Free Denouement (The Darkness Series Book 3) by Cassia Brightmore Page B

and Gabe. Y’all are meant to be,” she finished, taking a sip of her coffee.
    Nora let out a laugh and shook her head. “I wish it was as simple as that. I really do. Even Theo has noticed something is off. He doesn’t say much to me about it, but I know he sees it too.”
    Autumn let out a sigh. “Theo. That man could snatch my panties off with just one single look. Shit, I don’t know why women even wear panties around him.”
    “Autumn,” Aubrey said her sister’s name on a groan. “You know that he’s involved with Gabe’s sister.”
    “So? Doesn’t mean a girl can’t appreciate a fine ass man when she sees one. And trust me, Theo is one very fuckable man. Jesus, the things I’d do to him. I bet that he’s an expert with his—”
    “Building blocks!” Aubrey interrupted as Greta rounded the corner with both kids in tow. “Theo is an expert with building blocks. Isn’t that right, Nora?”
    “Yes, I’m sure he is an expert with his…building blocks,” Nora agreed with a chuckle as she scooped Caleb up and onto her lap.
    “I was only going to say hands,” Autumn muttered under her breath, annoyed. She smiled at Greta as the older woman collected their coffee mugs and brought them over to the counter to refill them.
    “Greta, you’ve been with them for a while now, what do you think of this situation?” Autumn called out, curious to get the quiet woman’s opinion.
    Greta’s hand froze spooning sugar into the mugs. “I didn’t know Mr. Thornton before…” she cast a sideways glance at Nora, “before. To me now, he seems to be a very loving husband.” At Nora’s crestfallen expression, she hurried to continue. “More time with the children wouldn’t hurt, however I’m sure it’s just a phase and will pass. You know what men are like,” she finished. Her hands shook slightly, spilling a few grains of sugar onto the counter. She was uncomfortable with the conversation that much was obvious. Her reaction was suspect to Autumn who studied her for a few minutes, curious about the elderly woman. They didn’t know much about her besides that she had been in the employ of that fucker, Marcus and had been rescued by Gabe, Theo and Sheriff Brady James when they located Caleb and baby Hope. How anyone could work for such a sadistic monster was beyond her comprehension. Nora and Gabe seemed to trust her, so who was she to question their decisions? Greta carried the freshly topped up mugs over to the table, setting them down without making eye contact with anyone.
    “Well, you know what we need? A night out. A chance to unwind from all the craziness surrounding this town and give Nora a break from this worry about her and Gabe,” she raised a finger at Aubrey, who opened her mouth to protest. “Don’t argue, Aubs. My mind is made up. Tonight, we hit up Shorty’s . Greta, you can watch the kiddos, right?” She turned her back without waiting for an answer, expecting it to be a yes. She took a big gulp of her coffee and kissed her twin’s cheek. “I’ve got to get to work, but I’ll be back at eight,” she warned.
    The door slammed behind her and Aubrey locked eyes with Nora. “There’s no sense in arguing with her most times. But if you really don’t want to go, I’ll get her to back off,” she told her. Nora laughed over the racket of Caleb banging his wooden train on the table.
    “It’s fine, she’s sweet. I actually think she’s right. A chance to unwind might be a good idea,” she turned to look at Greta. “Would you…”
    “Of course, Mrs. Thornton, you don’t even need to ask. The children will be fine without you for one night,” she gave her a soft smile.
    “Stop calling me that, I’ve told you, you’re like family now. So please, call me Nora.” Greta nodded and set a wriggling Hope on her feet, who promptly took off running into the other room. A crash followed by a loud wail had Nora sighing as she gained her feet.
    “Drinks are definitely a good