered Carter!"

"I keep my promises. It also helped us," he said slowly, trying not to flood his voice with any annoyance or attitude. It was hard for him. He refused to say any more with a gun to him and he took a slow step back and scowled. "And may I remind you, we will all go to prison in a month. We need help. It's harmless. He will be scouting the area with us. That is all, for Christ's sake," he snarled, unable to hold it back.

Despite my spiraling rage, he had a good point. The gun in my hand still felt damn good and Luke knew that. He came up beside me and held out his hand, wanting me to give it to him. His narrowed eyes on Jackson was a sign he wouldn't put it away. He was just as on edge, but not trigger happy like I felt.

Forcing myself to hand it to him with a shaky hand, I folded my arms behind my back and bit my cheek. Staying composed as much as possible was needed. He would not get the satisfaction.

"Listen," Francis said with a more serious voice. "He approached me and asked. That was all. He told me what was going on and I didn't hesitate. I am happy to be here. And I'm not worried about failing. The deal with the FBI sounds solid. Like he said, I'll just be skipping through the woods like a little boy," he chuckled.

"It's still dangerous," I sighed, turning to him.

"Not as dangerous as before, blonde," he said in a light voice.

"Francis, we need you to go home."

He shrugged with a sad smile. Understanding our worry, yet not budging. "I know."

His stubbornness though didn't win that easy. We were very persistent, knowing this was something he did not need to be a part of. Luke and I pushed him to go home more, throwing as many reasons as we could in his face. Telling him to remember Brooke and his parents, who were already stressed with one son away from home and in danger.

Unfortunately, Francis had a solid argument back. "How would your niece, our mom and dad, feel about you spending the rest of your life in prison? They aren't losing another kid." He folded his arms, raising an eyebrow. "I will not leave. I don't care what you say, what you want, I am doing this. Besides, it's not that risky of a job."

We knew his determination. He made his decision. Trying to make us feel better, he continued reminding us his only job was walking through the woods and helping us cover more area. It really wasn't going to be that dangerous. Yet, that didn't make Luke and I feel much better. Jackson still sought him out. It was a crazy desperate move – which made me question the credibility of Jackson's 'plan.' He was most likely making this all up just so he could work with us again.

Glancing to Jackson after Francis made it clear he was staying, I shook my head. "There is no proof."

"No proof?" he asked, crossing his arms over his firm chest.

I rolled my eyes and spat my words at him. "You are a liar. Where's the proof? You're lucky we let you stay this long."

"You are meeting your proof tomorrow," he said, taking a deep breath and stretching his back. The wrinkles along his judgmental expression lifted, which translated to smugness. "There is an agent who will be stationed nearby, acting as a middle man between us and the FBI."

Hearing he had an agent as proof, it stirred my insides. Obviously, I did not want this to be real. I didn't want him in our lives again; I wanted his story to be complete bullshit. Knowing we needed to get used to seeing Jackson created a gross taste in my mouth. But it also came with a solid plan. The fact that we could get this done in a month made me anxious – anxious in a good way for us to do this. We just needed to find it. Anxious in a very nervous way too because this meant there was a chance of going to prison if we don't succeed.

"Where are we meeting this person?" Luke asked.

"6:00pm tomorrow at Oak Park. It's on the other side of town."

A park? To talk top secret FBI information? We're already not off to a good start. Francis mirrored my thinking in the form of a chuckle. "Sounds like a first date."

Jackson held his hands up. "Bitch tomorrow when you meet. They arranged it."

"You are not going," I said.

"Don't need to," he grumbled. "But you three are going." Good. The less I see him, the better. "After everything is settled, we need to start searching."

"Where will you be staying?" I asked.

He narrowed his eyes on me. Turning and focusing solely on me, the gloomy light caught the unappreciative glint in his gaze. "I will be staying at Carter's old place. Whenever we are not searching the land, I will be there constantly watching those cameras. Got a fucking problem with that too? I am saving your life so I suggest you suck up your pride and accept it!"

My face was heated, red hot with a temper ready to burst through my creative mouth. The things I could scream at him.... But, I literally bit my lip and took a deep breath. All I said, as straight faced as I could, was, "If I don't get to see you during any of this, I will have no complaints."

A tinge of slight humor reached his face. "Is that right?"

"Yeah," I hissed.

From his time as my guardian, we became friends. Every once in a while, he would smile. Standing before him now, he allowed one to reach his lips. As if he was proud and admiring me.... "Unfortunately, we will need to meet up after every time we do a search, even if we do it alone or separate. We need to update our maps to know what's been covered. Not to mention, brother boy here will be staying with me," he said, nodding towards Francis.

"You're kidding," Luke said, chuckling humorlessly. His sweet green eyes flew past me to where Francis stood. "You're staying with him?"

This was too much to handle. Before Francis could answer his brother, I added, "We don't need you stabbed to death like the last resident there."

Francis's brows jumped. "Stabbed to death?"

"Yeah, by the asshole that dragged you out here. You want to live with that?" This was worse than a nightmare. Francis here, Jackson back, and both of them living together. I was more scared for him now than when he said he was helping.

Looking back and forth between all of us, he chuckled nervously. Then, his gaze rested on where Jackson stood across from us. "You know, on second thought, I have high living standards.... I'll get my own place or stay in a hotel."

Luke spoke as if it was the choice was obvious. "You can stay here."

Jackson scoffed. "Oh yeah? And who's he going to be? The fourth brother?"

"He could be the housekeeper, a cousin, the damn pool boy for all I care," Luke snapped back. Glancing back up to Luke, his jaw was locked, eyes dead on Jackson. Hey, maybe he'll shoot him. He had the gun. "We would come up with something. He can stay here."

Francis though seemed settled. "Thanks for offering, but I was hoping to find my own place anyway. So really, don't worry about it." Then, chuckling, he shifted his weight and smirked to Luke and I. "Besides. I don't need to hear you guys banging all night."

Well... it was only a matter of time. "That's a good point," I chuckled, earning an elbow against my side from Luke for encouraging his brother's teasing. I bit my lip, but it was too late.

Francis's eyes and smile grew. "So, you guys are back together?" He quickly glanced to Jackson before back to us.

Luke sighed and answered in an amused tone. "Yes, we are."

He nodded, tucking his hands into his pockets. Then, Francis turned to Jackson, tilting his head and smirking. "Told you."

Told you? Confused, I hesitantly followed Francis's attention. Jackson revealed a tight and troubled face. More than his usual grumpy assholeness. His lips were fixed tight together, eyes aimed down to his feet.

"Lovely," he grumbled. He tonged the inside of his cheek, and slowly shook his head.

I always knew he didn't like Luke. Based on what Carter told me, there were a few reasons. Luke married Clare, his ex-wife, then pursued to have me, their daughter. There was also the fact that Luke had been a threat, who would have taken me away from Jackson and my life as Morgan.

As he was about to make clear though, Jackson thought I had higher hopes for myself too. His disappointing eyes slowly found mine as he reached into his pocket. Pulling out a wad of cash, he fingered through it and filed out two one-hundred dollar bills. "I had more faith in you, Albany." Jackson slapped the 200 dollars into Francis's extended hand.

While Francis folded them into his pocket, my head was spinning. Did they... Did they make a bet? "You bet we would get back together?" I asked Francis. My hand raised and ran through my hair. Back to the days of chaos and 'what the fucks' I guess.

He offered me a warm smile, hazel spheres rolling as if my question was silly. "Come on. That was an easy 200 bucks. The second he told me you guys were living in the same house, it was no question. Not sure why, but he didn't think you would cave for a hunky Prenta man."

Were we that predictable to him? Then again, Francis always rooted for Luke and me to be together. Besides the smooth hate streak I had going towards Jackson, I really wasn't sure what to think about his assumption. Maybe he really did have faith in my strong will or maybe it was wishful thinking. Not like it fucking matters, obviously.

"Well, another good thing came out of killing Carter. I wagered a grand with him and he would have won," Jackson mumbled.

Alright, that's enough. Hearing that, it was all I could stand after being emotionally drained and overwhelmed. The power in my brain was fried and my tolerance level reached its max. Plus, Chrissy will be here soon.

"Anything else we need to know?" I asked straight to the floor. Nobody? Sweet, let's end this party.

I walked into the kitchen, grabbed the spare truck keys, and returned, handing them to Francis. The curve of his brows and care in his eyes showed his worry over me. "This can be your vehicle. Get situated, whatever you need to do. You are always welcome here and until you find a place, you can stay here. Regardless, I expect to see you here for dinner later tonight about 7:00." Giving him a hug, I then leaned back and smiled, showing him I was truly grateful and happy to see him. He nodded, returning a smile.

When it came to saying goodbye to shit face, I wasn't playing nice. Walking past Jackson, I flung the front door and held it open. "I don't expect to see you tomorrow at that meeting. I'll see you in hell," I said in a smooth tone, staring into his eyes.

The second they both left, the door closing with a click, I could take a deep breath. Closing my eyelids, all I could do was stand there with my hands resting at my hips. Trying to calm down. As I stood there, breathing evenly though, the emotions still flooded me. Christ, hold it together.

"Luke?" I asked, enjoying the nothingness behind my eyelids. Unfortunately, my pent-up fury and the realization of what took place spilled over. A thickness filled my lungs with each breath, burning my chest all the way up to my mouth.

His hand brushed against my arm in answer.

"If we leave now, we can reach Mexico by tomorrow night," I said, opening my eyes. Aimlessly staring at the closed front door, I shook my head. Despite my joke, it didn't sound like a bad option.

Gaze falling to the floor, I slowly walked over to the staircase, hands still on my hips. Spinning on my heels, I plopped down on the second step from the bottom. If we were dumb enough to run off to Mexico, it would at least have been our decision. One made without Jackson – and one that didn't include him in our future.

What just occurred was a complete U-turn. The sad part was we didn't have a say in anything. Not a damn thing. What just walked through my door, what left Jackson's mouth, it was thrown onto us. The fucker picked our destinies for us. He had no authority, yet here we are! With two roads already paved before us by the disgusting thing that was Jackson.

I gripped the step under me with shaky fists. "What was wrong with what we were doing?" I choked out in a strained chuckle. "Just you and me, searching for the land, calling the FBI when we get in range. That was our choice! He... he made a deal in our names. Dragged your fucking brother out here!"

My eyes were fixated on the wooden floor at the base of the steps. His footsteps neared before Luke's legs came in sight along with his socked feet. There was a long second of him standing there before he moved up the few steps to me. "I know," he whispered.

He sat beside me and was turned in my direction. Overwhelmed by what occurred, I didn't want to look at him. The shame in me was high – as was my anger. "How many times did I say I didn't want a damn thing to do with him?" I said more aggressively.

He sighed, reaching up and cupping my chin. Tilting my head towards his, a troubled grim expressed crossed his face. "I'm sorry, I really am, but bottom line: what's done is done."

I snorted. "So that makes it okay to let that dick make a deal on our behalf?"

"No, but I am not going to let my pride blind my commonsense, Albany! Throwing him out in the rain wouldn't have changed a damn thing," he snapped. Closing his eyes, he looked down and away. The paleness was back in his face, illuminating tension and dread. "I'm sorry." Taking a deep breath, he looked back apologetically and rested a hand on my leg. "I'm sorry."

His reaction along with the stress embedded into his expression, it drew my attention from my selfish hate. It hit me instantly why Luke was just as panicked and worked up as I was. Strangely enough, seeing him effected, it put my raging anger on the back burner.

"It's alright. I needed to hear it because you're right," I nodded. It was unacceptable, but inevitable now. "The deal and plan was already set in motion, whether we like it or not," I breathed. Suck it up, ignore your disgust over Jackson, and face the reality... just like Luke was battling against it.

Yet, he still was more concerned over me. Luke knew the power Jackson's presence had on me. Squeezing my leg, he then let go and wrapped it around my back. Pulling me into his side and rubbing my arm up and down. His other hand found my hand (which I didn't realize had turned into a fist) and held it tight. Luke said nothing – and he didn't need to. He just held me. It was all I needed. What sucked was... I had no idea how I was going to get Luke the relief he required.

Turning more into him, catching the affection in his gaze he tried using to shield his panic, I wrapped an arm around his back too. "At least this shit's going to be over soon," I said, trying to highlight the bright side.

The bright side of this game changing plan was that this will all be over in about a month. However, the 'bright side' might come with some consequences. Consequences a certain police officer did not take lightly. Luke had to be going through a world of hurt.

"That's true," he whispered.

The idea of prison was eating him alive; I just knew it. Hell, thinking about the awful possibility hollowed out my insides. To think we have been wanted for murder and didn't even know it was scary. It was life changing – and it literally will be if we don't find that land fast enough. Baring what that truly meant was a tough pill to swallow. So, I could not even imagine how Luke felt – the moral one, the guy who was true to his good nature and loyal to the law. This was the last thing he needed; the last thing he deserved. Prior to this, he was already questioning himself on if he should even continue being a cop. He feels that guilty. Now, to hear he might be on the other side of a jailcell soon.... Just knowing he is charged with something so serious will take its toll.

"We're going to be free in a month and won't have to worry about any of this again," I said, unable to help myself.

He tightened my hand in his harder, this time with a clammy grip. Peeping over to him, his face was forward, creased in distress. He only nodded.

Summoning the impossible, I owed credit where it was unfortunately deserved. Fighting off the desire to cringe at my words, I said evenly, "The deal was actually very solid. Bullshit because we had zero say, but at least death isn't the main alternative if we fail." If we fail, it would most likely be because we run out of time and it will end with us in prison. The aspect of being ambushed in the woods was becoming less likely in my mind.

Licking his lips, Luke finally turned his head and met my eyes. He covered the raw pain as much as he could. The tension in his expression smoothed. Putting on a strong face, probably assuming I was going through enough of my own problems, he spoke in an amused voice. "Personally, I would rather die than bare going to prison." The small smile was tense on his face as he glanced away. Despite trying to sound casual, I knew he meant those words.

"I know," I swallowed. Jackson was my dad and seeing him scarred me; big fucking whoop. That was personal and it didn't seal my future like the possibility of prison did. For the man next to me, prison was the worst possible outcome for him. "I think they are right though. With some help, we should be able to find it in time." He didn't want me worrying over him, didn't want to face his issue aloud right now, but we needed to. I needed to be there for him.

Releasing my hand, he rubbed his forehead and sighed. Shifting more and facing me, I was surprised to see a genuine smile on his face. "You're right. We should." Rubbing his thumb up and down the back of my hand, he continued. "We will be free."

"Hell yeah we will," I nodded. Seeing his high hopes for success validated that going to prison wasn't only what worried him. It was something that has already happened, what would lead to prison time. "Luke, being charged for murder doesn't make us monsters."

Dipped brows returning, he pursed his lips and looked down. "Under law, it does. There are different levels because of the endless circumstances. We fall under those charges."

Standing up, moving to kneel before him on the step below us, I grabbed both his hands. His eyes in mine were strong, open and searching. Not filled with anxiety like I knew he felt. Wherever it hid, I spoke to it. "We fall under those charges by law. And we have a chance to fairy eliminate those charges. Not by illegal means, but through an official deal with the FBI. Yes, it doesn't change the fact that we still have been charged for murder," I said, tightening my hands in his. Neck craning slightly to meet his eyes from where I knelt a step below him, I continued in my sure voice. "I know it's eating you up. Maybe it always will knowing you have been officially charged for murder. You are just that damn moral. But no matter what the law says, you didn't have a choice. Carter shot that innocent man and we had to continue working with him – for a greater goal. For more. For what is about to happen. We did not have anything to do with that murder. We did not protect Carter from it. We simply did what we needed to do and continued on with our objective."

After my cheesy but honest spiel was over, he stared at me for a several seconds. Then, he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "You're right."

Luke's guilt was strong and I knew it wouldn't just go away. No matter what I said, we still had those charges hanging over our heads. Hopefully, it at least made him feel a little better what I said.

"You're right," he repeated, opening his eyes. Through his eyes were sad, his genuine smile did return. "Thank you."

There was obviously more on his mind, more he needed to sort though. Nothing he wanted to talk about, which I respected. No matter what I said, he was a man with strong opinions about the law and right and wrong. He needed to find resolve himself and I had hope that he will. But thankfully, I did see him in better spirits and believe what I said did help to an extent. He thanked me again and gave me a kiss before we left the stairs, reassuring me all would be fine like the man he was.

Chrissy coming over helped eased our overwhelmed minds too. She took our mind off everything and lifted our moods considerably. To where by the time she left, Luke and I were feeling better and positive about everything. As we agreed, what's done is done. Whatever happens will happen. There was nothing we could do, so we had to appreciate the deal that was made. No matter how shitty it was to not have a say, it was a good deal and would bring all this chaos to an end soon enough. It left me quite excited. Almost as excited as the prospect of having Francis over for dinner.

"Why are you still using this raggedy ass wallet?" I asked, snagging the worn leather from the coffee table. Sitting back into the couch, I played with it between my fingers. The creased and split leather material of his brown wallet made me smile. He had this back when we first met.

"It works, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, but for all the money you have, you haven't bought a new one," I chuckled. He hardly bought new things for himself, just because he didn't care. I admired that about him, but nothing wrong with a little teasing.

Spinning his wallet around in my hands, I glanced over to where he was sitting in the chair adjacent to me. Luke's build along with his arms that rested on each armrest made the chair look small. Eyes catching mine, he shrugged and a smirk formed along his lips. "The reason it's in poor condition is because of the weight of my money. Reminds me of my wealth."

I held up the wallet with a flat hand. "Doesn't feel heavy to me."

"Yeah, because you're draining me dry."

"Good, that's how it should—"

Our joking was cut off by the doorbell. Luckily, we knew it wasn't a visitor that would nearly give us a heart attack. Standing and pulling a couple bucks out of Luke's wallet, tossing the wallet back to him with a wink, I answered the door. The pizza dude stood there with our delicious dinner.

After paying, I carried the two pizzas into the kitchen where Luke accompanied me. Lightly smacking my ass on his way to getting the plates out of the cupboard. We both figured after today, ordering pizza sounded like the best option. It was perfect timing too. Francis walked through the door not a few minutes later.

By the time we sat down at the table with our pizza in front of us, we were already consumed in conversation. Francis sat across from me at the small round table, Luke to my left and between us. He was informing us of what has been going on while we've been away. Everyday life things that fascinated me. Like how Brooke was excited to start school and see all her friends again. He told us she's been interested in gardening lately and they recently started a flower bed behind their house. Mike and Jan went on a vacation a month back to get away from life (most likely the stress of worrying about us). And Shannon was doing well with her new hubby.

"Mom and dad said they wanted to take another vacation, maybe next year with the whole family. She was hoping if I told you, it would motivate you guys into coming home soon," he chuckled. "But they understand. They even were happy I was going to help," he said, taking a big cheesy bite of his pepperoni slice.

Happy? For how much I knew Jan worried, I was blown away to hear she wanted him help us. I doubt Francis got on her nerves that much where she was happy to send him out here.... "They were cool with you going?" I asked, taking a sip of my coke.

"Surprisingly," he said after swallowing. He glanced to Luke and pointed his slice of pizza at him. "They are tired of worrying about your ass and was hoping my help would make the difference. They liked Jackson's deal. Over in a month and no prison. Nearly killed them both when we all learned about that," he scoffed.

I wish he hadn't brought it up. Luke chuckled uneasily, staring down at his piece of pizza. "Maybe it's a good thing I wasn't around when you guys found out." Eyes turning up to me, he gave me a small smile, not letting the subject get to him again. "They would have skinned me."

"Damn right they would have," Francis laughed. "Anyway, Brooke is happily staying with them while I'm away. She says she misses you guys. Told me to bring your butts back."

"Sounds like her," I smiled, taking another bite of my piece. I really did miss her – and everything about their family. They were the closest thing to family I ever had. Not sure if they would accept me back, but the thought of seeing them again pumped me up with hope.

As dinner continued and we stuffed our faces with the deliciousness, Francis's impatience got the better of him and he started asking about all that's happened since we last saw him. You can imagine... that took up a big chunk of time. Enough that while we explained it all to him, I managed to clean up the kitchen and put away the leftover pizza once we finished eating. There was so much to tell....

By the time I sat back down in my seat at the table, I cracked open three beers for us. We sipped away as the story continued. Luke and I did a good enough job. Some of the shit we said was so crazy, it didn't sound real. It surprised Francis to hear a lot of it, especially the brutal stuff. He stayed an engaged listener, but Luke and I smoothly skipped over the part about Jackson being my dad. I really didn't want to talk about it, just like Luke didn't want to talk about the death of that innocent man. Francis didn't ask or pry, which I respected.

However, the bastard had no issue prying once we started talking about more personal things. You guessed it: our relationship. It was hard not cracking up at his sudden growing interest. Elbows on the table and leaning forward, he looked between us with gleaming eyes.

"Alright, now, how long until you guys gave into each other? I bet it was fucking overdramatic too, wasn't it?" he grinned. "You two like building tension, I remember how you love birds were."

Glancing to Luke, his eyes narrowed on his brother. Yep, Francis pegged us pretty good. he always did. A small smile reached Luke's lips, his eyes immediately looking down to the table. "For your information, I was waiting for her to give into me," he told his brother, shooting me a teasing smile.

"Hey now," I said, nudging Luke's leg under the table. Smiling, I glanced back to an enthralled Francis. "It was a few weeks when I gave in. You can't blame me though, he broke me down with his constant whining over wanting me so bad. So, I figured settling was the best option," I said, biting my growing smile when Luke shot me his sweet eyes.

Holding back a chuckle, he nudged my leg back under the table. "That's what happened? You settled?"

"That sounds about right. He's always got his women by wearing them down," Francis said, picking up his can of beer and taking a swig with fun eyes looking between us. Setting it down, his teasing turned warm. "Regardless, I'm happy for you guys."

"Thank you," Luke smiled, relaxing back into his chair.

Just as I took a swig of beer from my can, Francis folded his arms behind his head. The curve of his lips tilted, gaze filled with care and a bit of amusement. "So, what did you guys plan on doing once all this is over? Besides secretly discussing how to seduce me into a threesome."

Ignoring his added comment, my eyebrows immediately rose. Luke and I hadn't talked about that. Our dumb asses probably should have. It's a pretty common discussion one would have when with someone. I suppose we were just... living in the moment kind of thing. Just trying to live through this first, then figure things out. But we probably should have entertained the idea.

Apparently, Luke had entertained the idea. Catching his eyes with a shy smile, he gazed back at me with admiration and love. His cheeks began to redden as well, which was damn cute. The topic was unexpected and quite personal.

He glanced between his brother and I on either side of him at the table. "We... actually haven't talked about it," he chuckled awkwardly. His sweet eyes stopped and searched mine. In an affectionate yet hesitant tone, he continued. "But I would like to return to Ohio... then we can start looking for an apartment together." He paused before quickly adding, "I-If you wanted."

If I wanted? There were so many times a question was posed about the future. What I wanted, what I saw for myself after all this was over. What I wanted to do... all that jazz. Hearing such a wonderful possibility aloud though, it took me over. I always knew I wanted to be with Luke, wanted to be with him long after this chaotic chase, but we didn't fully discuss our future in what we wanted to do now that we were together.

Going back to Ohio sounded great to me. First of all, everyone would happily kiss my ass for all the shit they gave me in the past. Nothing wrong with bullies begging for forgiveness. Of course, the most significant part of going back would be Luke's family. Nobody has ever treated me as great as they have and I wouldn't want to tear Luke away from them anyway if living elsewhere was an option. When it came to moving in with Luke... well, that part gave me goosebumps.

Yeah, yeah, we are living together. Have lived together in the past. However, even though we found love, the reasons we lived together were never because we were in a committed relationship. It's because he was my stepfather and then it was because of our fake identities. No matter how much we cared for each other, those circumstances are what put us under the same roof. To hear him propose we find an apartment because we could, because we were in a loving relationship, call me pathetic but the idea fluttered under my skin.

Staring into Luke's gentle eyes, my own cheeks were warming. I couldn't stop the smile from growing across my lips. "Hell yeah, I would wanted. I mean yes, I want to."

Luke chuckled at my struggling anxious answer, lips resting in a white natural smile. His sweet eyes were filled with life and he nodded. "Well alright then," he said, rubbing the back of his neck, smile not dimming.

"Get a room," Francis called from across the table. Eyes shooting to him, he was snickering to himself. "If I puke, it's not going to be because of the beer."

"Shut up," I chuckled, looking between them, feeling the heat in my cheeks slowly fade.

The excitement for the future didn't stop thriving in me. Hearing Luke's vision for us in the future... it lit a fire under my ass in a sense. I wanted to finish this bullshit and move on with our lives. Hopefully, when October 1st hits and our deadline is here, that will be able to happen. Getting a place with Luke... I was already imagining the details of building a home with him and I probably wouldn't stop until it happens.

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I hope you guys enjoyed it! What do you think about these new plans being set in motion? A lot of changes on their way. I'm excited to update again hopefully soon. Welcome back Francis :)